Personal, educational and professional data were collected and analyzed about 27 women administrators in top-level administrative positions. A semistructured personal interview was conducted with 20 of the 27 who were in positions that fall within the first three highest-ranking administrative positions in the nine institutions of higher education in the District of Columbia. Titles of the positions were: president, vice president, administrative dean, and dean. Data were also gathered from nonadministrator women faculty members with similar backgrounds to the administrators. Focus was on career influences, career barriers, aspirations, and role conflicts. Recommendations for overcoming barriers are discussed. A 90-item bibliography is included. (Author/LBH)