The purpose of this qualitative study aimed to explore the intersectionality for Black females through their experiences as leaders in academia. This research study was conducted to examine how four Black female leaders described the influences of race and gender on their leadership development in academia. A general qualitative approach was employed to highlight how the life experiences of the participants were created and gave meaning by taking into account four major themes: village of support, leadership development experiences, double standards of being Black and female, and paving the way for future Black female leaders. Purposeful sampling was employed to collect data from four self-identified Black females interviewed consisting of one vice president and chief of staff and three directors in academia who were in their leadership position for at least one year and supervise a minimum of five individuals. This exploration may provide data to assist institutions with leadership opportunities for aspiring Black females seeking leadership positions and help chancellors, department heads, and provosts to understand and recognize that changing faces of leadership for Black females may positively impact systemic racism and genderism on Black women. Moreover, the results from this study may provide a theoretical framework approach to guide institutions, organizations, and businesses in making changes to better balance the lack of leadership positions and eviscerate barriers so more Black females have the opportunity to rise up and break glass ceilings and not polish them. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]