Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Department
Counseling, Leadership, Literacy, and Special Education
First Advisor
Dr. Justine McGovern
Second Advisor
Dr. Elisabeth Kim
Abstract
Latina professionals represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. workforce, yet they remain disproportionately underrepresented in executive and C-suite roles. This disparity reflects structural conditions that shape access to voice, support, advancement, and decision-making authority.
This mixed-methods study examined psychological safety among 145 Latina professionals across the United States, defined as the belief that one can speak up, ask for help, disagree, or raise concerns without fear of negative consequences (Edmondson, 1999, 2019). The study explored how identity, relationships, leadership, workplace support, inclusion, mentorship, and structural barriers shape psychological safety at work.
Quantitative analyses showed that workplace support and inclusion significantly predicted psychological safety, explaining 40% of the variance in safety scores. Access to mentorship was associated with a nearly one-standard-deviation difference in psychological safety. Qualitative analysis identified six recurring themes: emotional and cultural coping, identity and belonging, relationships and communication, leadership and workplace support, systemic barriers and bias, and representation and visibility.
By centering intersectional identity, this study extends psychological safety scholarship and shows that safety is not experienced equally within the same organizational environment. It also introduces the VOICES Framework, which stands for Validation, Opportunity, Identity, Community, Empowerment, and Support, as a culturally grounded model for leaders and organizations seeking to create conditions in which Latina professionals can contribute fully and lead authentically.
Recommended Citation
Tapia, Michal, "Understanding Workplace Psychological Safety Among Latina Professionals: An Exploration of Intersectional Experiences" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/le_etds/56
Included in
Industrial and Organizational Psychology Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Organization Development Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Work, Economy and Organizations Commons
