Executive Women’s Leadership Program
Elevating Women’s Leadership
Strategies for Influence, Impact, and Career Advancement
Artificial intelligence is changing the workplace faster than most organizations — and most careers — can fully absorb. In today’s environment, the people who will rise, lead, and make a lasting impact are those who can do what technology cannot:
- Communicate with influence and empathy
- Build trust
- Lead through collaboration
- Think strategically and navigate change
- Bring people together around a shared vision.
This is the focus of the Executive Women’s Leadership Program at The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership.
This highly interactive, three-day live program - offered online - is designed for those who are ready to expand their influence, strengthen their leadership abilities, and take the next step in their careers. Whether participants are moving into higher-level leadership, leading teams, managing organizational change, seeking greater confidence and visibility, or navigating a career transition, this program provides the strategies, tools, and community to help them move forward with clarity and purpose.
Participants will develop the leadership capabilities that are essential in today’s workplace, including executive presence, strategic communication, personal branding, resilience, growth mindset, and the ability to overcome professional roadblocks. Through collaborative discussions, hands-on exercises, breakouts, coaching, and peer connection, participants leave with practical strategies they can apply immediately — and a stronger sense of who they are as leaders.
In a world where AI and technology are redefining work, human leadership has never been more important. The Executive Women’s Leadership Program helps women lead with confidence, clarity, influence, and impact.
The next program will take place from September 16-18, 2026.
Reserve your place and take the next step in your leadership journey.
Interested in attending? Ask your organization to invest in your leadership growth today. You can use this email template to help request funding.
- Continued Learning & Community
The learning doesn’t stop after the program ends. Participants can continue their development through six months of virtual Collaboration Circles, facilitated by executive coach, author, and leadership facilitator Leslie Grossman. These sessions provide ongoing support, accountability, and connection with a community of women leaders who are committed to growing together. Through Collaboration Circles, participants will:
• Exchange insights and practical strategies with fellow leaders
• Navigate career and leadership challenges with expert guidance
• Set actionable goals and receive accountability support
• Strengthen professional networks and expand leadership influenceThis extended engagement ensures that participants sustain momentum, refine their leadership approach, and continue growing in their careers long after the program concludes.
- Ideal For
- Women executives and managers seeking to step into higher leadership roles or pivot their careers
- High-potential talent identified by their organizations
- Mid and senior-level managers leading teams or direct reports
- Entrepreneurs, business owners, and family business professionals preparing for leadership roles
- Leaders in nonprofit and mission-driven organizations
- Learning Objectives
- Develop Executive Presence & Communication Mastery – Strengthen your ability to lead with confidence and influence at the highest levels.
- Advance in Leadership & Career Growth – Learn strategies to propel your career forward and position yourself for greater impact.
- Navigate Career Transitions & Overcome Roadblocks – Gain insights and tools to manage leadership changes, pivot careers, and embrace new opportunities.
- Build Trusted Relationships & Expand Your Network – Connect with industry experts, guest speakers, and a supportive community of women leaders.
- Enhance Negotiation & Advocacy Skills – Master the art of negotiating with confidence and advocating for your value.
- Transform Mindset & Leadership Behaviors – Identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from fully contributing and advancing in your organization.
This transformative experience will equip women leaders with the skills, strategies, and supportive network needed to step into positions of greater impact and success—whether within their current organization or as they navigate new career transitions.
Leslie Grossman
For nearly two decades, Leslie Grossman has been a trailblazer in leadership, gender equality, and women’s influence and impact. She is an accomplished executive coach, dynamic keynote speaker, and highly regarded researcher. In her role as senior fellow and program facilitator of the Executive Women’s Leadership program at The George Washington University, Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, Leslie transforms executives and entrepreneurs alike with her insights and actionable strategies for success. Leslie made her mark in New York City by founding the Women’s Leadership Exchange, the first national conference program for women entrepreneurs and executives. Over its 10-year run, she built a powerful platform that inspired thousands of women to reach new heights in their careers and businesses.
Leslie is also the author of three impactful books, including her latest, ‘Start with Vision’ (Apricity Publishing). This practical handbook equips women to craft and achieve their personal and professional visions through the 7 Tenets of Leadership: Vision, Presence, Communication, Mindset, Collaboration Circles, Courage, and Confidence. Her innovative framework provides a clear pathway for women to excel at every career stage. Expected to be available in April, 2025 is ‘Circles of Collaboration’.
