In most higher education institutions, White men and women have dominated senior academic positions and are viewed as more capable of serving as senior administrators than women of color. In comparison, the number of women of color leaders in predominantly White institutions is lower than in historically Black colleges and universities. For instance, women of color occupy 6% of executive roles at predominantly White institutions compared to 30% of White women leaders in the same institutions. These statistics, while disheartening, underscore the remarkable resilience and unwavering determination of women of color who continue to strive for these roles. The study involved a comprehensive review of the current literature to understand the research problem. A generic qualitative approach was conducted to gather data from 11 C-suite leaders at higher education institutions (HEIs). Data were collected via unstructured, open-ended interview questions and examined to provide six significant themes. The findings revealed that women of color aspire to be seen and heard as professional women and utilize successful strategies to maintain their roles. However, the persistent male and White women predominance in these positions is likely responsible for the underrepresentation of women of color in C-suite leadership roles at HEIs. The findings also proposed strategies for women of color to utilize in C-suite leadership roles at HEIs. [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://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]