Delivered in partnership with Women of Colour Australia, this program responds to the structural and cultural biases that limit the ways Women of Colour can progress in their careers.
This culturally safe leadership program was designed by Women of Colour for Women of Colour to support them on their leadership journeys. The program examines racial and gendered influences, explores complex challenges, and focuses on clear and practical strategies to support Women of Colour in advancing to executive leadership roles.
It runs from August to November 2024 and is available to 16 participants.
Applications for the 2024 Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program have closed.
Eligibility
Participants must:
- be a Woman of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
- be employed as a Manager / Senior Manager in an organisation with a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Plan or an organisation with a demonstrated and genuine commitment to advancing DEI initiatives
- live in Victoria.
For a full list of eligibility criteria go to Women of Colour Australia website.
Program structure
Women of Colour subject-matter experts and leaders will deliver the program.
The program has five modules that explore:
- the power of allyship and support networks
- embracing change
- cultural and gendered influences
- promoting inclusivity
- adaptive leadership.
It also provides:
- small group coaching
- support to complete an individual strategic challenge project.
Participant requirements
Participants must attend:
- five in-person modules in Melbourne (two days each module)
- 1:1 online coaching.
Individual work between modules is also expected.
For more information
For more information about the Program, visit the Women of Colour Australia website.
The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program is a joint-partnership program by:
- Women of Colour Australia: a non-profit organisation advocating for a fairer Australia for all Women of Colour
- Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
- Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector.
Read past participants' experiences
Elizabeth Reynolds
The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program closely aligns with Elizabeth’s career goals and redefined her approach to leadership, making inclusivity and diversity central to her professional ethos.
Arshin Zaman
The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program perfectly aligns with Arshin’s passion of working towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering industry.
Devika Kumar
With the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Devika rediscovered and embraced her authentic self at work, in her leadership style and in her daily life.
Lama Tiavo
Lama is the first Pacific woman to complete the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program and is using the skills she learned to advance her career and uplift other Women of Colour alongside her.
Sana Aziz
The insights that Sana gained through the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program have empowered her to effectively advocate for herself in the workplace.
Stella Loong
Since completing the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Stella now feels she is part of a sisterhood with her fellow participants and has a lifelong support network around her.
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