From running a communications business in NYC to launching a groundbreaking national leadership conference, and the Her Circle Leadership Coach Training Program, Leslie has a track record of transforming ideas into successful movements. Her programs seamlessly adapt to corporate, academic, and organizational contexts, ensuring meaningful impact in every environment. Contact Leslie at lesliegrossman
gwu [dot] edu (lesliegrossman[at]gwu[dot]edu) and Leslie
lesliegrossmanleadership [dot] com (Leslie[at]lesliegrossmanleadership[dot]com).
Breaking Barriers: Advancing Women’s Leadership In Business
In celebration of Women's History Month, Leslie Grossman, Senior Fellow with GW CEPL, and four exemplary women leaders in business had a conversation about what it means to be a woman in business, and gave insightful and practical techniques on excelling as a woman leader in business.
Be part of the conversation on women's leadership in business and gain valuable insights in our Executive Women's Leadership Program (EWLP) designed for executives who have potential for greater leadership responsibilities.
Recent & Upcoming Speakers
DATES
2026 Dates:
September 16-18, 2026
9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
CLASS SIZE
Small group of up to 25
VENUE
Virtual: Live, Instructor-Led
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UNITS
2.4 CEUs
MODEL
Interactive with Breakouts
10% OFF
GW CEPL Alumni
Groups of 5+
Exclusive Partners
TUITION PRICE
EWLP: $3,220/person
Denise Dunning
Veterans Benefits Administration/OFM
Enterprise Risk Management
“This course has given me a new perspective on my personal life as well as my career. A must- attend course because this touches on all aspects of our lives.”
Elizabeth Rudd
HUD, Office of Policy Development & Research
“I have a renewed sense of purpose; I will be more intentional about building my network; I think I have a grasp of how to talk to my higher-ups.”
Christina Medina Rousseau
NSA, Chief, Network Security
"...I truly value the tools and techniques we have learned to be fierce and powerful. In addition, realizing my vision has made me more motivated than I could have imagined!..."
Kathleen Sly
Presidential Management Fellow
“I feel that I have more confidence to manage my own future in the public sector. Also put my vision and energy into the areas that I have power over to make improvements for the better..."
Alycia Yozzi
GSA Chief of Operations
“Phenomenal course. I believe I will be better in negotiating and presenting a better brand. I would highly recommend it for both quality of the content, the safe space it provides and the network one will have afterwards.”
Sonia Green
Antiterrorism/Physical Security Officer
“It’s life changing. These three days helped me to define my vision. If you are stuck or need assistance over the hump, attend this course.”
Eglantina Gjermani
"It helped increase my confidence, improve my negotiation skills, further development my leadership skills and enriched my knowledge. I would strongly recommend it to my colleagues and friends."
Cathy Montes
“It is hard for me to explain what the 3 days did for me personally. I got so much from Leslie, the presenters and the other professional women in the class. I have raved about the program to my friends, colleagues and my supervisor. I believe all professional women should take this program!"
Almena Ryans
“I came away from the Executive Women's Leadership Program enlightened -- from both a professional standpoint and a personal standpoint. I am so excited about moving forward.”
Laurence Telson
“The program gave me the framework to explore what I really wanted in my life and who I am as a leader. I now see that I am an agent of myself.”
Carey Kluttz
"The content and faculty were great... I didn't expect to enjoy all the sessions, but was pleasantly surprised, and I also really enjoyed getting to know all the fantastic women in the program."
Verneka Roberts
“As an aspiring leader, I was elated that the program reignited and moved me into action on leadership strategies. In addition, I gained new insights, like emotional intelligence, which will enable me to continue to develop as a leader and reach the Vision I am so committed to."
Contact:
Leslie Grossman
Senior Fellow, Executive Women's Leadership Program
lesliegrossman
gwu [dot] edu (subject: EWLP%20Web%20Inquiry) (lesliegrossman[at]gwu[dot]edu)
646-235-9307
Center for Excellence in Public Leadership
cepl
gwu [dot] edu (subject: Web%20Inquiry) (cepl[at]gwu[dot]edu)
