Women Faith Leaders Fellowship - Georgetown University

• Leadership Development: Enhance sisters' leadership skills to increase their effectiveness and influence within their communities and beyond through in-person engagement and online programs.
• Empower Women and Girls: Advocate for girls and young women by working to strengthen and scale programs that lift up women and girls in their home communities. Examples may include programs in education, gender-based violence, health, anti-trafficking, or economic empowerment.
• Community Impact: Equip sisters to design and implement projects that lift up women and girls using community-based development approaches and global best practices. 
• Global Networking: Connect sisters with international organizations, NGOs, and development agencies to foster collaboration and expand participants’ influence among sisters.
• Professional Advancement: Fellows that successfully complete the program will receive a Georgetown University certificate that will enhance their professional credentials.

Orientation and Team Building in Nairobi, Kenya (October/November)

Kick off the fellowship with in-person collaborative training and information sessions on leadership, communication skills, fellowship structure, and team building.

Washington, DC-Based Leadership Development Program (February/March)

Intensive two-week program at Georgetown University focusing on leadership development skills building, advocacy, and communications during which sisters will also engage with international organizations and experts in leadership, community-based development, and women’s and girls’ empowerment. 

Online Learning

Virtual sessions to support learning, mentorship, and capstone project development; guest speakers and thematic discussions tailored to the fellows’ interests and needs.

Capstone Projects

Supported by mentors, fellows will design and implement capstone projects that address local issues; fellows will act on opportunities to attend relevant conferences and meetings or acquire additional training to support project development.

The fellowship’s design is rooted in the Catholic and Jesuit values of Georgetown University’s approach to education, including cura personalis (care of the whole person), faith that does justice, and contemplation in action. As such, the fellowship prioritizes:

• mentorship and support tailored to each fellow’s unique gifts and challenges,
• content that equips participants to tackle social injustices and address the needs of the most vulnerable,
• experiential learning based in reflection and spiritual practice.

How many fellows are selected each year? 

The next cohort of Women Faith Leaders Fellows will consist of up to 18 individuals.

What are the eligibility requirements?

1. Religious Affiliation: Must be a Catholic sister actively involved in religious and community service.
2. Geographic Focus: The 2024-2025 priority countries are Kenya and Ghana. Catholic sisters from other Sub-Saharan African countries are also welcome to apply in the event additional space in the cohort becomes available.
3. Proficiency in spoken and written English. 
4. Strong commitment to enhancing women’s and girls' roles in society.
5. Willingness to engage in collaborative work and share insights with a diverse group of fellows and mentors.
6. Able to commit to the full duration of the 10-month program, including travel for the initial convening in Kenya and the two-week training in Washington, DC.
7. Support and Endorsement: Must have the endorsement of their religious superiors and the support of their congregation for participation in the fellowship.

How long does the application process take? 

June 17, 2024 – Application portal and nomination forms open

July 31, 2024 – Nomination forms due (see more information about nominations below)

August 9, 2024 – Applications due 

August 2024 – Selection committee convenes and review applications

September 6, 2024 – Selected fellows informed

September 13, 2024 – Fellowship agreement due date 

Is there a degree requirement for the fellowship? 

No. Most successful candidates will have strong academic backgrounds – bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even Ph.D.s – but leadership potential, relevant experience, and the ability to champion women and girls at the community level can be demonstrated without the presence of a formal degree. Applicants who have completed a university degree are required to submit a copy of their transcripts. 

Is there a minimum work experience requirement? 

No. Successful candidates will have demonstrated interest in working with women and girls in their communities and a stated desire to strengthen and scale that work. While work experience is a typical way candidates show demonstrated interest, co-curricular activities, club memberships, volunteerism, and many other types of activities may also be considered.

How well do I have to know English for this program? 

The program does not have a formal English proficiency requirement, but fellows must have strong enough English language skills to participate in all program components. Much of the program and its content are highly interactive and international in nature.

If I applied previously and was not selected, can I apply again? 

Yes, we encourage you to apply again. 

Are references required?

Yes. Each applicant will be asked to provide one personal reference and one institutional reference when filling out the application form. Personal references should be able to speak to your professional interests and leadership qualities. Institutional references should be from your congregation, conference, or institution and, in addition to professional abilities and leadership qualities, should confirm that you have the support of your superiors to participate in all aspects of the fellowship program, including the international travel components.

What if I am accepted to the program but am not able to attend? 

We ask that you not apply to this program unless you are absolutely certain you are able to attend the Africa and U.S. training modules and follow through on a capstone project during the fellowship year. An institutional endorsement must also be submitted verifying that you have your superiors’ support to participate in the fellowship and they are willing to allow you to take time off from your duties for the in-person learning modules. In case of an emergency or unforeseeable circumstances that preclude your participation, you must notify fellowship staff as soon as possible. 

How does the nomination process work?

If you work with or otherwise know a Catholic sister who would be a good fit for this fellowship we encourage you to nominate her using the nomination form on the fellowship website or by writing to us as womenfaithleaders@georgetown.edu. We will reach out to all nominees and work with them to complete the application process should they choose to proceed. Nominations can help strengthen an applicant’s candidacy. 

What is the time commitment?

Participation in the program is not a full-time commitment. The main program components are two in-person learning sessions (one in Nairobi in late October that will require approximately four days of dedicated time and one in Washington, DC in March that will require approximately two weeks of dedicated time). Between the in-person learning modules there will be virtual programming and work on capstone projects that may be completed asynchronously. 

Am I provided funding to participate in this program? 

All program expenses are covered, including costs for coursework and programming, airfares, lodging and meals, visa fees, and health and accident insurance. Fellows will also receive financial support related to technology needs and capstone project completion. Capstone funding of approximately $5,000 USD will be made available to each fellow upon submission of a required capstone proposal and budget.

What other kinds of support will I receive?

WFLF will work with each fellow to ensure mentorship support tailored to the fellow’s professional interests and capstone theme. Fellows will also receive the support of their fellowship cohort, many of whom will become lifelong friends and supporters.

What are some examples of past capstone projects?

• Developing community forums in Kenya to raise awareness about women’s and girls’ rights for more than 1,000 girls and young women (aged 15 to 30 years) from 10 schools in 10 conflict-prone areas.
• Empowering women with knowledge and skills for climate justice advocacy while earning income in Ghana.
• Reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality in rural communities in Uganda through awareness raising and timely access to appropriate medical care.

Do I have any responsibilities after the fellowship year? 

All fellows become part of an active and engaged alumnae network that will encourage ongoing collaboration and the sharing of ideas, resources, and support.

Why does the fellowship have priority countries?

The reason for country focus is to integrate and link the fellowship and its programming to country-specific development plans and strategies and to help develop robust networks of women faith leaders at the country and community level.

Can I still apply if I am not from one of the priority countries?

Yes. Catholic sisters from other Sub-Saharan African countries are also welcome to apply in the event additional space in the current cohort becomes available. If you are not able to participate in the current cohort, but your country is added as a priority country in future cycles of the fellowship, we will notify you.