Women Wardens and Correction Executives: Paths to Leadership

Abstract

ABSTRACTDue to their small numbers, women in executive level positions in corrections have rarely had an opportunity to discuss their motivations for seeking upward mobility in a male-dominated profession. This article describes whether their career paths were through custodial or non-custodial ranks, and how that influenced later choices and their ability to reach the executive-level. Based on surveys/interviews with members of the Association of Women Executives in Corrections, this study uncovered several factors contributing to their successes. Most notably, correction departments allow both custodial and non-custodial paths to promotion. By coming from the non-custodial ranks and sometimes delaying promotion, particularly for work/life balance, they were able to overcome career/personal challenges to achieve leadership positions in a variety of correction settings/institutions.