This edited work explores the experiences women can bring as superintendents in promoting school reform. Important insights drawn from the experiences of women superintendents includes the willingness of female leaders to share power, the pervasiveness of gender bias, the unique perspectives of women of color, the ways women describe success, and the effectiveness of women administrators where the needs of children are the highest priority. The first part of the work examines the historical and cultural factors affecting women superintendents, and gaps in the research literature. The second part explores the gender and racial issues influencing the selection of women superintendents, including the role of search consultants, power relationships, and the unique challenges African-American and Hispanic applicants confront. The third part reveals the experiences of particular women superintendents. The final part of the work considers the ways researchers can assist women seeking such positions of authority. It is important for researchers to consider the usefulness of their research data and questions from the perspective of professionals because placing women in superintendent positions serves the larger purposes of social justice. (TEJ)