Structured from a qualitative research design, this meta-synthesis explored the lived experiences and perceptions women of color hold regarding their leadership within higher education. The purpose of the study was to generate understanding of said experiences and examine women of color leadership persistence within higher education, especially among their tenure at Predominately White Institutions. Directed by two research questions, the study explored the intersectionality of race and gender for women of color. Two questions directed the research. The first was, what perceptions do women of color (WOC) hold regarding their leadership experiences in academia and as leaders at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs)? The second was, how is intersectionality reflected in the lived experiences of women of color (WOC) as leaders in academia and as leaders at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs)? Data collection for the meta-synthesis resulted in a group of 30 peer reviewed research studies for analysis. The 30 studies were identified through a systematic literature search, reviewed by two screening processes, and input into NVivo for further analysis. Coding occurred through an inductive process and utilized pre-coding by hand, auto-coding through NVivo, finalized by a comparison of results from the two methods. Five themes and five sub-themes were identified and discussed in the study. Intersectionality, adversity, and resilience were among several themes in which women of color lived experiences in academia were identified. The respective journeys embedded within the studies recounted a 30-year collective history of women of color taking a seat at the table. The pathway to leadership is unique and women of color shared narratives of persistence and reflections of leadership resilience within academia. The intersection of race and gender extends beyond the discussion of leadership within academia and among Predominately White Institutions. Examination and comparison of lived experiences and intersectional perspectives held by women of color among business and political sectors adds to the dialogue and understanding of leadership at the intersection. [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.]