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Editor's Notes

• #2: Hello everyone, My name is Stacey Kernisan and my doctoral dissertation is on A QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON BLACK WORKING MOTHERS, THEIR MENTAL HEALTHCARE, AND THE IMPACT OF ADVANCING THEIR EDUCATION.
• #3: This dissertation sheds light on the consequences of Black working mothers’ pursuit of education and mental well-being. While prior research has explored the effects of COVID-19 on Black working mothers, this study focuses on the interconnected elements of their lives, including the workplace, childcare, mental health, and educational aspirations during the ongoing pandemic.
• #4: The specific problem is that barriers due to COVID-19 have affected Black working mothers regarding healthy mental health, caring for their families, overcoming the obstacles in corporate America, and their ability to continue their education to advance their careers. The research will contribute to existing literature by becoming a resource for the subjects’ needs. The current literature focuses on Black mothers, Black women in corporate America, and the health disparities of Black women during and after COVID-19. This study will research how all these factors impact Black working mothers and what resources are needed so that they can be successful.   As noted, most studies are just on the impact of COVID-19 on Black mothers; there is a knowledge gap on Black working mothers and what support they need, including how the age groups of their children affect the types of support they need. The results of this study may serve many stakeholders, such as HR professionals, employers, mental health professionals, and even daycare providers. 
• #5: The following delineates the research questions and hypotheses researched for this study.  Would working mothers be able to maintain their careers and further their education if they had the resources to keep their homes and manage their children? If mental health resources were readily available, would working mothers be able not to have such decision-making fatigue? What services should be offered to Black working mothers within the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area? Rationales The rationale behind the research questions is to possibly answer the questions regarding if Black working mothers had a supportive system from personal and societal resources, they could fulfill their desires to continue their education without negatively impacting their mental health.  If Black women receive support from their community, they can further their education.  If Black women receive support from their community, they will be less likely to endure mental health crises.  If Black women can further their education, they can provide for their families, which aids in funds for childcare.  The age group of the children of Black women will determine the likelihood of the working mother furthering their education. 
• #6: Data collection will be conducted through a series of interviews and a focus group with a targeted population. The interviews will begin with open-ended questions about the participant's feelings regarding COVID-19 and how the pandemic has impacted them as working mothers. More concentrated questions followed, intending to obtain more detailed data on the impact of mental health. The interview ended with additional open-ended questions to collect more information about Black working mothers and how they could continue their higher education.  The network of Black working mothers is obtainable through personal and academic networks accessible to the researcher. The answers to the questions come from participants based on their firsthand experiences. NVivo was utilized to analyze the data from the interviews. Data Collection and Organization  15-20 African American or Black women will participate in either face-to-face or virtual interviews based on their preferences. The interviews will be recorded through WebEx/Teams/Zoom. Otter.ai (™) was used to transcribe the webinar interviews. During the interview, notes will be taken on the reMarkable (™) tablet to keep responses organized. 
• #7: The databases of SAGE, J-STOR, Wiley Online Library, ELSEVIER, and Routledge were searched. Google Scholar was also leveraged to obtain information. Peer-reviewed journal articles, books, government statistics, and dissertations were also researched and included information. Resources dating from the 1980s to the present are related to this research. Most of the data was published within the last ten years. Research older than ten years was also included to give the reader perspective on the longevity and history of this topic. Finally, a subset of the sources obtained, listed in the references section of this dissertation, was recognized as related sources for this study and provided the groundwork for the literature review. 
• #8: Anticipated findings for the research on how COVID-19 has affected Black working mothers in furthering their education and impacted their mental health might include: The research might reveal that the pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the mental health of Black working mothers. This could manifest as increased stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout due to the added responsibilities and challenges they faced during the pandemic. Findings may suggest that Black working mothers have faced unique challenges in the workplace during the pandemic, including disparities in job opportunities, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and the glass cliff phenomenon where they are promoted for diversity but not adequately supported. The study could uncover how COVID-19-related school closures and disruptions in childcare have placed additional stress on Black working mothers, affecting their ability to balance work and family responsibilities. Anticipated findings might include recommendations for the types of support systems and resources that Black working mothers need to maintain a healthy work-life balance, access education, and address mental health challenges. This could involve workplace policies, community resources, and mental health services tailored to their needs. Findings might highlight the importance of public health interventions to address the mental health and well-being of Black working mothers, considering the lasting impact of COVID-19 on gender and racial disparities. The study may conclude by suggesting areas for future research, including a deeper exploration of specific interventions and policies that can address the identified challenges faced by Black working mothers.
• #9: This research can be scholarly significant in several ways: The study addresses a specific gap in the existing literature by focusing on the experiences of Black working mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. By delving into this under-researched area, the study contributes valuable insights that can inform future research and policymaking. The research topic is socially relevant, addressing the intersectionality of race, gender, and socioeconomic status during a global crisis. Scholarly work that speaks to current societal challenges is inherently significant, especially when it highlights the experiences of marginalized communities. The findings can have practical implications for policymakers, employers, and social support agencies. Recommendations derived from the study can inform the development of policies and programs aimed at supporting Black working mothers in various domains, including education, mental health, and workplace equality. By focusing on the experiences of Black working mothers, the research promotes diversity and inclusion within academic discourse. It highlights the importance of representing diverse voices and perspectives in scholarly research, fostering a more inclusive scholarly community. The research can have an impact on education by informing curriculum development. It could lead to the inclusion of relevant content in educational programs, raising awareness among students and future professionals about the challenges faced by Black working mothers and encouraging empathy and understanding. Engaging with the community during the research process, such as through interviews, surveys, or focus groups, can foster a sense of community involvement. This engagement not only enhances the quality of the research but also ensures that the study's outcomes are relevant and beneficial to the communities being studied. By shedding light on the disparities faced by Black working mothers, the research contributes to the broader social justice discourse. It advocates for equity and fairness, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic inequalities that affect marginalized communities. Scholarly significance is also about inspiring other researchers. A well-conducted study in this area can motivate other scholars to explore related topics, leading to a rich body of literature that collectively deepens our understanding of the challenges faced by Black working mothers. In summary, the scholarly significance of this research lies in its contribution to knowledge, policy, theory, methodology, diversity, education, community engagement, social justice, and its potential to inspire further academic inquiry. By addressing these aspects thoughtfully and rigorously, the research can make a meaningful and lasting impact in the scholarly community and beyond.
• #10: The following steps will be to defend my proposal. The IRB process has been approved. I just successfully defended my proposal on Monday, and since my IRB has been approved. I can move forward with collecting data. Next, I will collect data over the next two to three months and start on my final chapters. Lastly, the information gathered during this research can support Black working mothers and designate the support needed.