With the pending shortage of community college leaders expected in the next few years, this study addresses the leadership development of women two-year college senior leaders. There is much work to be done in generating diverse pools for senior positions, in preparing the next generation of leaders, particularly women, with the skills and experiences that qualify and enable them to advance in leadership positions. This qualitative study examines the perspectives of women presidents or chief academic officers (CAOs) in two-year colleges, their career pathways, and their formal and informal leadership training. Further, this study documents the paths taken by women to the position of college president or chief academic officer and which aspects of formal or informal leadership development programs contributed to the attainment of these positions. Ten women senior level leaders were interviewed. Their interview responses were triangulated using data from surveys and analysis of curriculum vitas. A theory of action was used to framework the findings. Data was collected, hypotheses confirmed or abandoned until a conclusion was reached. A pattern matching process and cross-case analysis, emergent patterns, categories, and properties informed a provisional hypothesis arguing that leadership development programs, networking, and mentoring are key constructs enabling women to attain senior leadership positions. Study findings indicated women aspiring to senior-level academic positions need to complete their terminal degree, develop strong networks, work closely with mentors, and take advantage of leadership training, whether it is in formal terminal degree programs or through special leadership development programs. [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.]