Ironically, black women in workplaces are physically visible but cognitively invisible. The underrepresentation makes them stand out because they are only ‘one’ in the room. But at the same time, they feel invisible because they are not seen for who they are, not heard for what they say, and not chosen what they are good at.
They must adapt to this invisibility and work around various ways through which they can make their employers see them. When starting their careers, they have to be highly self-aware of when they are being noticed or ignored. When they move up the ladder a little, they have to intentionally take risky assignments to ensure their managers notice them. By the time (if) they are promoted to the executive position, they have to work hard to make sure they are not only performing their job but making a significant impact, so the organization can see them worthy of holding that position.
“They are working multiple jobs in one designation. The original work responsibilities, the task of taking on challenges that no one else would take so they can prove their worth all the while scanning when they are visible or invisible to their bosses.”
Related article: https://positivehire.co/?s=Intersectional+Visibility
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