This paper examines the extent to which women have attained administrative positions in California community colleges, highlights barriers to women's advancement and methods of overcoming them, and profiles the female college administrator. After citing the low incidence of female community college administrators and the increasing visibility of women in upper-level management, the paper examines the impact of affirmative action on the number of women in administration and identifies the subtle methods of discrimination still evidenced in the job application process. Next, factors contributing to women's lack of advancement are considered, e.g., childhood socialization and the "old boy network," and ways of preparing for an administrative career are suggested, for example, assertiveness training, keeping abreast of developments and job openings in the field, and organizing support groups. Recommendations are then offered for finding and securing administrative positions and ways are specified for institutions to help break down the barriers of sexual discrimination by, for example, sponsoring conferences for women aspirants to management positions or nominating women to commission posts. The next section presents a composite profile of women administrators in California community colleges and details the frustrations and satisfaction they experience on the job. The conclusion stresses the importance of women applying for administrative positions and of role models for future aspirants. (HB)