The purpose of this study was to conduct in-depth personal interviews with five female superintendents who were the first female superintendents in their districts. This phenomenological study ascertained challenges, struggles, and barriers to being a female superintendent and to identify strategies to help future female superintendents succeed. Many educators who strive for educational leadership positions in public education aspire to the role of the superintendent. Although 73% of educators are women, the superintendent position is still predominantly filled by men, with only 7% of the positions being held by women, nationwide. Three themes of success strategies in this study were uncovered when researching these five female superintendents. These themes of success are relationships, communication, and mentoring. These themes are consistent with research-based success strategies for female superintendents. All five participants stressed the importance of relationships and communication in some form, and four of the five participants discussed using a mentor to get through troubling times. These relationships can be built and intertwined with communication. Strategies given were: shutting off the phone and spending time with family, empowering staff and collaborating through listening, and by being honest, straightforward, and in direct communication with stakeholders. [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.]