Abstract
Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this work was to interview seven women from racially diverse populations in leadership positions about their experiences on a college or university campus. This study focused on the following questions: What obstacles have women from racially diverse populations in leadership positions on a college/university campus faced while on their professional career path? What are the challenges, if any, have women from racially diverse populations in leadership positions on a college/university campus experience professionally based on their gender and race? What has been some challenges that you have experienced as being a female in a director/leadership position? What have been some successes that you have experienced as being a female in a director/leadership position? What influence did mentors have on your educational and career path? How does women having children or not have children affect their careers?
Conclusions Reached
The women in this study confirm most of the theories found in the literature review. Many of the women share similar challenges and success in regards to working on a college or university campus in leadership positions. All participants in this study shared their experiences of how gender and race plays a direct role in working in higher education and how the university perceives women and women of color in leadership roles. Not all of the women agreed that having a mentor was important for their career trajectory. However, all seven women expressed the belief that having children is difficult for women working in higher education to balance.