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The purpose of this study was to determine the experiences, challenges and strategies for success of African American female senior-level executives at predominately white institutions (PWIs). This qualitative study used a phenomenological perspective to address the research questions, as phenomenology was uniquely suited to capture participants lived experiences (Guido, Chávez, & Lincoln, 2010; Perl & Noldon, 2000). The conceptual framework for the study was based on the theoretical concepts of black feminist theory, biculturalism and intersectionality. The combination of these theories was uniquely appropriate for researching the lived experiences of African American women (Barrett, Cervero, & Johnson-Bailey, 2003; Collins, 2000; Du Bois & Edwards, 2007). Black feminist theory addressed the lived experiences of African American women (Collins, 2000); intersectionality highlighted the oppression of African American women (Collins, 2000) and biculturalism explained how African American women adapt to be successful (Barrett, et al., 2003). The findings for this study of African American female senior-level executives at predominately white institutions include: regarding experiences (1) relationships and connection were essential; (2) strategic and political savvy were vital; (3) one must have an awareness of your perception; (4) higher education was an isolating place; (5) racism and sexism were still prevalent; and (6) work/life balance was a myth; regarding identities (7) creation of a professional identity as the primary identity at PWI; (8) race and gender as prominent identities; and (9) personal persona purposely protected from PWI; and regarding strategies to cope with challenges and celebrate successes (10) know yourself and focus on your goals; (11) identify something to ground you outside of the PWIs; (12) invest in your success through academic and professional preparation; and (13) advance to uplift others. / text

The purpose of this qualitative autoethnographic study was to add to the research of African American female secondary principals. Most research in the field of education concerning women reflects women in general and is not specific to African American women. More research is needed for and by African American women as it pertains to the study of female leadership on secondary public school campuses. The traditional high school principal is White, male, married, and middle income. With the inception of President Obama’s Race to the Top and the age of accountability, the traditional building principal motif is changing. Accountability and higher standards have changed just about every aspect of education. his autoethnography represents my professional journey as it pertains to obtaining a principalship in a high school. As the story was written, it became apparent though my writings in order to explain the journey, it was evident I needed to share my life experiences about who I am to further bring understanding and clarity to the study. Being Black and female, compounded by the attainment of a high level of education, predictably creates problems on both a professional and personal level. The research is shared through traditional research methods as well as vignettes or anecdotes to tell the story. Storytelling is important because it adds context to the situation and allows the reader not only to comprehend but to also become part of the experience. The review of the literature for this autoethnographic journey signified African American women as a renewed prototype for effective school leadership, especially as it pertained to schools with placed at-risk children. Theoretical framework included Womanism, Critical Race Theory, Female Leadership, Cultural Identity, Principal Leadership and the history of African Americans as educational leaders. My findings, based on research presented, although scarcity exists among African American female high school principals; we are now believed to possess the qualities necessary for a school to be successful. This scarcity is caused by lack of African American mentors and sexism and/or racism in hiring practices.