Although 76% of teachers in the United States are women (Superville, 2016), only 55% of suburban principals are female (Bitterman, Golding, & Grey, 2013). This number decreases at the secondary level. In high schools, only 30% of administrators are female. This qualitative research study is designed to explore and describe the lived experiences of females in formal leadership positions at the high school level in suburban school districts in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania to identify barriers and opportunities they have experienced in those positions. In-depth, semi- structured interviews of participants who self-selected to be a part of the study are used to glean information about the phenomenon of female leadership in secondary education. The findings of this study will be used to increase awareness of the phenomenon for school districts looking to increase female leadership at the secondary level as well as for female teachers at the high school level interested in but not yet attained leadership positions. [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.]