SWFL Women's Executive Leadership Program

A professional development program for women executives and leaders in Southwest Florida.

Geographic Scope: Southwest Florida

Eligibility:

• Women in executive or leadership positions
• Entrepreneurs and business owners
• Active/former military members
• Diverse professional sectors, years of experience, positions, and backgrounds
• Must commit to in-person attendance at all eight program sessions
• Must be able to pay in full before opening session on January 14, 2026

Program Details:

• Eight in-person program sessions
• Opening session: January 14, 2026
• Limited partial scholarships available for participants with demonstrated financial need
• Scholarships made possible through sponsoring organizations and program partners
• Selection criteria: Create diverse cohort across professional sectors, experience levels, and backgrounds
• Notification of acceptance: December 22, 2025

Application Process

Deadline: December 7, 2025

Required Materials:

1. Completed application form
2. Letter of recommendation from:
   • Employer or board member (for employed professionals)
   • Advisor, colleague, or client (for business owners/entrepreneurs)
3. Recent resume
4. For business owners/entrepreneurs: Written commitment statement confirming:
   • Commitment to attend all eight program sessions
   • Personal funding of participation (unless requesting scholarship)

Application Questions (100-150 words each):

1. What are your professional aspirations?
2. What do you believe is your biggest professional challenge?
3. Describe a leadership challenge you have faced and what you learned as a result.
4. Why are you interested in participating in the SWFL Women's Executive Leadership Program?
5. How do you imagine this program will increase your value to your organization and/or community?

Scholarship Consideration Section:

• Optional: Indicate if requesting scholarship assistance
• If yes, specify amount of support requested
• Brief description of circumstances/reasons for scholarship request (up to 100 words)

File Upload Requirements:

• Letter of recommendation: .doc, .docx, .pdf, max 2 MB
• Commitment statement: .doc, .docx, .pdf, max 2 MB

Important Dates:

• Application deadline: December 7, 2025
• Acceptance notification: December 22, 2025
• Payment due: Before opening session on January 14, 2026