The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the role of "la familia" for women of Mexican descent as it relates to their development as leaders and their leadership in academia. Purposeful sampling was utilized to reach the goal of 18 participants who were female academic leaders of Mexican descent teaching full time in higher education. This study employed the data-collection methods of demographic surveys, audiotaped in-depth interviews, member checking, documents and other objects, and researcher journaling. Research revealed that "la familia" defined strongly as support and influenced choice of career; the culture of higher education hindered career advancement for women of Mexican descent and a tension existed between participants' ethnic culture and the culture of higher education; and "la familia" influenced the development of leaders of Mexican descent in higher education, built confidence in them from birth through high school, and taught them how to face challenges. Implications of the study addressed depending on family support; strengthening the cultural value of "la familia" in higher education; teaching students of Mexican descent to navigate the Euro American culture and microagressions; writing policies and procedures that go beyond recruitment for the sake of diversity; making decisions about the influence of "la familia"; and involving parents during recruitment. Recommendations are suggested for future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]