Understanding the Journey to Leadership for Asian American Women Who Ascended to Their First K–12 School Leadership Position: A Narrative Study

Little is known about the pathways Asian American women take to ascend to their first school leadership position in K–12 schools. This study explored the lived experiences of Asian American women who received their first school administrator job in New Jersey, the intersectionality of gender, race, age, and social norms and how these Asian American women developed as education leaders. This study explored the perceived barriers and the successful strategies Asian American women utilize to ascend to their first school administrator position. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 10 Asian American women in school leadership roles through the lens of intersectionality. Using Atlas.ti to analyze the data, the following themes emerged from the data (a) being othered; (b) intersectionality; (c) family values; (d) invisible barriers; and, (e) speaking up.