Late in the evening, long after others have left for the day, Michelle Young-Hobbs is still at work. As an HR administrator, her responsibilities extend far beyond what is listed in her job description.

She supports leadership, manages operations and contributes to decisions that shape her organization. Yet, despite her experience and dedication, advancement has remained out of reach.

Over the years, Michelle has watched leadership opportunities come and go, positions she was qualified for and roles she was already performing in practice. Still, each time, she was passed over.

“We seem to be either overlooked or forgotten … and I’m an example of it.”

Her experience is not about a lack of preparation. She has the education, the experience and the proven ability to lead. In fact, she has often taken on responsibilities that mirror those of higher-level roles.

When a chief of staff position opened multiple times within her organization, she had already been doing much of the work associated with that role.

“I’ve yet to be chosen or even recommended for the role, even though I more than assist and am able to do their entire role.”

Beyond missed opportunities, Michelle describes the constant adjustments required to navigate her workplace. Every interaction, every meeting and every decision carries an added layer of awareness.

She carefully considers how she speaks, how she presents herself and how she enters a room, knowing that perception can shape opportunity.

This level of awareness is not optional. It is necessary. In spaces where leadership is still largely dominated by others, Michelle feels the need to demonstrate competence in ways that go beyond her actual performance.

She describes entering rooms with heightened confidence, not just as a personal choice, but as a requirement to be taken seriously.

Her story reflects a broader reality: For many Black women, advancement is not simply about doing the job well.

It is about navigating systems where recognition is inconsistent and opportunity is often influenced by factors beyond performance.

Still, Michelle continues to show up, do the work and build her career.

Her experience highlights the gap between contribution and advancement, revealing how structural barriers can persist even in the presence of clear qualification.