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Women’s Leadership Program – Class of 2025-26
IN PERSON CURRICULUM OUTLINE
Session 1: Orientation + Your Leader Identity 1 + Opening Reception
September 17, 9:00am – 6:00pm [9 hours]
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. Participants mingle at a local bar or restaurant for the program opening reception.
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Session 2: Your Leader Identity 2 + Intentional Networking + Networking Reception
October 22, 9:00am – 6:00pm [9 hours]
Continuing the conversation after HRDQ assessments, we will examine how we are socialized to think about leadership and what identity has to do with it. With network mapping and a focus on a specific leadership goal, participants then 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.
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Session 3: Innovative Approaches to Communication + Advanced Inclusive Leadership
November 19, 9:00am – 4:00pm [7 hours]
The morning session introduces an innovative and impactful way to change how participants communicate within their own workplaces, run meetings, and establish respectful environments for their teams. The Chamber’s director of learning & development, an advanced Visual Thinking Strategies facilitator, demonstrates how to elevate your company’s social-emotional intelligence in a creative way. The afternoon session focuses on the critical skills and awareness needed to manage a diverse workforce and to build inclusive environments for equitable workplace experiences. Participants gain an understanding of key DEI concepts, how to advocate for the integration of DEI into their own offices, and identifying and interrupting conscious and unconscious biases in the workplace.
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Session 4: Individual Action Project Kick-Off Panel
December 3, 11:00am-1:00pm [2 hours]
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. Participants then have an opportunity to brainstorm and discuss with women from both cohorts.
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Session 5: Pinnacle Awards (Optional)
January 2025 11:00am – 1:00pm [2 hours]
Participants are invited to celebrate 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. Tickets to this event are included in WLP tuition.
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Session 6: Managing Perceptions
February 5, 1:00pm – 3:00pm [2 hours]
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.
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Session 7: Candid Conversations + Networking Session #2
March 25, 2:00 – 6:00pm [4 hours]
Participants dive into intimate discussions on topics specific to women professionals through a Candid Conversations session with women business leaders from various sectors, all representing the Advisory Board of the Chamber’s Women’s Network. Afterwards, participants continue to connect in their second networking reception.
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Session 8: Public Speaking With Confidence + Negotiations
March 4, 9:00am-4:00pm [7 hours]
Furthermore, Boston Public Speaking, the Chamber’s delivery partner, assists participants in finding, amplifying, and using their voices with confidence.
Participants gain skills for empowering themselves as effective self-advocates and then uncover the fundamentals of successful workplace negotiation and mutual gains problem solving.
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Session 9: Leading Teams + Organizational Change
March 25, 9:00am-4:00pm
Session 10: Behind the Scenes of a Women-Led Business
Late April [2 hours]
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.
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Session 10: Individual Action Project Presentations + Graduation
May 7, 2025 @ 1:00-5:00pm [4 hours]
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.
End of Program Celebration
May 20th 4:00pm-7:00pm