Deadline: March 13, 2026.

Together with the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund, we aim to champion women leaders across diverse sectors, industries, and experiences who want to create positive social impact in their communities and beyond. 

Participants are expected to:

• Actively participate during all 7 live weekly virtual sessions on Thursday mornings (2 hours each), plus an additional 1-2 hours per work for assignments and peer calls/discussions (3-4 hours weekly).
  • Participants should have no more than 2 absences to remain in good standing.
• Complete surveys throughout the program and for up to one year after program completion, including a needs assessment survey, post-session surveys, a post-program survey, and a 12-month follow-up survey.
• Remain engaged with the Vital Voices network upon graduation.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• You identify as a woman
• You will be 18 years old by May 2026
• You are proficient in English
• You are the founder or co-founder of a social sector organization (NGO, foundation, social impact initiative) OR  
• You are the founder or co-founder of a social enterprise (for profit business with explicit social impact)
• You are currently not participating in or have graduated from another Vital Voices leadership program in 2025 or 2026.

BENEFITS

Through the program, participants will: 

• Gain a stronger understanding of what drives their leadership; gain a deeper awareness of how to lead inclusive communities; and embrace taking bold actions to create a lasting impact. 
• Join the Vital Voices global network of more than 47,000 women leaders from around the world with full access to our network Hub with ongoing continuing education and engagement opportunities.  
• After the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Vital Voices Visionaries program seeks to identify and support exceptional women leaders who have bold ideas and are driving meaningful change. We are not simply selecting résumés — we are selecting community-informed leaders with a clear purpose that make a difference. 

• Community-Based Leadership: Demonstrates a commitment to positive community impact and a desire to pay it forward.  
• Innovative Problem Solving: Challenges the status quo and explores new approaches to address community needs.  
• Track Record of Action: Shows tangible evidence of initiatives, projects, or measurable steps toward change.  
• Commitment to Community Engagement: Eager to contribute to and remain engaged with the Vital Voices alumni network beyond the program experience.  
• Potential for Impact: Leader with the potential to drive their vision forward, creating a multiplier effect in their community or sector with the support of Vital Voices and its network.  

Find more information on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE