Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0600-5379

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Not Listed

Committee Chair

Michael Dougherty, Ph.D.

Committee Co-Chair

Carrie White, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Angela Uriyo, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Colleen Moretz, MFA

Abstract

This doctoral research presents a qualitative critical event narrative study focused on African Women Immigrant Entrepreneurs (AWIE) in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to explore the unique challenges, coping mechanisms, and resilience strategies of AWIE by examining their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic. The research is driven by three guiding questions: (1) How do AWIE describe their experience before the pandemic? (2) During the pandemic? (3) After the pandemic? This inquiry provides a comprehensive narrative, capturing the challenges and successes experienced in the pre-pandemic environment, documenting the immediate impacts of the pandemic on their entrepreneurial journey, and identifying key operational changes and long-term effects due to the pandemic.

The study is significant because it shines a light on an understudied demographic at the intersection of gender, race, and immigration status, potentially experiencing compounded impacts of the crisis. By highlighting their survival strategies, the study offers valuable lessons for other entrepreneurs, business support organizations, and policymakers. The findings contribute to the broader literature on immigrant entrepreneurship, gender studies, and crisis management in a business context.

AWIE, as defined in this study, are female entrepreneurs who have migrated from African nations to the United States, integrating African cultural heritage with the dynamics of the United States business environment. They often face a 'Triple Disadvantage' due to their gender, racial background, and immigrant status, adding layers of complexity to their entrepreneurial journey. This research delves into these challenges and the strategies AWIE employs to navigate the socio-economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of their experiences, chronicling their journey during this crisis and offering insights for future research and policy interventions.

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