Form

Women's Leadership Academy Application 25-26

Women's Leadership Academy - JLBR 2026 Cohort Application

Program Overview:

The Women's Leadership Academy (WLA) is a selective, 6-month in-person program designed for 40 high-potential women leaders in Louisiana who are ready to ascend to new levels of influence and impact. The program runs from August 2026 through January 2027, featuring monthly full-day sessions focused on advanced leadership development, strategic networking, and community engagement.

Section A: Application Profile

Full Name

Preferred Name:

Title:

Company/Organization:

Industry/Sector:

Work Address:

Email:

Phone Number:

City of Residence:

Although membership is NOT required for participation, please answer the following. JLBR Affiliation:

Not a Member

New Member

Active

Sustainer

Section B: Professional & Leadership Background - The following information will be used to support cohort selection and ensure a diverse and balanced leadership experience.

Career Stage (select one):

Early Career (0-5 years)

Mid-Career (6-15 years)

Senior Career (16+ years)

Current Leadership Level (select one):

Individual Contributor

Supervisor/ Team Lead

Manager/ Director

Executive/ C-Suite

Founder/ Business Owner

Board Member/ Community Leader

Have you served on a nonprofit or community board?

Currently serving on a board

Previously served on a board

No, but I am interested in board service

Approximately how many people do you currently lead or supervise?

None

1-5

6-15

16-50

50+

Section C: Leadership Experience & Aspirations

1. Briefly describe your current role and leadership responsibilities across professional, organizational, and community contexts. (200 words)

2. Provide specific examples of a recent initiative or challenge where you demonstrated leadership. Highlight how you lead people, initiatives, or change, whether through formal authority or informal influence. (250 words)

3. Why are you applying to the WLA at this point in your career? What do you hope to gain, and how do you intend to apply these learnings within the next 18 months? (250 words)

4. How are you currently engaged within your community (e.g., professional associations, non-profit boards, volunteer work, civic initiatives)? (150 words)

5. What unique perspective, background, or experience from your industry, career path, or personal journey would you contribute to enriching the cohort's learning environment? (200 words)

Section D: Program Commitment & Employer Support

1. I understand the program requires in-person attendance at monthly full-day sessions from August 2026 - January 2027. I commit to prioritizing these dates.

August 21, 2026
September 18, 2026
October 23, 2026
November 20, 2026
December 11, 2026
January 15, 2027
Graduation: January 29, 2027

I understand and commit.

Yes

2. Is your employer aware of your application?

Yes

In process of informing them

3. Is your company a potential Qualifying Sponsor for the WLA program, or would they consider funding your participation as an employee?

Yes, they are/would be a program-level sponsor.

Yes, they would potentially fund my participation.

Unsure

4. Employer Contact Name & Title (for informational purposes only):

5. Employer Contact Email:

Section E: Optional Demographic & Background Information- The following questions are optional and will be used in aggregate to help the Women’s Leadership Academy evaluate program reach, participant representation, and overall impact. Responses will not be used in the selection process.

Age Range (select one):

Under 25

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

Race / Ethnicity (select all that apply):

Black or African American

Hispanic or Latina

Asian or Asian American

White

Native American / Indigenous

Middle Eastern / North African

Multiracial

Highest Level of Education (select one):

High School Diploma/ GED

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Doctorate/ Professional Degree

Section F: Attachments & Submission

Please attach your current resume/CV.

Electronic Signature: By typing my name below, I certify the information provided is accurate.

Date:

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