Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of Latinas in executive cabinet leadership roles at the district office or county office level in the Preschool-12 California public education system. Theoretical Framework. Themes in the existing research and a conceptual framework rooted in…

First-generation college students (FGCS) comprise of over half of the U.S. higher education student population, yet have considerably lower academic attainment rates compared to non-FGCS. Research has explored challenges that may attribute to these academic disparities, however, there remains a critical gap in identifying FGCS assets that may…

This study explored counseling supervisors' broaching experiences addressing intersectionality with supervisees. Counseling literature has illuminated a need for counselors to broach topics of intersectionality of identity such as race, ethnicity, and culture to demonstrate multicultural competence, increase client disclosure and counselor…

This dissertation delves into the unique experiences of contemporary polygamist women pursuing higher education, exploring the intersectionality of their cultural backgrounds, educational aspirations, and the challenges they encounter within academic settings. The study critically examines the applicability of equity-centered, trauma-informed…

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) play a vital role in the American cultural landscape, embodying a rich diversity of approximately 50 ethnic groups and over 100 languages. This diverse population encompasses heritage from Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Hawaiian, and other Asian and Pacific Islander ancestries.…

This qualitative dissertation study explored how multilingual/multicultural immigrant high schoolers' multilayered identities intersected and shaped their experiences and imagined futures. I used intersectionality as a social action theory (Hill-Collins, 2019) as a theoretical lens to examine how multiple aspects of multilingual/multicultural…

This exploratory study considers how and to what effect personalized and trauma-informed learning were implemented by one teacher at one continuation high school ("XHS"). There is growing evidence regarding the effectiveness of personalized learning in improving student academic achievement (Pane et al., 2015) but limited research into…

This case study explores the experiences of student/players (n=2), coaches (n=2), faculty/staff advisors (n=2), and Lone Wolves' (n=6) experiences in eSports environments relevant to American Indian education and cultures. Specifically, this study explored the intersection of eSports, 21st century skills, and Indigenous futurisms and was guided by…

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs and curricula have emerged as a priority in schools over the past three decades, with greater urgency since the COVID-19 pandemic. While SEL programs may show promise in supporting students' social and emotional needs generally, current SEL practices apply color-evasive approaches, leading to White-centered…

This qualitative research utilized the descriptive case study approach to examine the lived experiences of twelve 1.5- or 2.0-generation Hmong American women who occupy leadership positions in public schools (K-12) and colleges (community colleges, state colleges, and universities) in California. It delved into their gendered, racial,…

This study examined the experiences of Iranian-American and Iranian female leaders within higher education institutions. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research actively engaged a cohort of 18 participants through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews. Four research questions guided this study, highlighting the…