Catholic schools are founded upon distinctive values; they shape school leaders' leadership approaches, which in turn influence the school community experienced by students. Yet, research is sparse where leaders' intentions intersect with the actual community. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how school leaders' approaches…

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…

For Latina school administrators, the movement through the principal pipeline is not easy, as many encounter discrimination and biases rooted in their gender, ethnicity and other intersecting identities. Schools should leverage Latina administrators' cultural knowledge, perspectives, and experience to improve student educational outcomes. A Latina…

The study explored the academic journey of Latinas who participated in the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program (HMDP) and completed a bachelor's degree. The literature highlighted intersecting influencers that contributed to the Latinx academic journey. To account for this multidimensional nature, I utilized a conceptual framework with strengths in…

Transgender and/or Nonbinary populations in the United States experience significant rates of harassment, discrimination, victimization, and psychological distress in nearly all aspects of life due to systemic stigmatization against those who violate societal gender norms. Such social disparities are often enacted through the environmental and…

Positive mentoring experiences are crucial for retaining and advancing those who hold marginalized identities in STEM, as they foster a greater sense of belonging and self-efficacy that encourage these students to persist in their fields. Marginalized identities in STEM include, but are not limited to, women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People…

This study examines how I, as a white woman social justice educator at a southeastern public university, practiced gendered racism and was supported in these practices by administrators at my institution. White women have been socialized throughout history to use our gender subordination as a defense when confronted with our racism. I built a…

Black-female principals experience competing harms at the intersection of race and gender, which disproportionately impacts their retention and sustainability. This qualitative study explores their lived experiences through critical lenses to center Black-female humanity, wholeness, and staying power in the position. While limited, research has…

Although notably underrepresented in role and research, Black women bring a strong presence to higher education institutions--leading academic, research, and business operations from senior and executive roles. Black women senior leaders serve as change agents strategically leading their organizations to become better, stronger, and more effective…

This paper addresses the intersecting professional and personal lives of educators who identify as Queer, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QBIPOC). The narratives of these intersecting identities are told through the lived experiences of individuals who identify as QBIPOC. People who do not identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,…

Historically, higher education was established for the privileged few. Enslaved Black people set free to fend for themselves in "separate but equal" sub-standard schools found a way to flourish despite the odds; yet not without a price and not without the sweat, blood, and tears of their ancestors. Critical Race Theory stated that race,…

This study explored the intersection of Autistic burnout and educator burnout and it's the impact on mental health and wellbeing for Autistic educators in the United States. Through collaboration with five Autistic Community Partners (ACPs), the research team interviewed five Autistic Educators (AEs) who had left the field of education about their…

Black women juggling marginalized minority identities in executive leadership at public four-year universities contend with stigmas associated with race and gender, contributing to a decreased sense of belonging. Significant research has been done about the journeys of Black or African American women as they seek executive roles in higher…

In this dissertation, I explore the emotional intelligence (EQ) competencies of 19 female student-athletes at one Division III institution. College students are suffering from a collective brain health crisis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Students' social and emotional…

Leaders in higher education experience high and unrealistic demands for their skills, time, and energy, causing stress, competing priorities, burnout, compromised health, and attrition. However, unlike other racial and gender groups, Black women higher education administrators experienced these challenges more intensely. As a result of chronic…