Intersecting Leadership Knowledge from the Field: Diverse Women Secondary Principals

Abstract

This qualitative study elucidated differences and commonalities among eight practicing women secondary leaders from different ethnic backgrounds. Its purpose was to add to the existing body of knowledge on women leaders in general and to contribute to the dearth of research on minority women leaders and women in the secondary leadership role in particular. Personal narratives were collected through interviews and interpreted through the lens of feminist standpoint theory. Findings hold significant implications in regard to the importance of women mentoring other women, women forming supportive networks for themselves, and women overcoming the practice of acting as roadblocks for one another, as well as the exploration of alternative avenues of support, such as spirituality and religion.