ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the problems that many leaders with multiple, intersecting identities face: the complex layers of leadership challenges faced by women and underrepresented ethnic groups, as well as the skills and domains that need to be considered as part of professional development. Access and parity for a diverse group of leaders are mission critical for many institutional strategies in online and digital learning to survive and thrive. The chapter discusses the barriers to leadership pathways for individuals with marginalized and intersectional identities. Successful leadership practices revolve around effective interpersonal relations between Whites and underrepresented ethnic groups. Barriers encountered by this population, according to a study conducted by the American Council on Education, include social, organizational, institutional, and internal barriers. Acknowledging and creating clearly structured support to break down educational infrastructure held by gatekeepers and finding that worthy of inclusion means breaking cycles of homogenous thinking.
