African American women's transformation into leadership positions in higher education has been a challenge. The negotiation of gender, race, and equality have complicated how women lead in educational institutions. In the reconstruction of leadership roles, males have been the dominant ones as observed through promotions, salary increases, and job satisfaction (Ajayi, 2016). This qualitative study research focuses on strategies and reflections on experiences that are raised in leadership among African American women. The glass ceiling describes the effect of how African American women are treated against men in leadership roles. The glass ceiling has been a barrier that inhibits African American women from moving forward to high-level positions and as role models. In higher education institutions, African American women face obstacles and barriers due to gender that prohibit them from progressing through various roles (Ortega-Liston & Soto, 2014). Analyzing the interview data will show a positive outcome for more women in leadership institutions as role models and will strengthen their encouragement for other women of different nationalities to be challenged. [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.]