The purpose of the study was to identify the environmental and systemic factors that may be contributing to the underrepresentation of women leaders in the male-dominated information technology (IT) sector in the United States. The conceptual framework of internal business organizational environmental factors and systemic or societal factors highlighted the barriers that may be preventing women from advancing in the IT sector. The research employed a basic qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with nine mid-level and senior-level women in the U.S. IT industry. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, categorized, and analyzed to identify recurring themes. The analysis revealed ten prominent themes: five internal organizational environmental influences and five systemic or societal challenges based on one research question. The internal business organizational environmental elements included organizational policies and practices related to promotion processes, performance evaluations, organizational culture, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and other inclusive practices, mentorship, allyship, sponsorship, and in-group distancing. The systemic or societal influences encompassed societal and cultural norms, devaluing women's competencies and expertise, stereotypes, gender biases, discrimination, patriarchal work culture, and double standards in the workplace. Six recommendations for future studies included intersectional identities, implementing work-life balance and flexible work policies; creating mentorship, allyship, and sponsorship programs, including networking opportunities; providing comprehensive bias and inclusion training; implementing comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs; and promoting education and early STEM engagement. These findings corroborated existing literature on the challenges encountered by the women who participated in the study who hold IT leadership positions. Overall, this study highlighted the implications for the U.S. IT sector and emphasized the imperative for further research to address gender disparities within the U.S. IT sector. [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.]