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The NW Women’s Leadership Academy is launching its fourth cohort starting in the Fall of 2021!
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 nine 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 2021/22 cohort, the NW Women’s Leadership Academy will accept 25 people.
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.
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. If a jurisdiction nominates more than one person, please indicate the priority ranking between the two.
To nominate a participant to apply, a supervisor or City/County manager can send an email to admin@nwwla.com 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 Monday, August 2, 2021
Applications are due by Friday, August 27, 2021
For self-nomination/applying directly – please indicate interest by August 2 and include City/County Manager sign-off.
Logistical considerations
Our 2021/22 cohort will begin with a two-day retreat in Bend, OR scheduled in October, 2021. Most sessions will be held virtually and on at least one Friday a month, with specific dates still to be determined. The Academy will go from October 2021 to June 2022.
Details on the Curriculum:
The 2021/22 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 $600. This covers speakers and materials.
The NWWLA will offer five (5) scholarships, at $100 each, to help defray the cost of lodging and tuition. Small cities will be given preference when recipients are identified by the Selection Committee.
Please contact the Leadership Team at admin@nwwla.com with any questions and thank you for supporting women in local government in advancing their careers. You can also visit our website at www.occma.org/nwwla for more information.