A transformative leadership journey created by Women of Colour for Women of Colour.

WoC ELP 2024 cohort & WoCA team. Photo by Marcela Lehocka.

At a glance

  • Duration: July – November 2025
  • Participants: 20 Victorian Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
  • Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Delivery: Hybrid (Face-to-Face + Online)
  • Sector Distribution 
    – Public: 6 spots 
    – Community: 6 spots 
    – Private: 8 spots 
  • Cost
    – Fully funded for public & community sectors
    – $5,000 co-payment for private sector

Each place is valued at $15,000. The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program is supported by the Victorian Government.

For private sector participants, a $5,000 co-payment applies. Why?

✔ Shared accountability – This co-investment signals genuine employer commitment to advancing Women of Colour in leadership roles and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.

✔ Program sustainability – Your contribution helps us continue delivering a high-impact program through expert coaching, psychological support, and rigorous evaluation—ensuring lasting change for current and future cohorts.

✔ Strengthening sector engagement – It also deepens our partnerships with the private sector, creating a network of aligned organisations championing equity, leadership, and systemic change.

Why this program matters

Women of Colour are deeply underrepresented in executive roles across all sectors. This program is about flipping that script—building leadership on a foundation of identity, community, and lived experience.

✔ Centred on intersectionality, not mainstream norms
✔ Co-created with Women of Colour, including First Nations women
 ✔ Backed by the Victorian Government, and aligned with Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023-2027
 ✔ Shaped by lived experience and continuous participant feedback

And the impact is real.
From our very first cohort in 2023, 6 of 9 participants were promoted to more senior roles within six months of completing the program.

Here’s a glimpse into how the program has transformed the leadership journeys of our participants:

“The experience was transformative for me. It allowed me to fully embrace my identity and confront the trauma tied to it, while reflecting on my cultural upbringing. I gained a deeper understanding of how my strengths and weaknesses have been shaped by these experiences. The program also gave me the chance to reassess my core values and consider the additional values I need to embody as an inclusive leader. It deepened my appreciation for my cultural heritage, ancestral wisdom, and the importance of owning my story and success. I believe this program is having a lasting impact on my life.” – 2024 Program Participant

“The concept of Va was very unique and practical. It’s something I can apply both in my personal and professional life. The analogy of the intersection of the sea and sand is perfect because it highlights the interconnection, the give and take, and the specific area where that connection happens. It’s a powerful lesson that will stay with me on my leadership journey.” – 2024 Program Participant

“The most valuable insight I gained from my 1:1 coaching with Koon was recognising the transformative power of strategising with a trusted coach. This experience sharpened my skills in leadership benchmarking, understanding psychological dynamics, navigating my inner voice, and exploring diverse perspectives and pathways.” – 2024 Program Participant

Read more past participants' experiences here.

"Women of Colour are absolutely ready to lead with power and force and I am really pleased to be a part of it. I truly believe that you have to be representative of your communities if you want to be good leaders. I think that this leadership program is going to help so many of the businesses, of the Departments, of the groups that you come from to embed some real change.~ The Hon. Minister Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Women, Victoria.

What you’ll learn

Explore a bold, holistic leadership experience designed for and with Women of Colour. Each module combines storytelling, strategy, and support.

Module 0: Purposeful Storytelling (½ day online)

Date: 14 July 2025

Learn to harness the power of lived experience. Use storytelling as a leadership tool to amplify your voice and inspire change.

Module 1: Addressing Burnout (1 day in-person)

Date: 21 July 2025
Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria

New for 2025, this module was developed in response to participant feedback. Build resilience, manage stress, and prevent burnout. Includes expert strategies and support from a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed psychologist.

Module 2: Honouring First Nations – Truth-telling, Decolonising Leadership & Fostering Reconciliation (2 days in-person)

Dates: 22-23 July 2025
Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria

New for 2025, this powerful module was co-designed in response to feedback from a First Nations participant and the broader 2024 cohort. It centres First Nations knowledge and leadership, inviting participants to deepen their understanding of history, culture, and ways of knowing. Through truth-telling, relational learning, and practices of reconciliation, participants will strengthen their capacity to lead with respect, responsibility, and cultural integrity.

Module 3: Identity, Intersectionality, and Influence (2 days in-person)

Dates: 28-29 August 2025
Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria

Explore how your cultural identity shapes your leadership journey and how to navigate systems that were designed for a particular 'archetype', applying an intersectional lens. Lead with courage, authenticity, and strategic influence.

Module 4: Self-advocating and Activating Allies and Sponsors (3 days in-person)

Dates: 23-25 September 2025
Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria

Develop bold communication and advocacy skills. Learn to identify and activate allies and sponsors, to accelerate your career and drive equity through influence.

