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Take the LEAD

The mission of Women's Leadership Academy (WLA) at Loyola University New Orleans is to train and develop leaders throughout the community by providing the opportunity to grow and network with thought leaders in the region, and develop tools and strategies to achieve their fullest potential personally and professionally.

WLA consists of ten (10) on-campus sessions, including keynote speakers, micro-learning seminars, case studies, and leadership presentations. WLA participants who successfully complete the program will earn a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and earn 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Although Loyola University's Women's Leadership Academy curriculum is concentrated on addressing women and leadership, all genders and non-binary individuals are eligible to apply.

Women's Leadership Academy

Who Should Apply?

Mid to senior level leaders who are:

  • Motivated to reflect and improve upon their personal leadership skills to become more effective and impactful.
  • Committed to driving innovation and transformation within their organizations and region.

Benefits Include:

  • Selection into a cohort of 50 participants who are recognized as leaders within their organizations with high potential to grow into advanced leadership positions.
  • Obtainment of a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion and 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
  • Access to an active, ever-growing alumnae network with year-round opportunities for social and professional engagement.
  • Participation in ten (10) on-campus sessions designed to leverage personal strengths, examine emotional intelligence, and build critical leadership skills through presentations, panels, assessments, and small group work.
  • Experiential learning and concept reinforcement through individual assessments, peer mentoring circles, small accountability growth groups, and powerhouse keynote speakers.

Application Process

Applications are accepted starting October 1st through November 26th, with priority applications and scholarship windows closing November 1st. 

The application is completed 100% online and requires several pieces of information including:

  • Contact Information
  • Demographic Information
  • Employment Information
  • Biographical Information
  • Referral Information
  • Resume
  • Tuition Assistance Information
  • One Letter of Recommendation
  • Program Commitment                       

    WLA students engaged                                                                                                          

Selection Process

The WLA Selection Committee will seek to identify 55 individuals who are most likely to utilize their leadership abilities for the long-term benefit of our region.  The selection committee considers factors such as the following to ensure that the group is accomplished, diverse, inclusive, and committed to success:

  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Industry/Sector
  • Work experience 
  • Leadership accomplishments/potential
  • Civic involvement
  • Personal goals aligned with the WLA mission

Approximately 3 weeks following the close of each application period (priority and general), letters of notification regarding selection to the program will be sent out via email. If selected to participate, applicants are responsible for the program tuition of $3,499 upon registration.

Upon Acceptance to the Academy

Upon acceptance to the Women's Leadership Academy, participants will be required to submit additional information, including the following:

  • A commitment form signed by you and, if applicable, your employer.
  • A signed liability waiver and photo release form.
  • A brief professional bio and headshot (a professional photo is not required).
  • Your favorite leadership quote.

Program Requirements

To successfully complete the Women’s Leadership Academy at Loyola University New Orleans, a participant is expected to attend all sessions and complete the final Leadership Presentation.

Leadership Presentation

You will have the opportunity to present a Leadership Presentation at the end of the program. In similar programs, this would be considered a capstone project, an opportunity to sum up the impact of their experience with WLA. Consistently, WLA participants have named this as the most meaningful and inspiring session. 

Attendance Policy

Participants with more than two (2) absences may not be eligible to receive a certificate of completion and/or the 6.0 CEUs. Please review the schedule thoroughly and make plans accordingly. If you anticipate that you will miss one of the scheduled dates, please let us know at WLA@loyno.edu in advance. All sessions will be held on Loyola's Uptown campus.

We have created Women's Leadership Academy to be a safe space for all participants to share personal and professional thoughts, ideas, and stories. To provide an outlet to seek out advice and feedback from others in a healthy, non-judgemental environment. There are also sessions where sensitive topics are discussed. For these reasons, only WLA participants and invited guest speakers, instructors, and guests are allowed in the WLA classroom. Minors will not be allowed during WLA sessions. 

pacs registration information and policies

Tuition and Fees

Women's Leadership Academy Tuition: $3,499

Tuition includes parking, as well as lunch and a light breakfast for all full-day, on-campus sessions. Light refreshments will be provided for half-day, on-campus sessions.  Any activities and/or events held outside of the WLA scheduled dates listed, are optional, and are not included in tuition.

Optional 1 to 1 Personal Coaching Add-On: $399

 1 to 1 Personal Coaching with WLA Program Advisor, Amy Landry.

  • Includes three (3), one-hour sessions in the beginning, middle, and end of the program.

    • Session 1: Introductory Goal Setting and Individual MBTI review

    • Session 2: Momentum Mid-Way

    • Session 3: Final Success

Tuition must be paid in full by credit card or check upon registration.

Please make checks payable to Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans
Office of Professional and Continuing Studies
6363 St. Charles Avenue, Campus Box 148
New Orleans, LA 70118

Scholarships

There are a limited number of partial scholarships available. Priority will be given to applicants who are in financial hardship, who work for a non-profit, or are self-funded. A separate scholarship application must be submitted, in addition to submitting the WLA application. Eligible applicants will be able to select which scholarship level they are requesting to be considered for and answer essay questions to be reviewed by the selection committee. If awarded a partial scholarship, the applicant is responsible for the remaining tuition balance.

Level 1 Scholarship Opportunity: 10 partial scholarships will be offered in the amount $750 
Level 2 Scholarship Opportunity: 4 partial scholarships will be offered in the amount of $1,500
Level 3 Scholarship Opportunity: 2 full scholarships will be offered in the amount of $3,499 to ALICE eligible applicants ONLY. **Details about ALICE eligibility are included in the online application.

Other - Loyola Faculty & Staff Scholarship Opportunity: 1 full scholarship will be offered in the amount of $3,499 to an eligible Loyola faculty or staff member.

apply now

Organizational Support

Many WLA alumnae have had their tuition covered by their employers. Some organizations allocate learning and professional development funds for their employees. If you would like to express your interest in participating in Women's Leadership Academy to your employer, we have an editable letter template that you can download and print or email to your organization. If you would like additional information to share with your employer, please email WLA@loyno.edu.

LETTER TO EMPLOYER

Monthly Session Themes

Session 1: Welcome, Introductions, and Overview

Session 2: Understanding Your Personality & Leadership Purpose

Session 3: Leveraging Your Network & The Seismic Shift in Leadership

Session 4: Emotional Intelligence & Executive Presence

Session 5: Assertive Communication & Change Management

Session 6: Knowing Your Strengths & Inclusivity in the Workplace

Session 7: Work-Life Integration & Stress Management

Session 8: Navigating Conflict 

Session 9: Leadership Legacy

Session 10: Leadership Presentations

Additional Details

All 10 sessions are held at Loyola University New Orleans' Uptown Campus.

All sessions are held from 9:30AM - 4:15PM.*

All sessions are held once a month, on Thursdays.*

*Please refer to the detailed session calendar on the Apply Now page. Any differences in days/times will be noted.

Click the link below for program specifics and to apply!

apply now

WLA