This qualitative study utilized a transcendental phenomenological approach in which eight female participants, considered to be coresearchers, were interviewed to explore their lived experiences in overcoming pervasive crises in their lives to achieve great academic success. All the women experienced one or more of the following crises in their lives: poverty, homelessness, child abuse, domestic violence, single motherhood, teenage motherhood. The study revealed that these women were motivated by external and internal factors and demonstrated extraordinary resilience and self-determination. Findings indicated external motivators that included the desire to escape or improve their circumstances, the ability to provide for themselves and their families, and the encouragement of respected people in their lives. Internal motivators included a love of learning, a desire to help others, and a sense of validation. Each woman described a phenomenon experience of transformation into great leaders. More research is needed to determine best practices for doctorate programs to support women experiencing various circumstances, to recognize potential, and to encourage resiliency. It would be beneficial to examine the turning points in which students make the final decision to leave or persist in doctorate programs to identify ways to support students effectively through completion. [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.]