At The Intelligent Emotion Institute (IEI), we recognize the profound impact that outdated and exclusionary professional norms have on Black women in the workplace. These norms, deeply embedded in systemic biases and perpetuated by stereotypes such as the "angry Black woman," not only impose psychological stress but also foster environments rife with microaggressions and trauma.

These conditions compel many Black women to continuously regulate their emotions, demonstrating a stark lack of empathy towards their experiences. Under these biased norms, the scrutiny and misinterpretation of Black women’s emotional expressions often lead to emotional masking, where genuine feelings are suppressed to conform to an inauthentic standard of professionalism. This not only adversely affects their mental health but also contributes to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover rates.

IEI is actively leading research to challenge these discriminatory norms and to develop strategies that support authentic emotional expression. It is crucial for academic institutions, corporations, and policymakers to be aware of our work and understand the necessity of change. Through the dissemination of our findings, these stakeholders can implement more empathetic and supportive practices in their own environments.

We advocate for a shift towards a culture that genuinely values diverse expressions of professionalism. By fostering this inclusive approach, IEI aims to create supportive workplace environments that recognize and nurture the emotional contributions of Black women, thereby enhancing both their personal growth and the vitality of the organizations they enrich.