About the Women Faith Leaders Fellowship
The Women Faith Leaders Fellowship is a ten-month professional fellowship for experienced Catholic sisters from across sub-Saharan Africa who are leading efforts to advance the dignity, opportunity, and well-being of women and girls in their communities.
The fellowship approaches leadership as an ongoing process of formation. Through dialogue, reflection, mentorship, and engagement with diverse perspectives, fellows deepen their leadership practice while learning alongside peers and engaging with scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and faith leaders from around the world.
Hosted by the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University, the fellowship draws on the Center's distinctive ability to convene diverse voices across disciplines, sectors, cultures, and religious traditions. By connecting local leadership with global conversations, the fellowship broadens perspectives, strengthens relationships, and equips fellows to lead with greater confidence and impact.
The Women Faith Leaders Fellowship is an initiative of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University.
Leadership Development: Deepen participants' leadership practice through reflection, dialogue, mentorship, and engagement with diverse perspectives, strengthening their ability to lead effectively within their communities and in broader national, regional, and global contexts.
Empower Women and Girls: Support experienced women faith leaders in advancing the dignity, opportunity, and well-being of women and girls by strengthening their capacity to influence policies, institutions, and programs that shape their lives.
Community Impact: Equip fellows to translate new ideas, relationships, and perspectives into meaningful action within their ministries and communities, drawing on both local expertise and global learning.
Global Networking: Connect fellows with scholars, practitioners, policymakers, faith leaders, and one another to foster lasting relationships, mutual learning, and collaboration across countries, sectors, and disciplines.
Professional Advancement: Recognize fellows' successful completion of the program with a Georgetown University certificate while expanding their professional networks, visibility, and opportunities for continued leadership and engagement.
Orientation and Community Building
Begin the fellowship by building relationships across the cohort, introducing the fellowship’s educational approach, and establishing a shared foundation for collaborative learning, reflection, and dialogue.
In-Person Immersive Learning
Participate in an intensive in-person educational program that brings fellows into conversation with one another and with scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and faith leaders. Through workshops, site visits, dialogue, and reflection, fellows will explore leadership, advocacy, communication, and the role of faith in addressing challenges facing women and girls.
Virtual Learning and Mentorship
Engage in virtual learning sessions, mentorship, and peer exchange throughout the fellowship. Sessions will respond to fellows’ leadership contexts and interests while helping participants reflect on their practice, strengthen their influence, and apply new perspectives within their ministries and communities.
Strategic Engagement
Identify and pursue opportunities to contribute to relevant policy, advocacy, professional, or faith-based conversations at the local, national, regional, or global level. Fellows will receive support in preparing for these opportunities, building relationships, and connecting their community-rooted leadership with broader conversations.
The Women Faith Leaders Fellowship is grounded in the Catholic and Jesuit educational tradition of Georgetown University and reflects the Berkley Center's commitment to dialogue across disciplines, cultures, and faith traditions. Guided by principles such as cura personalis (care for the whole person), faith that does justice, and contemplation in action, the fellowship emphasizes:
Formation through reflection: Leadership development that integrates intellectual inquiry, personal reflection, and lived experience.
Dialogue across difference: Learning alongside peers and engaging with scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and faith leaders whose diverse perspectives deepen understanding and strengthen leadership practice.
Accompaniment and mentorship: Individualized mentorship and a supportive learning community that recognizes each fellow's unique gifts, context, and aspirations.
Leadership in service of the common good: Equipping fellows to advance the dignity, opportunity, and well-being of women and girls while contributing to stronger communities and more just societies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fellows are selected each year?
The Women Faith Leaders Fellowship typically selects a cohort of 14-18 fellows. Georgetown University reserves the right to determine the size of each cohort based on program needs and available funding.
Who is eligible to apply?
The fellowship is intended for experienced Catholic sisters serving in ministry or community leadership in sub-Saharan Africa who are committed to advancing opportunities for women and girls.
Is a university degree required?
No. A university degree is not required. We welcome applications from experienced leaders with a wide range of educational backgrounds. Selection is based on leadership experience, commitment to the fellowship's mission, and potential to contribute to and benefit from the learning community.
How well do I need to know English?
The fellowship is conducted in English. Applicants should be comfortable participating in discussions, collaborating with peers, and engaging with written materials throughout the program.
Can I apply again if I was not selected previously?
Yes. We encourage eligible applicants who were not selected in a previous cycle to apply again. Each application cycle is reviewed independently, and many strong applicants are unsuccessful simply because there are more qualified applicants than available fellowship spaces.
Can I nominate someone for the fellowship?
Yes. If you know a Catholic sister who may be a good fit for the fellowship, we encourage you to invite her to complete our Expression of Interest Form or contact us at womenfaithleaders@georgetown.edu to learn more.
What is the time commitment?
The fellowship spans approximately ten months and includes both virtual and in-person learning. Fellows are expected to participate fully in all required program activities while continuing in their ministries.
What costs are covered?
There is no cost to participate in the fellowship. Program-related expenses, including required travel, accommodations, meals during fellowship activities, and visa fees (when applicable) are covered by the program.
What kind of support do fellows receive?
Fellows receive individualized mentorship, access to a diverse network of peers and experts, and ongoing support from the fellowship team throughout the program.
What happens after the fellowship ends?
Graduates become part of the Women Faith Leaders Fellowship alumnae network, providing opportunities for continued collaboration, professional engagement, and lifelong connection with fellow participants.
How can I learn about future application opportunities?
If applications are not currently open, we encourage you to complete our Expression of Interest Form. Individuals who submit the form will receive fellowship updates and be notified when future application opportunities become available.
