• Mississippi Women in the Lead Public Leadership Training Program

    The Mississippi Women in the Lead (MWL) program, co-sponsored by Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable’s Black Women’s Leadership Institute, the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi’s Women’s Policy Institute, and One Voice’s Mississippi Black Leadership Institute, is a public leadership training program specifically designed to support Mississippi women who are exploring future service in public office. Whether you're considering a role such as school board member, circuit clerk, city council member, or state legislator, MWL equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and network to prepare for and lead effectively in public service.

  • The training will cover essential topics such as:

    • Introduction to Public Leadership and Elections
    • Building Your Vision and Public Leadership Platform
    • Strategic Planning for an Electoral Path
    • Fundraising and Responsible Stewardship
    • Voter Engagement and Outreach Strategy
    • Public Speaking and Community Messaging
    • Mobilizing for Public Leadership

    Who is Eligible?

    • Women living and working in Mississippi. Note: Women who are considered non-traditional leaders in their communities are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes women who live in low-income, underserved communities.
    • Women from diverse professional backgrounds who aspire to serve their community through public service and have the full support of their employer and/or supervisor.
    • Women who are interested in pursuing public service opportunities or supporting other women in community leadership roles.
    • Individuals who agree to all participation requirements - AND whose employers agree to all participation requirements (if applicable). If you need permission from another entity, such as a college program, the appropriate person must also sign the agreement.

    Additional Eligibility Requirement

    • Individuals who are currently candidates for elected public office are not eligible to participate in the Mississippi Women in the Lead Public Leadership Training Program.
    • If a selected participant chooses to become a candidate for public office during the program, they will be immediately removed from participation. In such cases, the participant will be required to return any financial stipends or items of value received through the program and relinquish any claims to benefits provided to other participants.

     

  • MWL 2025 FAQs

     

  • Applicant Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Demographics

  • Please specify your identity.*

  • Program Structure

  • Program Schedule Overview

    MWL will run from late August through December 2025. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

    The program begins with in-person training sessions during Opening Weekend: August 21–23 in Jackson, MS, and concludes with Closing Weekend: December 11–13.
    Opening and Closing weekends include sessions on Thursday evening, Friday, and Saturday.
    In addition, virtual training modules will be held twice per month from September to November, each lasting 1.5 hours from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on the following dates:

    • Thursday, September 4
    • Thursday, September 18
    • Thursday, October 2
    • Thursday, October 16
    • Thursday, November 20

    We will also hold a Midpoint Meeting on Saturday, November 1 (time and location to be announced).

    We strongly recommend that all applicants secure full support from their employer for any time away from work that may be required to participate fully in this program.

  • Are you able to commit to this schedule?*

  • Background and Experience

  • Goals and Expectations

  • Do you plan to pursue a leadership role in your community or through public service within the next two to three years?*

  • Essay Question

  • 0/500

  • References

    Please provide the names, titles, and contact information for two professional references.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Resume and Additional Information

    Please attach resume, employer support letter (see FAQs), and any additional materials that you believe would be helpful to your application (For. ex. school/work project)
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  • Employer Support Letter Template

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  • Submission

    The application deadline is Sunday, July 27, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than Monday, August 4, 2025.The deadline to accept an offer is Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Thank you for completing the MWL application!

  • By clicking “Submit,” you affirm that:

    • You are confirming and acknowledging that if accepted into MWL you will abide by all the program rules and requirements and actively participate in all the sessions.
    • You have provided all information requested and have filled in all applicable sections of the application.
    • Finally, you declare that all information that you have provided in this application is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge.
  • I agree to the terms above.*

  • If you need any accommodation to complete this application, please do not hesitate to contact us at mwl@msbwr.org. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants have the support they need to apply.

  • Disclaimer: Mississippi Women in the Lead is a nonpartisan initiative led in partnership by Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, Women’s Foundation of Mississippi, and One Voice. Together, we are committed to advancing gender equity, civic engagement, and inclusive leadership throughout Mississippi.


    As nonpartisan organizations, we do not endorse, support, or oppose any political party, candidate, or partisan political activity. We operate without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
    We welcome participation from all individuals who share our commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for women in public leadership.

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