In the male-dominated world of school district leadership, 10 retired California superintendents have joined forces to tell their stories and inspire future generations. Their newly released book, “Leading Legends: Female Superintendents Breaking Barriers with Purpose and Power” (Delmar Publishing, 2025), blends personal narrative with professional insight, offering both a history of persistence and a blueprint for progress.

The authors Dr. Pat White, Dr. Lillian French, Dr. Marilou Ryder, Dr. Linda Kimble, Dr. Myrna Cote, Dr. Lisbeth Johnson, Martha Martinez, Dr. Carol Riley, Dr. Cindy Petersen, and Dr. Marylou Wilson represent decades of service and resilience in education. Each woman has navigated the complex responsibilities of the superintendency, and each has faced challenges that came with being a woman in a role traditionally held by men. Together, their collective voices form what they describe as both a testimony and a torch honoring their journeys while lighting the way for others.

A shared mission The idea for the book was born out of a recognition that their experiences, while unique, carried common threads. Breaking into the superintendency required persistence and resilience. Balancing personal lives with the unrelenting demands of school district leadership often came at a cost. And yet, each leader also found strength and purpose in the work of serving children and communities.

Rather than let these stories fade into retirement, the group felt compelled to document them. “We wanted to capture not only what we went through,” one author explained, “but also what we learned, so that those who follow us won’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

Each chapter of “Leading Legends” is authored by one of the superintendents and blends deeply personal storytelling with professional lessons learned on the job. The result is a mosaic of leadership journeys filled with candid accounts of obstacles, strategies that worked, and the insights that only come from experience at the top.

From gaining access to the role, to building trust with boards and communities and overcoming skepticism as women in leadership, their stories highlight both the barriers and the breakthroughs. More importantly, they underscore what it means to lead with both purpose and power in service of students.

What they hope to inspire The authors are clear about what they want their book to achieve. For current leaders, the stories offer validation and fresh perspectives for addressing the very real challenges of today’s schools. For aspiring superintendents, especially women, the book serves as proof that leadership at the highest levels is attainable.

“We want women to see themselves in these pages,” another contributor noted. “Not only to know it’s possible, but to feel inspired to lead boldly.”

At its core, the book is about strengthening the leadership pipeline. By sharing their experiences, the authors aim to encourage diverse voices and perspectives in superintendent roles ensuring that every child in California’s schools benefits from leaders who reflect the communities they serve.

The role of ACSA For many of these superintendents, ACSA was more than just a professional organization. It was a lifeline. Conferences, leadership strands, and women’s networking opportunities through ACSA provided the mentorship and confidence that propelled many of them forward.

“ACSA gave us not just training, but belonging,” one author reflected. “It created spaces where we could see and support each other as women leaders.”

In that sense, “Leading Legends” is as much ACSA’s story as it is theirs. It reflects how the organization has empowered women leaders to rise, break barriers, and model what’s possible. By releasing this book, the authors hope to extend that legacy and give back to the very community that nurtured their own growth.

A call to future leaders As California continues to face pressing challenges in education, from equity to funding to staffing shortages, the call for strong and diverse leadership has never been greater. Leading Legends reminds readers that while the path may be difficult, it is also possible and necessary for women to lead at the highest levels of education.

In their stories, readers will find not only the voices of 10 accomplished women, but also a powerful reminder: Leadership is about breaking barriers, lifting others, and carrying forward a vision of schools where every child has the opportunity to thrive.