The purpose of this study was to explore the phenomenon of the career mobility of African American female leaders who are impacted by emotional, physical, and social wellness, work-life balance, motivation to advance, engagement with professional mentors, institutional support, and self-efficacy within Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White institutions. This was accomplished by giving a voice and highlighting the lived experiences of current and past African American females within higher education. They were able to share experiences in their careers and reflect on their holistic wellness. The participants reported having to navigate microaggressions, lack of institutional support from campus leaders, lack of support from colleagues that looked like them while desiring to be successful as they lead within higher education to make a difference for the students they serve and maintain a healthy work-life balance. As a result, their emotional, physical, and social wellness was impacted and often suffers. The findings show that all independent variables had an impact on the career mobility for the study participants. The findings and data analysis also show the challenges the participants experience that are compounded by the fact that they are African American and female, and it is imperative that holistic wellness and self-care practices be a priority for these women and others in the academy. Institutional leaders can utilize the results of this study to take an internal look and policies, procedures, and practices to improve the culture of genuine support and care for the institution leaders, both current and future. [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.]