This dissertation explored the external and internal barriers that exist for Latina (women) administrators on the path to school superintendency. In 2010, women comprised only 24% of superintendents in the United States. While there is research on the shortage of superintendents nationwide, there is scant research from the perspective of women. This research provided insights from one Latina superintendent’s perspective about her experience as a Latina and a woman in the educational field. Using narrative interviews, this qualitative research study uncovered real and perceived barriers, the attributes of a successful Latina superintendent, the opportunities and the challenges Latinas face when pursuing the position of school superintendent, and how those opportunities and challenges influenced her current roles and positions. The conclusions from this exploration revealed multiple barriers preventing Latina administrators from reaching the superintendency. This study included recommendations and possible implications to support more Latinas in attaining the superintendency and to balance the inequality that currently exists.
