Deadline: 13-Mar-2026
The Vital Voices Visionaries Program, in partnership with the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund, supports 50 emerging women leaders through a 7-week immersive virtual leadership journey. The program provides leadership training, mentorship, and access to a global network of over 47,000 women leaders, empowering participants to expand their community impact.
Overview
The Vital Voices Global Partnership, in partnership with the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund, has launched the Vital Voices Visionaries Program to support the next generation of women leaders redefining leadership in their communities.
The initiative invests in trailblazing women by equipping them with leadership skills, mentorship, and access to a powerful global network.
Programme Structure
- The program selects 50 women leaders to participate in a 7-week immersive virtual leadership journey.
- Built on Vital Voices’ proven leadership model, the curriculum integrates lessons from Estée Lauder executives and leaders from the Vital Voices Global Network.
- Participants engage in interactive small-group discussions, peer learning sessions, and conversations with guest speakers. The program emphasizes practical leadership development and collaborative learning.
- Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate and join the Vital Voices Global Network of more than 47,000 women leaders worldwide, gaining access to continued education and engagement opportunities.
Focus Areas
The selection process prioritizes candidates who demonstrate:
- Community-based leadership
- Innovative problem-solving
- A clear track record of action
- Commitment to community engagement
- Strong potential for long-term impact
- Applicants are assessed on their ability to create a multiplier effect within their communities or sectors by leveraging the network’s support and resources.
Key Benefits
- Participants gain access to structured leadership training and mentorship.
- They deepen their understanding of personal leadership drivers and learn strategies to lead inclusive communities.
- The program fosters bold decision-making and practical tools to drive sustainable impact.
- Graduates become part of a global alumni network that offers ongoing professional development and collaboration opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Identify as women
- Be at least 18 years old by May 2026
- Be proficient in English
- Be the founder or co-founder of a social sector organization or social enterprise
- Candidates currently participating in or who have graduated from another Vital Voices leadership program in 2025 or 2026 are not eligible to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many participants are selected?
Fifty women leaders are selected for each cohort. - How long does the program run?
The program runs for seven weeks in a fully virtual format. - Is there a cost to participate?
The program is designed as an investment in emerging leaders through the partnership between Vital Voices and the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund. - What happens after graduation?
Graduates join the Vital Voices Global Network and gain access to continued learning and networking opportunities. - Who is the program designed for?
Women founders or co-founders of social sector organizations or social enterprises who demonstrate strong community leadership and impact potential.
Conclusion
The Vital Voices Visionaries Program offers a transformative leadership development opportunity for emerging women changemakers.
By combining structured training, peer learning, executive insights, and access to a global network, the program equips participants with the tools and connections needed to scale their impact.
For women leaders committed to advancing their communities and creating lasting change, this initiative provides both immediate skill-building and long-term global engagement opportunities.
For more information, visit VV.