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.
GROWTH GROUPS
- Each cohort is divided into 8 growth groups of approximately 7-8 people based on their MBTI Personality Assessment results.
- Each growth group is assigned a WLA alumnae ambassador to help guide participants through the program.
- Growth groups meet regularly throughout the program and act as an accountability partner throughout the program.
MENTORSHIPS
- Each participant is assigned a mentor for 6 months of the program.
- Mentors act as thought partners to their assigned mentee.
- Mentors and mentees will meet once a month virtually or in-person.
- Mentors give back by volunteering their time, knowledge, and advice to their mentee.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
- Each monthly session includes 1-2 keynote speakers who share their experience as it relates to the session theme.
- Keynote speakers are leaders in the community who make an impact, are engaging, and volunteer their time and knowledge with the cohort.
CASE STUDIES
- Throughout the program, case studies are used for learning and illistrate how different aspects of a business work together, highlight a problem, and how the solution provided value.
- Leadership case studies are tools to help professionals learn about good leadership practices.
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
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.
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.
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Includes three (3), one-hour sessions in the beginning, middle, and end of the program.
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Session 1: Introductory Goal Setting and Individual MBTI review
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Session 2: Momentum Mid-Way
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Session 3: Final Success
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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.
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.
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.