Identities, Contradictions, and Intersections: Feminist Mentorship and Leadership in Academe

Abstract

In this narrative, I describe my development as a feminist mentor and leader in academe. I explore the impacts of both my privileged and marginalized identities throughout my career; the feminist leaders and mentors who guided me; and my own experiences of activism, leadership, and mentorship to the present day. I note especially the intersections and contradictions of my identities and professional roles, and I use the metaphor of the divided self to articulate the challenge of living my feminist vision within the systems of institutional, societal, and professional privilege that I have experienced.