This dissertation investigates the leadership experiences of African America women employed at historically White Christian colleges and universities. The study engages the narratives of African American women who are leaders within these institutions. The findings of the study illuminate intersectionality and the challenges the double-bind of being African American and female present in Christian academic spaces. This intersectionality causes African American women to exercise resilience and embrace challenges to prove their worth to colleagues and administrators and forge paths to opportunities to contribute to a more inclusive leading environment. Despite all the challenges faced, participants remained excited about their service to students citing this as one of the most rewarding aspects of their roles as leaders. These rewards are especially vital in mitigating attrition; however, they do not alleviate the desire of African American leaders to seek careers in other spaces that value their giftedness and intentionally pursue respect and celebration of diversity by engaging Christian principles to promote feelings of belonging. Conclusively, African American women face significant obstacles when navigating leadership positions at historically White Christian institutions. It is, therefore, vital that these universities prepare board members, executive councils, faculty, staff, and students for the heart work it takes to recruit and retain the talent that African America women bring to the academy. [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.]