Institutions of higher education do not currently know the experiences of mid-level Women of Color who work in student affairs. This study provides a fuller understanding of the lived experiences of these individuals. It focused on the what influences Women of Color mid-level student affairs professionals to stay or leave their employment and informs strategies for institutions to support Women of Color at their institutions. Through a qualitative, narrative study, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve participants to understand their experiences. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory was used to further understand and analyze the relationships between participants and their environments. The Women of Color in this study shared that the factors that influenced them to stay at an institution included (1) Chosen Family, the individuals that were closest to them fostering a sense of connection and purpose; and (2) Synergy, finding alignment with the institution and local community. The Women of Color in this study also identified what influenced them to leave an institution as (3) Systemic Inequity, the institutional barriers and pressures that harmed them, and (4) Isolation, navigating their careers and institutions without advocacy or support. Practitioners in student affairs can improve the experiences of Women of Color mid-level student affairs professionals by creating intentional practices that center the experiences of this group. This includes (1) hold leadership accountable (2) foster inclusion, (3) shift power dynamics, (4) gather institutional data, (5) establish effective, authentic, open communication, (6) improve supervision practices, (7) address discrimination, (8) facilitate community, (9) increase compensation and recognition, (10) redistribute labor, (11) develop pathways for upward mobility, and (12) set up Women of Color to be successful. [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.]