Applications are now open for the 2026 Vital Voices (VV) Visionaries Program, a global leadership initiative supporting the next generation of women changemakers.
Delivered in partnership with the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund (ELELF), the program invests in trailblazing women redefining leadership and driving meaningful social impact in their communities and beyond.
About the Program
The VV Visionaries Program will select three cohorts of 50 women leaders (150 total participants) to participate in a 7-week immersive virtual leadership experience.
The curriculum is built on Vital Voices’ proven leadership model, developed over 25+ years of supporting women leaders worldwide. Participants will also learn from:
- Estée Lauder executives
- Vital Voices Global Network leaders
- Guest speakers from diverse industries
Outstanding participants from all cohorts may be selected for an annual in-person experience for deeper leadership training.
What Participants Will Receive
As a VV Visionary, you will:
- Join a global cohort of 50 women leaders
- Complete the Vital Voices Leadership Journey (7-week course)
- Participate in interactive peer-learning sessions
- Engage in small-group discussions
- Learn directly from industry and social impact leaders
- Receive a certificate of completion
Long-Term Benefits
- Join the Vital Voices Global Network of 47,000+ women leaders
- Gain full access to the network Hub for ongoing education and engagement
- Build lasting international relationships
Program Outcomes
Through the program, participants will:
- Deepen their understanding of their leadership identity
- Strengthen inclusive leadership skills
- Build confidence to take bold action
- Expand their global networks
- Increase their capacity to create sustainable impact
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Identify as a woman
- Be at least 18 years old by May 2026
- Be proficient in English
- Be the founder or co-founder of:
- A social sector organisation (NGO, foundation, social impact initiative), OR
- A social enterprise (for-profit business with explicit social impact)
- Not currently enrolled in or recently graduated (2025–2026) from another Vital Voices leadership program
ALSO APPLY FOR:
AFRIKA KOMMT! Fellowship Programme 2026-2028 (Fully Funded to Germany)
Selection Criteria
The program seeks community-informed leaders who demonstrate:
- Commitment to community impact
- Innovative problem-solving
- Proven track record of action
- Willingness to remain engaged in the Vital Voices network
- Strong potential to scale their impact
Program Commitment
Participants must:
- Attend 7 live virtual sessions (Thursdays, 2 hours each)
- Dedicate 1–2 additional hours weekly for assignments and peer discussions
- Limit absences to no more than two sessions
- Complete surveys during and up to one year after the program
- Stay engaged with the Vital Voices network post-graduation
Technical Requirements
Participants must have:
- Access to a computer (with a camera) or smartphone
- Reliable internet connection
2026 Cohort Dates
- Cohort 12: June 11 – July 23, 2026
- Cohort 13: August 20 – October 1, 2026
- Cohort 14: October 29 – December 10, 2026
Application Deadline
March 13, 2026 (10:00 AM ET)
Why Apply?
The Vital Voices Visionaries Program offers:
- World-class leadership training
- Access to a powerful global network
- Mentorship and peer support
- Recognition as an emerging woman leader
- Opportunity for deeper in-person leadership development
For women founders and social impact leaders seeking global visibility and leadership growth, this is a prestigious and career-accelerating opportunity.
Apply for the Vital Voices (VV) Visionaries Program
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