Title: Exploring Resilience in the Lives of Women Leaders in Early Childhood Health, Human Services, and Education

Women leaders in early childhood health, human services, and education face tremendous challenges in their efforts to cultivate resilience amidst a myriad of risk factors including incessant stress, low wages, and limited professional support. Women who foster mental health in young children and high-risk families are vulnerable to secondary traumatic stress. The purpose of this feminist phenomenological study was to understand the resilience process with women leaders in Early Childhood. No studies were found that centered on resilience with this interdisciplinary profession. Research was guided by principles of feminist standpoint, relational-cultural, and resiliency theories. Twenty women alumnae of a leadership development program sponsored by a university in a western state were interviewed twice to learn about professional and personal aspects. The findings indicate alarming levels of professional stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Sixty-five percent of the women experienced acute and chronic professional stress resulting in significant health issues. Fifty-five percent are at risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress due to limited resources, lack of effectiv