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.
The program runs from July to November 2025 and there are 20 places available.
Applications for the 2025 Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program are now open.
Applications close 3pm, 31 May 2025.
There are 6 places for the public sector and 6 for the community sector, all fully funded.
There are 8 partially funded places for the private sector, with a co-payment by the participant’s employer.
For a full list of eligibility criteria and participant requirements 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:
- addressing burnout
- honouring First Nations: truth-telling, decolonising leadership and fostering reconciliation
- identity, intersectionality and courageous leadership
- self-advocating and activating allies and sponsors
- fostering transformative cultures.
It also provides:
- one-on-one executive coaching
- wraparound psychological support network.
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.
Read past participants' experiences
2024 graduates
Vivian Chan
Vivian’s role is as Manager, International Regulations and Policy at Australia Post.
Dolly Cutinho
Dolly is a Senior Health Banking Manager at National Australia Bank, leading a team dedicated to serving high-net-worth medical professionals.
Kevti Desai
Kevti is a first-generation migrant Woman of Colour with extensive leadership experience working for large global organisations in senior leadership roles.
Dr Pia Johnson
Dr Pia Johnson is an acclaimed photographer, artist and educator. She is the Associate Dean, Photography in the School of Art at RMIT University.
Hee Young Lim
Hee Young Lim brings over 30 years of expertise in community capacity-building, engagement, training, counselling, journalism, and broadcasting in both Australia and Korea.
2023 graduates
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated