She Leads: A Phenomenological Study of Women Founders and Successors in Nonprofit Organizations

Women comprise a significant portion of the nonprofit workforce but are underrepresented in executive leadership positions in midsize revenue nonprofit organizations (NPOs). This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of women who lead NPOs in Ohio with annual revenues between $1 and $5 million. This study addressed a gap in the literature by directly comparing the leadership experiences of women founders and successors in NPOs. A central research question guided the study: How do the experiences of women who founded NPOs compare to those of women who ascended to leadership in established organizations?

Guided by a hermeneutic phenomenological design, the study included 10 women leaders, with equal representation of founders and successors, to reflect varied leadership pathways. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed through in vivo, descriptive, and focused coding. The analysis revealed how women made meaning of their leadership experiences and how broader forces—such as gender, power, and board dynamics—shaped their roles and identities. These insights demonstrated the value of gender-informed leadership strategies and supported the need for more inclusive models, recognition of emotional labor, and collaborative governance practices. The study was limited by a small, regionally specific participant group and a lack of demographic diversity. Future studies should examine how identity influences leadership and involve a broader range of participants to enrich understanding.

Committee
Mitch Kusy, PhD, Co-chair

Kenneth Williams, PhD, Co-chair

Beth Mabry, PhD

Joseph Keferl, RhD

LINK:  https://antioch.zoom.us/j/92561786951 (Defense Room #2) MEETING ID:  925 6178 6951

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