Although women dominate the field of education as teachers, there remains a distinct lack of representation of women in school leadership, particularly in the role of secondary school principalships (Taie & Goldring, 2019). Prior research related to this phenomenon has centered on the barriers to entry, both external and internal, that inhibit potential women leaders in the United States from breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling (Bailes & Guthery, 2020; Bosak & Sczesny, 2011; Cellini, 2015; Dean, 2010; Gallagher, 2017; Gerzema and D'Antonio, 2013; Greguletz et al., 2018; Hallinger et al., 2016; Jarvis, 2019; Kruse & Krumm, 2016; Kurban, 2014; Malveaux, 2017; Maranto et al., 2018; Martinez et al., 2021; Murakami & Tornsen, 2017; Richison, 2011; Rosette & Tost, 2010; Smith, 2018; Vial & Napier, 2018; Zenger & Folkman, 2019). Given the lack of substantive research on the phenomenon of female international school leadership, this qualitative, phenomenological study explored the perceptions female school leaders had about the experiences they believe contributed to their career path to secondary school principalships in international schools. Through the lens of the glass ceiling theory, six key themes were revealed. The themes that surfaced reflect the participants' experiences on their path to breaking the glass ceiling. These themes are (a) the development of their own self-awareness, (b) the role that external sources of support played in contributing to their leadership path, (c) the leadership attributes they believe impacted their leadership path, (d) the internal and external barriers they faced, (e) the perception of gender-based differences in leadership styles, and (f) a final theme dedicated to the participants providing advice for aspiring female leaders. In examining the participants' perspectives in this study, insights and guidance is provided to females aspiring to be leaders in how they might break through the glass ceiling (Zachry, 2009). [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.]