Underrepresentation of Asian American Women in TK–12 Leadership Positions in California Public Schools and Districts

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 3:05 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Leadership Perspectives of Women of Color (Table 14)

Abstract

Asian female administrators represented 4.7% in California in 2018-19, whereas White female leaders represented 58.8% despite the projected increase in Asian-American student population. Leaders from minoritized populations build alliances with marginalized communities and fight for social justice. This research investigated challenges that Asian-American women leaders face and strategies that help them in career advancement. As part of mixed method research, survey responses provided quantitative data followed by interviews for qualitative data. The results indicated being an immigrant, facing discrimination, and institutional support were some challenges the leaders faced. They built social capital and increased visibility to succeed and different forms of support benefitted their career growth. The leaders shared strategies to increase representation by working in communities.

Author

• Padmavathy Desikachari, San Jose State University