Asian American Women in Leadership Roles: The Success and the Challenges as Public-School Administrators in Southern California

Asian American school leaders are underrepresented in the K-12 public school system. In comparison with other racial and ethnic groups, Asian American female administrators are largely underrepresented in the executive positions in the workplace of today even in school districts where many Asian students are served. The intent of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding success, challenges, and aspirations of Asian Americans in obtaining administrative positions in K-12 public school system with the focus on female leaders. This study explored the leadership experiences of eight Asian American female public-school principals and assistant principals. Snowball sampling was used to identify eight administrators who have identified themselves as Asian American women. The study utilized the conceptual framework of Critical Race Theory, components of Critical Race Feminism, components of AsianCrit, and the Multiple Mentoring framework. Interviews were transcribed, analyzed, and the findings grouped into ten themes. Using counter-narrative inquiry methods, the participants identified issues such as 1) family expectations and views on education; 2) a strong sense of responsibility and obligation toward the leadership role; 3) strong work ethic and professionalism; 4) self-doubts; 5) Asian values/mentality; 6) servant leadership style 7) gender inequality 8) establishing networks and relationships; 9) professional traits of mentors; and 10) interpersonal functions. They also suggested valuable strategies and suggestions for aspiring Asian American female educational leaders to overcome barriers they face personally and professionally and overall to reverse the stereotypic view of Asian American female educational leaders. The study found that intentional intervention is needed to address the underrepresentation of Asian American women as educational leaders. Institutions and the public school educational system need to support future Asian American female leaders to better reflect the communities that they serve. Pathways to the administrative positions need to be reexamined by changing persistent stereotyping of Asian American female leaders. The ultimate goal for this study is to illuminate the importance of establishing a diverse leadership platform for our K-12 educational system and increase awareness of gender and racial inequalities for our students.