Leading in the Borderlands: Negotiating Ethnic Patriarchy for the Benefit of Students

Alicia Fedelina Chávez, University of New Mexico

Abstract

This article draws from a 7-year autoethnographic study of a Mestiza (female Spanish/Native American) leader negotiating ethnic patriarchies while serving as dean of students at a large Midwestern university and then as senior executive officer for a small southwestern campus. Professional teaching stories derived from study findings illuminate leadership dilemmas in navigating situations across gender and culture in higher education. Values, norms, beliefs, priorities, and behaviors of various ethnic patriarchal leadership environs are explored using anthropological techniques to understand how one female leader of color moves effectively, though not without challenge, to negotiate for the benefit of students. Recommendations are provided for leaders, allies, and those working to develop beyond gender-cultured boundaries in higher education.

Recommended Citation

Fedelina Chávez, A. (2009). Leading in the Borderlands: Negotiating Ethnic Patriarchy for the Benefit of Students. NASPA Journal About Women in Higher Education, 2(1).
DOI: 10.2202/1940-7890.1025
Available at: http://journals.naspa.org/njawhe/vol2/iss1/4