This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to understand how female enrollment management leaders viewed their experiences building social capital as a factor for creating opportunities that contributed to their career aspirations and the formation of their leadership styles. Social capital theory guided the analysis of the study. Participants in this study worked in higher education admissions and enrollment management areas for more than 20 years. Structured interviews were conducted with eight female enrollment management leaders, from the director of admission to the vice president for enrollment. Results indicated that values and philosophies motivated career aspirations and leadership styles. Furthermore, access to professional development and mentoring opportunities helped build social capital because female enrollment management leaders relied on lived experiences to shape their career paths and leadership traits and styles. This study can help inform future generations of female enrollment managers navigate the path to leadership in higher education, and higher education institution senior leaders who seek to recruit and retain a diverse community of enrollment professionals. [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.]