Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Department

Educational Leadership

First Reader/Committee Chair

BECK, CARMEN

Abstract

Purpose and Theoretical Framework: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences, learning and professional development practices, and effective leadership practices of women of color trustees within California community college governance. Grounded in Gloria Anzaldúa’s theoretical concepts of Conocimiento and Nepantla, the study focused on how intersectional identities influence the governance leadership practices of women of color trustees. The theoretical framework emphasized transformation through interconnectedness, structural change, and self-reflection in leadership roles.

Methods, Data, and Analysis: Eight California Community College trustees women of color participated in semistructured interviews using qualitative methodology through interpretive phenomenological analysis. Data analysis involved identifying emergent themes related to personal identity, professional learning and mentorship, and communication practices affecting governance leadership.

Summary of Finding 1: Governance Leadership Culture: The study revealed that participants' identities and lived experiences significantly informed their governance practices. Trustees identified personal beliefs, cultural identity, intersectionality, and values as profoundly shaping their approaches to governance leadership. Navigating barriers related to intersectionality created challenges; however, trustees also reported resilience and adaptability in leadership resulting from such experiences. These identity-driven factors influenced how trustees interacted, advocated, and made decisions in their governing boards.

Summary of Finding 2: Communities of Learning and Mentorship. Professional development, mentorship, and collaborative networks emerged as pivotal for trustee leadership development. Formal leadership training programs and informal networks provided spaces for critical learning and support. Trustees highlighted the value of mentorship experiences, which offered guidance and support for navigating complex governance challenges. Developing collaborative learning communities was reported as instrumental in enhancing board cohesion, effectiveness, and responsiveness to community needs.

Summary of Finding 3: Effective Governance Leadership Communication. Communication emerged as an essential skill for effective governance leadership in this study. Trustees emphasized the importance of reflecting, adapting, and authentically expressing their voices within the board and community contexts. Effective communication through active listening, empathy, resilience, and transparency, enabled trustees to advocate strategically for policies aligned with student and community interests. Trustees noted that effective leadership communication facilitated better understanding, cooperation, and decision-making within their boards.

Recommendations and Opportunities: The dissertation includes several recommendations for enhancing governance effectiveness and supporting women trustees. They include (a) implementing ‘femtorship’ and peer-support programs to support new trustees and facilitate continuous learning among trustees, (b) standardizing and expanding onboarding and ongoing trustee training programs from the outset of trusteeship, and (c) encouraging inclusive board practices and cultures that recognize and integrate diverse experiences and perspectives.

Future research opportunities include examining the efficacy of formal mentorship models, investigating peer-network effectiveness, and conducting longitudinal studies on leadership trajectories and outcomes for trustee women of color. These findings offer critical insights into fostering effective community college governance, highlighting the importance of supporting and leveraging the unique experiences and strengths of women of color trustees to better serve the diverse student populations and communities they represent.

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