Women In Leadership

 

Leadership is about inspiring others to give their best, cultivating collaboration, and delivering results.

Women in Leadership (WIL) is an investment in individuals who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. This dynamic and engaging nine-month program is cohort-based, with limited space representing a diverse cross-section of Dartmouth. 

WIL is a unique, experiential professional development program committed to enabling the full participation, success, and advancement of women-identified (WI) professionals at Dartmouth. The program is open to all employees who support and are committed to this mission. This program is different from other leadership programs currently being offered at Dartmouth as it strives to create equitable opportunities to grow the pipeline of WI leaders.

About the Program 

Over the course of the program, participants will:

  • Create a personalized leadership development plan anchored in their unique strengths and growth areas.
  • Create and present a Capstone project that meets a Dartmouth priority. The Presentation of the project will be to senior leaders, their cohort, and managers. The project does not need to be completed, but it should meet a campus-wide priority.
  • Strengthen communication and leadership skills.
  • Gain confidence to serve as a leader in their departments, teams, and divisions.
  • Create a collaborative cross-institutional learning community.
  • Learn and develop skills to create and maintain an environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equity.

    WIL is a selective program. Applicants must have the support of their supervisor. Applications and/or interviews do not guarantee participation in the program as we aim to create a well-balanced and diverse cohort.  The program runs every one and a half years; information for the 2027-2028 cohort will be available in early 2026. 

WIL Application 

Eligibility and Criteria

  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
  • A demonstrated commitment to their leadership role, a willingness to be challenged and learn from experience, and an interest in cultivating self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
  • Ability to participate in the nine-month program, which includes one day per month of formal in-class learning and up to six hours per month of additional work related to the Capstone Project, and Wisdom Circles.
  • Positional authority within their team, committee, or department to lead and influence change.
  • Would benefit from cross-institutional exposure due to their positional responsibilities or time at Dartmouth.
  • To ensure an optimal experience for all, it is highly recommended that applicants have at least one year of experience at Dartmouth.
  • Individuals wishing to apply will need to submit an application, the signed letter of co-commitment from their supervisor, and an updated resume by the deadline. Deadline to apply is Monday, March 3, 2025.
  • To submit an application click HERE.

The Role of the Supervisor

Supervisor commitment to these expectations is fundamental to program outcomes. If a supervisor is not able to commit, the participant's experience is compromised, therefore we cannot accept a participant if one's supervisor is unable to commit to these requirements.

Applicants must have a supervisor who is committed to playing an active role in the applicant’s experience (should they be accepted). 

The expectations of the supervisor are to:

  • Sign a letter of co-commitment as part of the individual’s application process.
  • Support the participant's time commitment to the WIL program.
  • Attend an introductory session to review the supervisor's role in the program.
  • Attend a manager check in session, mid-way through the program.  
  • Conduct a monthly learning conversation with the applicant.
  • Act as a champion for the participant’s Capstone project.

Dartmouth WIL Sessions:  2025 – 2026

Download the Information Packet HERE

WIL Kick-off Breakfast:

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

  • Breakfast (for cohort and supervisors): 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  • Cohort Meeting: 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
  • Cohort lunch 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.


Opening Program Retreat Days

  • Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 
  • Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Optional networking opportunity


Learning Days

  • Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Capstone Project Presentations

Wisdom Circle Days

  • Wednesday, October 22, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, November 19, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, December 17, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, January 21, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, February 18, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, March 25, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)
  • Wednesday, April 29, 9-10:30 (Via Zoom)

 

How Do I Apply? 

To submit an application click HERE

Questions? 

Read the WIL FAQs or contact Learning and Development at Learning.Development@dartmouth.edu or 603-646-3411


 

 

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