The NW Women’s Leadership Academy launched its seventh cohort on October 3, 2024!
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 an eight-month-long professional development cohort that provides emerging local government leaders in Oregon with opportunities to enhance skills and competencies, build confidence, network, and expand professional connections through career mentoring and moral support.
We value diversity and are committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. Any local government employee that works in Oregon and identifies as a woman is welcome to be nominated. Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color are especially encouraged to participate, as are women with a disability.
Nomination Process
The nomination period was open June 24 - August 1, 2024 and is now closed.
To be able to apply, prospective participants must either be nominated by their City/County Manager or supervisor, or they may self-nominate. We’re unable to accept more than two nominees from each jurisdiction. We ask nominators to coordinate internally with your organization prior to submitting nominations.
Applications
Once nominations are received by the Academy, we will send the nominee an email with application questions and directions.
Applications are due by August 18, 2024
The Recruitment and Selection Committee will review all applications.
Applicants can expect to receive a decision by August 31st.
Schedule
The Academy will run from October 2024 to June 2025. Our 2024/2025 cohort will begin with an in-person two-day retreat in October 2024. Sessions will be held in person and on Fridays.
Session dates and locations are as follows:
October 3 and 4, 2024
December 6, 2024
February 7, 2025
April 4, 2025
June 6, 2025
Curriculum and Tuition
The 2024/2025 cohort will benefit from sessions on a variety of topics that could include:
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Understanding personal leadership strengths
Working with a governing board
Interviewing and negotiation
Process improvements
Working with the media
Community engagement
The cost for participation in the Academy is $800. This covers speakers and materials.
The NWWLA will offer five (5) scholarships, at $500 each, to help defray the cost of tuition. Applicants from small cities will be given preference by the Recruitment and Selection Committee.
Please contact the Leadership Team at nwwla@occma.org with any questions. Thank you for supporting women's advancement in local government!
The NWWLA 2020 Strategic Plan was developed to guide the Academy through 2024, 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.
NWWLA 2020 Strategic Plan