Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Interdisciplinary Studies
Date of Award
5-2024
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Dr. Chelsie Dubay
Committee Members
Dr. Jill LeRoy-Frasier, Dr. Jane Broderick, Dr. Delanna Reed
Abstract
This phenomenological study examines how biblical narratives and stories of strong female role models shape the entrepreneurial identity of Kenyan and Kenyan-American women. Ten female entrepreneurs were interviewed to understand these influences on their development. Themes emerged around mentorship, leadership, resilience, communication, networking, and legacy. Participants interpreted biblical tales through an entrepreneurial lens, resonating with the experiences and qualities of figures like Lydia, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, and the Proverbs 31 woman. Two key differences arose: those with closer African ties referenced the Bible more, and some cited male rather than female mentors. To address diverse perspectives, recommendations include balancing biblical women's narratives with current entrepreneurs' narratives. Ultimately this research suggests integrating a diverse and intentional set of learning modules into early childhood education to plant the seeds of entrepreneurial identity. A proposed framework highlights communication, resilience, networking and leadership via biblical characters to expose young African girls to these attributes.
Document Type
Thesis - embargo
Recommended Citation
Githinji, Lydia, "The Impact of Biblical Women's Stories on Entrepreneurial Identity Formation:A Phenomenological Study of Kenyan Women Entrepreneurs in the Diaspora" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4341. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4341
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.