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Women’s Leadership Program 2024 Program Dates
September – Session 1: Orientation + Your Leader Identity 1
Chamber learning & development staff welcome the incoming class, facilitate introductions among the group, and outline program content and expectations for the year. Participants also begin their leadership journey with Simmons faculty in the first session focused on the HRDQ assessment and unlocking their default leadership styles. In-person participants mingle for a kick-off reception.
Virtual Cohort
Orientation + Your Leader Identity I: September 20, 10am-3pm
In-Person Cohort
In-Person Orientation + Leader Identity I (+ Orientation Reception): September 27, 9am-6pm
October – Session 2: Your Leader Identity 2 + DEI Competencies
Continuing the conversation after HRDQ assessments, examine how we are socialized to think about leadership and what identity has to do with it. Participants then dive into organizational culture and learn strategies to foster inclusive environments and practices in the workplace.
Virtual Cohort
Leader Identity part II + DEI: October 11, 10am-5pm
In-Person Cohort
Leader Identity II + DEI: October 18, 9am-5pm
November – Session 3: Intentional Networking + Networking Session #1
With network mapping and a focus on a specific leadership goal, participants analyze their network and develop an action plan to fill in the gaps in a structured, systematic way while building their relationships within the cohort. Virtual and in-person participants get to know each other in the program’s first specific networking session.
Virtual Cohort
Intentional Networking: November 8, 10am-12:30pm
- Virtual cohort invited to Networking Reception
In-Person Cohort
Intentional Networking + Networking Reception: November 1, 1-6pm
December – Session 4: Individual Action Project Kick-Off
In a virtual session for both cohorts, Chamber learning & development staff introduce the parameters for the Individual Action Project, an opportunity for participants to apply what they learn in the program to a specific problem or issue in their companies or communities.
Both Cohorts
Virtual Individual Action Project Kick-Off: December 7, 10am-12:30pm
January – Session 5: Pinnacle Awards (Optional)
Participants are invited to observe stellar leadership in action at the Chamber’s premier event for women in business (and allied men). Held every January, the Pinnacle Awards honor professional women who have demonstrated excellence in different categories. This inspirational program draws over 1,000 participants from the business and government communities.
Both Cohorts
Pinnacle Awards: January 26, 11am-2pm
February – Session 6: Managing Perceptions + Public Speaking
Using the leadership style identified in September, participants examine how others might perceive them because of their style and learn strategies for managing that perception while navigating gender politics. Furthermore, Boston Public Speaking, the Chamber’s delivery partner, assists participants in finding, amplifying, and using their voices with confidence.
Virtual Cohort
Managing Perceptions + Public Speaking: January 31, 10am-3pm
In-Person Cohort
Managing Perceptions + Public Speaking: February 14, 9am-4pm
March – Session 7: Leading Teams + Negotiations
First, we will explore team leadership in two ways: 1) outlining key elements of team effectiveness, and 2) examining the impact of leadership style on those elements. Participants gain skills for empowering themselves as effective self-advocates and then uncover the fundamentals of successful workplace negotiation and mutual gains problem solving.
Virtual Cohort
Negotiations: March 6, 10am-12:30pm
Leading Teams: March 20, 10am-12:30pm
In-Person Cohort
Negotiations + Leading Teams: March 13, 9am-4pm
April – Session 8: Candid Conversations + Network Session #2
Participants dive into intimate discussions on topics specific to women professionals through a Candid Conversations session with women business leaders from various sectors. Afterwards, participants continue to connect in their second networking reception.
Virtual Cohort
Candid Conversations: April 9, 10am-12pm
- Virtual cohort invited to Networking Reception
In-person Cohort
Candid Conversations + Networking Session : April 3, 1-6pm
April – Session 9: Behind the Scenes of a Women-Led Business
Late in the month, participants witness gender dynamics and leadership in action in the popular Behind-the-Scenes of a Women-Led Business. Business and location changes year by year. In-person cohort attendance at this session is required, and virtual cohort attendance is encouraged.
Both Cohorts
Behind The Scenes of a Women-Led Business: April 24
May - Session 10: Individual Action Project Presentations + Graduation
In the final session, participants virtually present their Individual Action Projects, debrief the experience, then celebrate each other and the cohort’s success in a virtual graduation ceremony with special guest and keynote speakers.
Both Cohorts
Individual Action Project Report Out + Graduation: May 7, 1-5pm