Gender differences have impacted the leadership IT (information technology) environment for decades. Research continues to study the barriers and triumphs women endure within the technical leadership world. Over the past decade, women have strived ahead by ignoring the gender negativity and taken a permanent position in the IT leadership role. The implications of project management and other managerial strategies have impacted implementations, departmental employees, governance procedures, and their association with end users. The literature review explores the phenomenon of women in IT leadership roles, and the triumphs and challenges they endure. Acknowledging the self-knowledge, facilitation skills, and the ability to empower others is gradually changing the gender imbalance in organizations. This study provides a review on existing gender barriers, but exposes the progression women are attaining as IT professionals. This study used a qualitative, exploratory case study approach. Among the themes emerging from the date were education, experience, characteristics, barriers, and communication. [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.]