Navigating Leadership: The Impact of Intersectional Identities on Female Leaders in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of female leaders in postsecondary education, focusing on how intersecting identities influence their leadership and decision-making processes. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach and the theoretical framework of intersectionality, the research explored the relationships between gender, leadership, career decision-making, and other social identities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and demographic surveys with 11 female leaders. The findings revealed seven key themes: Identity Influenced Experiences, Unintentional Navigation, Institutional Bias, Playing the Game, Institutional Champion, Supportive Mechanisms for Career Advancement, and Value Alignment. These themes illustrate how gender and intersecting identities shape career decisions and leadership experiences. The study highlights the impact of identity on career progression and offers insights into the strategies women employ to navigate leadership roles. It contributes to the intersectionality and leadership literature and provides practical implications for enhancing institutional support for female leaders in postsecondary education.