Module 5: Fostering Transformative Cultures (2 days in-person)

Dates: 25-26 November 2025
Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria

Discover how to cultivate inclusive, culturally safe environments. Rooted in the Pasifika concept of Vā, this module nurtures belonging and lasting impact.

Ongoing Support

 

Executive Coaching (2 x 1-hour sessions)

Between carefully selected modules, participants of the WoC ELP will engage in personalised online executive coaching sessions. These one-on-one interactions are designed to enhance self-awareness, deepen their understanding of their unique leadership style, and help them set specific, actionable goals for personal and professional growth. With expert guidance by experienced executive coach, Koon Lai, participants will gain valuable insights and develop strategies to excel as leaders in their respective fields, fostering transformative change and driving positive impacts.

Psychological Wraparound Support (3 days in-person)

Dates: 20-22 October 2025
Venue: Wesley Place Business Hub, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Victoria

Wellbeing matters. Access a dedicated session with a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed psychologist and holistic support to strengthen your mental health and leadership resilience.

Meet the Facilitators

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program is led by a team of experienced professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in leadership development. Our facilitators include:

Tasneem Chopra OAM

Tasneem Chopra OAM is an experienced Cross-Cultural Consultant and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) trainer helping businesses, not-for-profits and government understand and navigate diversity and inclusion using an intersectional lens.

Abiola Ajetomobi

Abiola Ajetomobi is the Founding Director of Leading Impact, an Equity & Inclusion consulting agency whose vision is to create inclusive and equitable organisations and leaders with lived experience at the heart of its strategic intent and legacy.

Shelley Ware

Shelley Ware was one of the first Aboriginal women, to regularly appear on mainstream television and now has over two decades of experience in live television broadcast. Shelley is also a teacher and is passionate, about embedding First Nations histories and cultures into our classrooms and the national curriculum.

Simi Rayat

Simi Rayat is a globally acclaimed business psychologist
and one of Australia’s top leadership coaches. With over two decades of experience, she has helped hundreds of leaders and business owners transform their leadership to become a joy to work with.

Mahana Culture

Mahana Culture's Established in 2016 by Tavale Ilalio, Mahana is committed to cultivating cultures of connection and belonging. Tending to their Vā — a Polynesian term for ‘the relational space between’ — Mahana emphasises the significance of developing relationships and designing learning experiences that honour culture, connectedness, and individual ecosystems. 

Meet the Executive Coach

Historically, Women of Colour have had limited access to executive coaching, which often overlooks the nuanced challenges faced by leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds. As part of our commitment to offering a truly transformative experience, our program features executive coaching led by Koon Lai, a Women of Colour herself. This is a standout component of our program, providing participants with tailored support from someone who not only understands the systemic barriers but also brings a wealth of lived experience and professional expertise to the table.

Koon Lai

Koon Lai is an executive coach with over two decades of leadership experience at one of Australia's largest global consulting firms. With a strong background in executive roles, she brings a wealth of real-life experience to support leaders through a holistic approach that combines practical insights with transformative coaching techniques.

She has made significant strides in advancing numerous multicultural leaders, helping them unlock their full potential and overcome systemic barriers. As a Malaysian-Chinese and a mother of three boys, Koon's clients value her whole person approach, which helps them develop authentic leadership skills both in their professional and personal lives.

Program Journey

  • June 2025: Pre-Program Online Session
  • July – November 2025: 5 In-Person Modules
  • October 2025: Wellness Check-Ins
  • Ongoing: One-on-One Executive Coaching
  • June 2026: Post-Program Survey & Impact Follow-up

Program Guide

New for 2025, the Program Guide is a unique support role embedded in the program. Designed based on feedback from the 2024 WoC ELP, the Guide ensures seamless learning across modules, promotes meaningful leadership development, and plays a crucial role in risk management. By participating in each session, the Guide fosters smooth transitions, reinforces key insights, and addresses potential challenges, such as interpersonal dynamics and group tensions. More than just a facilitator, the Program Guide acts as a strategic connector, helping participants bridge theory with practice and develop actionable leadership approaches that extend beyond the program.

Who should apply?

The 2025 Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program is designed for Victorian Women of Colour, including First Nations women, who are aspiring to or currently in leadership roles across the public, community, and private sectors. If you are a Woman of Colour committed to enhancing your leadership capabilities, fostering meaningful impact, and driving systemic change in your workplace or community, this program is for you. We welcome applicants from all sectors who are ready to grow, connect, and lead with authenticity and influence.

Eligibility & Commitment

Applications open Tuesday 6 May 2025 and close 3pm (AEST) Saturday 31 May 2025.

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria.

