Young Women's Leadership Academy
Young Women's Leadership Academy
About Young Women's Leadership Academy
Designed for emerging leaders ages 18–25, Loyola University New Orleans and Councilmember Lesli Harris’ Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) is an immersive two-day experience for those ready to develop their leadership potential, build meaningful connections, and grow with purpose.
Over the course of two days, participants join a dynamic community of young leaders from diverse backgrounds to engage in interactive leadership training, peer learning, and meaningful networking. Through collaborative activities and guided discussions, participants will explore their unique personalities and leadership styles, clarify their career goals, and begin building the professional relationships that support long-term success.
By the end of the academy, each participant will leave with greater self-confidence, a deeper understanding of their strengths, and actionable insight into areas for growth. Participants will be encouraged to challenge themselves, step beyond their comfort zones, and develop the mindset and relationships needed to lead with impact.
Some topics include (but not limited to):
- Leveraging your network
- Understanding your strengths and opportunities
- Understanding different personality types
- Different leadership styles
- Confidence building
- Career success preparation
The inaugural YWLA was held May 22, 2023.
Mission
The mission of the YWLA is to cultivate the next generation of young leaders by providing the tools and strategies necessary to achieve their fullest potential personally and professionally.
Who We Are Seeking
We are building a cohort that reflects a wide range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and professional backgrounds. While our programming centers on the realities young women often face in leadership, we believe meaningful progress happens when everyone is part of the conversation.
Our program is open to individuals of all genders who are committed to advancing women in leadership and promoting gender equity in the workplace and beyond. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your own leadership skills or become a more effective advocate and ally, YWLA offers the tools, insights, and community to help you make a difference.
Anyone ages 18–25 who is eager to grow as a leader is encouraged to apply.
All participants must be able to attend both days of the program.
Applications Are Open
We are now accepting Young Women's Leadership Academy applications. Click the button below to apply for YWLA Cohort 4.
Program Information
Day 1: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 10:30am-6:30pm
Councilmember Lesli Harris will welcome the cohort to kickoff the first session day. The introductory session will focus on participants gaining an understanding of their current strengths as emerging leaders by taking the True Colors personality assessment. Following the assessment, Dr. Ronicka Briscoe will guide the cohort through learning modules to illustrate ways to leverage their strengths and expand their network.
The day will close with a Community and Connection Fair for participants to engage with community partners and apply what they've learned about networking from the earlier session.
Lunch, snacks, and beverages will be provided, as well as hors d'oeuvers and mocktails at the networking event.
Day 2: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 9am-noon
This half day session will focus on career readiness & success with a special presentation from one of our community partners, and close with a Q & A facilitated by Councilmember Lesli Harris. Participants will end the day receiving their certificates of completion from Councilmember Lesli Harris and Loyola's Office of Professional and Continuing Studies.
Light breakfast, snacks, and beverages will be provided.
Scholarship Opportunity
Thanks to a generous donation from Cox Communications, we are able to offer a limited number of full and partial scholarships. If you would like to apply for one of these scholarships, please be sure to fill out the applicable section on the YWLA application.
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YWLA Cohort 4 Program Details
Dates: May 20 - 21, 2026
Time: Wednesday, 10:30AM - 6:30PM | Thursday, 9AM - 12PM
Location: St. Charles Room | First Floor Danna Student Center
Address: 6363 St. Charles Avenue | New Orleans, LA 70118
Tuition: $399*
Required Registration Fee: $30 - All accepted participants must pay the $30 registration fee.
*Full and partial scholarships are available for those unable to afford the registration fees. Please complete the scholarship section on the online application below.
Benefits
- Selection into a small cohort of young leaders with aspirations to build their leadership skills and serve in leadership roles in their communities.
- Two day workshop and curriculum specially designed for young leaders with leader potential.
- Personality assessment and review to gain a deeper understanding of your personality and how it informs your leadership style.
- Featured speakers including Councilmember Lesli Harris (New Orleans City Councilmember for District B).
- Networking opportunities with local leaders, including many alumnae from Loyola’s 10-month Women’s Leadership Academy.
- Access to an active network of program graduates and special invitations to future events and opportunities for social and professional engagement.
- Breakfast and/or lunch and snacks throughout the day for both sessions.
- Obtainment of a Loyola University New Orleans Certificate of Completion.
Testimonial
"I absolutely loved learning about my personality type, and I have actually gotten others to take the test. I have also learned that by finding the environments where I’m "comfortably uncomfortable" I’ll grow as a person and leader. When researching the career paths for my personality type, they really do fit me and my interests.”
- Lauren F., Cohort 1 Alumna
Testimonial
"I discovered the crucial importance of fully tapping into your leadership potential. This involves first understanding your values, strengths, personality, and biases that may be blind spots. To effectively lead to the best of my ability, it is essential for me to gain insight into my own thoughts and emotions, enabling me to better comprehend and connect with those I am guiding."
- Jenna P., Associate Director of Marketing Northwestern Mutual, Cohort 1 Alumna
Testimonial
"Through the academy I was able to learn the importance of centering patience and understanding. I think of myself as being very introspective, and through the academy, I realized the importance of identifying the differences in how other people process information to become more effective as a leader."
- DyMonn A., Cohort 1 Alumna
Thank you
Thank you to the New Orleans City Council and Cox Communications for your partnership with the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies at Loyola University New Orleans. With your generous support, we are able to continue to offer YWLA to young leaders in the Greater New Orleans area.
YWLA Cohorts 1 - 3
