Women's Leadership Development Series

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM

The Indiana Conference for Women (ICFW) Leadership Development Series focuses on identifying, supporting, and connecting Women Hoosier leaders by facilitating access to high-level individuals and spaces while driving positive change across the state.

This two-year program incorporates a multi-pronged approach to bringing emerging women professionals front and center. Each year, a small group of exemplary, mid-career Indiana women professionals participate in this initiative. Those selected for this leadership development series commit to fulfilling all requirements of this personal and professional development opportunity through the following paths:

High Profile Mentorship
Empowerment Opportunities
Focused Leadership Training
Civic Engagement
Strategic Networking
Think Tank Breakout Sessions
Community Service Opportunities
Day trip to Government Legislation

ELIGIBILITY

We serve all Women and have an open application process. Successful candidates will be:

Women
Ideally aged 28-40
Gainfully employed relative to age
Display multiple years of growth within career path
Have earned a master’s degree or work experience equivalent
Track record of success regarding leadership, personally and professionally
Demonstrate the likelihood of staying in Indiana for the foreseeable future
Committed to using leadership skills and knowledge for the long-term benefit of all
Willing to commit to all attendance and program requirements

Once your application is submitted, you will be contacted by a representative of ICFW to schedule a follow up interview. This interview is part of the application process and is mandatory for the selection process of the program.

TUITION

Each position requires a tuition amount of $5,000. To cover the tuition, an employer or other business/personal entity, such as a mentor, must sponsor each applicant. Individuals are able to self-sponsor, if preferred. Scholarships are available in limited cases.

DURATION

Applicants must commit to attending programming within Central Indiana and travel accordingly. The program is a two-year commitment and requires monthly participation throughout its duration.

First Year of the Program: Participants will have the opportunity to learn in-depth about various business sectors: public and private business, non-for-profit, local and federal government, civic engagement, and global impact. These sessions will be held at various locations around Central Indiana. The program will include 13 days and two evenings of commitment: an evening welcome reception, a half-day retreat, 8 full work day sessions, and a day trip to a legislative session. a full day service project, and an evening closing reception.

2024 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

February – Welcome Reception (evening)

February – Welcome Retreat (Saturday)

March - Full day session (weekday)

April - Full day session (weekday)

May - Full day session (weekday)

June - Full day session (weekday)

July - Full day session (weekday)

August - Full day session (weekday)

September – Day trip to Legislative Session

October – Full day session (weekday)

November – Full day of service (weekday)

December – Full day session (weekday)

December – Closing Dinner (evening)

SECOND YEAR OF THE PROGRAM:

Primarily focused on strengthening the mentorship pipeline. Each participant will be paired with an influential and reputable leader in the community. Once that pairing is established, the mentor and participant will meet monthly throughout the second year. During this time, each participant will be connected with a professional engagement opportunity, such as a board appointment, to continue the momentum of the program and to launch each participant’s career forward.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for your interest in applying for the Indiana Conference for Women Leadership Series!

Please read all sections carefully before beginning.
Complete all five sections before submission. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Contact Indiana Conference for Women if you have any questions before you begin this application process.
Please provide thorough yet brief answers to all questions and be specific in your responses as this application is your chance to show us that you are the best fit for our prestigious initiative.
As always, check all spelling and grammar before submitting.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Please complete each section in its entirety prior to submission.

Employer Notification & Tuition: Request the support of your employer and a sponsorship prior to submitting this application.

Each position requires a tuition amount of $5,000. To cover the tuition, an employer or other business/personal entity, such as a mentor, must sponsor each applicant. The applicant is also permitted to pay his or her own tuition.
Your sponsor will need to complete the appropriate section on this application. If you chose to cover your own tuition, please complete this portion yourself.
Financial assistance options are available in limited cases. To apply for a full or partial scholarship, please include a one-page letter of request as the final page of your submitted application. In this letter of request, include the following: amount requested, the reason you are applying for a scholarship, and why you believe you would make a strong scholarship recipient.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

In year 1 each participant is required to attend the Welcome Reception, each monthly session and closing dinner. Participants must arrive on time, prepared, and stay for the duration of each session. A participant may miss one session and must provide the reason for not attending as far in advance as possible.

In year 2 participants will be matched with a successful mentor and will meet on a monthly basis; each mentee will commit to joining at least one (1) solid professional opportunity (Board Memberships, Appointments, etc.) after completion of the program. Class graduation and alumni status will be jeopardized if these requirements are not fulfilled.

References: Secure two (2) letters of support from who can speak to your personal character, your dedication to your community and your developed leadership skills. Letters must be submitted with your application. Each reference will be called by a representative of ICFW.

Your application must include:

Application
Employer Support Form
Sponsor Support Form
Two Letters of Reference

All applications should be submitted to Leadership@IndianaConferenceforWomen.com