The NW Women’s Leadership Academy is launching its fifth cohort starting in November of 2022!

The purpose of the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy is to advance women from a variety of backgrounds in local government with the goal of promoting more women into leadership roles. The Academy is a seven month long professional development cohort for emerging local government leaders in Oregon that provides opportunities to enhance skills and competencies, build confidence, network, and expand professional connections through career mentoring and moral support to women in local government.

For the 2022/23 cohort, the NW Women’s Leadership Academy will accept 20 people.

Nomination Process

To be able to apply, participants can be nominated by their supervisor or City/County Manager or can apply directly with City/County Manager sign-off.  We’re unable to accept more than two nominees from each jurisdiction, and we request that the City/County Manager indicate the priority ranking between the two.

To nominate a participant to apply, a supervisor or City/County manager can send an email to aspeier@orcities.org which includes the following information on the nominee:

• Nominee name & contact information
• Position
• Organization
• Direct supervisor name and contact info

Once this information is received by the Academy, we will send the nominee a follow up email with application questions and directions. By applying, participants agree to attend all Academy sessions and fully participate in the program. 

Nominations are due by August 18, 2022

Applications are due by September 22, 2021

For self-nomination/applying directly – please indicate interest by August 2 and include City/County Manager sign-off.

Logistical considerations

Our 2022/23 cohort will begin with a two-day retreat in Bend, OR scheduled on November 3 and 4, 2022. Most sessions will be held in-person and on Fridays.  The Academy will go from November 2022 to June 2023. Anticipated session dates are as follows:

• November 3 & 4, 2022
• January 6, 2023
• March 3, 2023
• May 5, 2023
• June 2, 2023

Details on the Curriculum:

The 2022/23 cohort will benefit from sessions on a variety of topics including:

• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Understanding your personal leadership strengths
• Working with a governing board
• Interviewing and negotiation
• Process improvement
• Working with the media

The cost for participation in the Academy is $800. This covers speakers and materials.

The NWWLA will offer five (5) scholarships, at $350 each, to help defray the cost of tuition. Small cities will be given preference when recipients are identified by the Selection Committee.

Please contact the Leadership Team at aspeier@orcities.org with any questions and thank you for supporting women in local government in advancing their careers. 

The NWWLA 2020 Strategic Plan was developed to guide the Academy over the next five years, enhance engagement of those who support the academy, and provide a structure that will promote accountability amongst our leadership. It is also intended to serve as a communication tool to share information about who supports the academy, who it serves, and what it is.