The ideal applicant is an emerging leaders 21-39 years old, at the beginning of their career and leadership journey. They have a desire to be involved in the Columbus community through professional and community service and want to effect positive social change. Applicants will, preferably, have little to no formal leadership development training in academic, community, or work settings. Their passion for social change will align with YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, and the candidate will be able to fully commit to meeting at least once a month during the 11 month-program. We welcome cisgender women, transgender women, and gender-expansive individuals who experience gender-based oppression and are comfortable participating in a women’s program to apply.

Upon acceptance into the Leadership for Social Change program, each participant is required to pay a program tuition of $300 due no later than Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Participants will be asked to complete an employer commitment agreement. The commitment is a way for participants to share their acceptance with their employers, ensure they are in agreement about the time commitment, and highlight the participant’s commitment to ongoing leadership development. We encourage participants to explore with their supervisors the possibility of the company sponsoring their participation.

Scholarships are available for those experiencing financial hardships. Please inquire for more details.

25 participants will be selected for the 2025 Leadership for Social Change Program. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussion with each other, workshop presenters, and Columbus community leaders around a myriad of social justice, personal and professional development topics.

The program seeks to support emerging leaders who bring new ideas, methods and energy to social change work. Throughout the duration of the program and beyond, participants will be challenged to do the following:

• Participate in workshops facilitated by those working with social change organizations, particularly grassroots and community-based groups

• Enhance their confidence to actively participate in democratic processes

• Strive to strengthen their ability to help shape progressive policies in the communities in which they live and work

• Develop theoretical and practical knowledge/approaches to leadership and social change

• Identify and build relationships with community members within local social service, education, and governmental agencies as they begin to participate in movement building work

• Contribute to changing discourses in various workplace environments to endorse progressive social justice values

• Participate in group volunteer opportunities that utilize their leadership skills and passions to further YWCA Columbus’ advocacy priorities

This 11-month learning experience will include formal and informal learning opportunities for participants. Program components will appeal to a variety of leadership learning styles and may include, but not be limited to, personal and professional development, experiential learning, fundraising, and networking.

In addition to monthly meetings, Cohort Connection events provide voluntary opportunities where participants can connect with one another and the program’s Alumni through educational workshops, community building events, and book/movie discussions in a book study style format.

The safety and health of all YWCA Columbus program participants is our primary concern. 2025 Leadership for Social Change sessions will take place in-person at YWCA Columbus’ downtown office (located at 65 S. 4th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215) but we reserve the right to transition to virtual sessions, depending on the state of COVID-19. Consistent participation is expected, regardless if sessions meet virtually or in-person.

Leadership for Social Change participants are expected to do the following:

• Miss no more than three of all scheduled meetings and events including the mandatory Opening Retreat on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, 2025, and the mandatory Closing Retreat on Saturday, November 2, 2025

• Fully participate in all discussions, activities and networking opportunities

• Be open to new ideas and points of view

• Complete all the requirements of the Board Member Informational Interview & #AlliesOnAMission group service project

  • Participants must conduct an informational interview with a sitting board member, and turn in a one-page written summary of their experience by the Closing Retreat.

  • Participants must complete a group service project and give a 5-7 minute presentation at the Closing Retreat.

• Complete the program volunteer requirement centered around civic engagement

• Practice networking with YWCA Columbus Alumni and Board Members at the Summer Alumni Mixer

Click here to access the 2025 Fact Sheet for Kathy Duffy Espy Leadership for Social Change (LSC).