Eligibility

Applicants must identify as Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and hold a mid-to-senior level management position in their organisation. Applicants must currently be living in Victoria.

Commitment to the Program

Applicants must be willing to commit the necessary time and effort to fully participate in the program and make meaningful contributions to their cohort.

Leadership Experience

Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership experience, including a track record of professional achievements, ability to inspire and motivate others, and commitment to personal and professional growth.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Applicants should be passionate about promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their organisations and communities, and be willing to serve as role models and champions for other Women of Colour.

Alignment

Applicants should be able to articulate how the program aligns with their career goals and how they plan to apply the learnings to drive positive change in their organisations and communities.

Commitment to Safety of Self and Others

Applicants must respect everyone's unique experiences, maintain confidentiality, embrace inclusivity, and adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination, fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment throughout the program.

With thanks to our venue & catering sponsors

Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions about the program structure, eligibility, and application process. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at elp@womenofcolour.org.au.

What is the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program (WoC ELP)?The WoC ELP is a 5-month leadership development program, an initiative of Women of Colour Australia (WoCA), supported by the Victorian government, aimed at empowering Women of Colour in Victoria, including First Nations women. The program includes in-person workshops, one-on-one executive coaching, and wraparound psychological support. It is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in executive leadership roles.
What are the key dates for the 2025 WoC ELP?June 2025: Pre-Program Online Session
July – November 2025: 5 In-Person Modules
October 2025 - Wellness check-ins
Ongoing: One-on-One Executive Coaching
June 2026: Post-Program Survey & Impact Follow-up
What modules are included in the WoC ELP?The program includes the following modules:

Module 0: Purposeful Storytelling (½ day online)
Module 1: Addressing Burnout (1 day in-person)
Module 2: Honouring First Nations (2 days in-person)
Module 3: Identity, Intersectionality, and Influence (2 days in-person)
Module 4: Self-advocating and Activating Allies (3 days in-person)
Module 5: Fostering Transformative Cultures (2 days in-person)
Coaching: 2 x 1-hour executive coaching sessions
Psychological Wraparound Support: Access to psychologist sessions
What is the program structure?The WoC ELP consists of five interconnected modules, delivered through in-person workshops, complemented by personalised online or in-person executive coaching sessions scheduled between modules. This structure ensures a comprehensive and continuous learning experience, allowing participants to fully integrate their learning throughout the program.
What are the program costs?- Fully funded for public and community sector participants, thanks to the generous support of the Victorian Government.

- $5,000 co-payment for private sector participants. The Victorian Government subsidises the first $10,000 of the program, which is valued at $15,000 per participant. This structure ensures affordability while promoting corporate sector accountability and commitment to advancing Women of Colour in leadership roles.
Who is eligible to participate in the WoC ELP?The program is open to Women of Colour, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who identify as women or non-binary individuals. Applicants must hold a mid-to-senior level management position and have a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How do I apply for the WoC ELP?Applications open Tuesday 6 May 2025 and close 3pm (AEST) Saturday 31 May 2025. Interested applicants can apply via the online application portal.
What is the selection criteria for the program?Applicants will be selected based on the following:

- Leadership experience
- Alignment with career goals
- Commitment to the program
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Commitment to safety of self and others (ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment).
Who forms the Selection Committee for the WoC ELP?The Selection Committee is composed entirely of WoCA community members. WoCA members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives to the selection process, ensuring that the most promising candidates are identified based on the established criteria.
How many spots are available in the program?There are 20 spots available in total, with 6 spots reserved for public sector participants, 6 for community sector participants, and 8 for private sector participants.
What qualifies as the “community sector” for program eligibility?The community sector—also known as the not-for-profit, nonprofit, third, or social sector—includes organisations that are neither commercial nor governmental and pursue a range of charitable, social, or community-focused purposes.

This includes (but is not limited to):

- Social enterprises
- Community health and legal centres
- Faith-based organisations
- Advocacy groups
- Charities and foundations
- Cultural, environmental, and educational nonprofits
- Community service organisations

If your organisation delivers services, support, or programs to improve social wellbeing, it likely falls under the community sector. Most social enterprises are considered eligible under this category.

If you’re unsure whether your organisation qualifies, feel free to contact us at elp@womenofcolour.org.a
Will I receive any support during the program?Yes, the program includes one-on-one executive coaching sessions and psychological wraparound support to ensure participant well-being and sustained growth. Additionally, you will be supported by a Program Guide, a unique role embedded in the program to ensure learning continuity, facilitate smooth transitions between modules, and help apply insights across your leadership journey. The Program Guide plays a key role in enhancing the learning experience and addressing any challenges that may arise throughout the program.
When will I be notified of the outcome of my application?Successful applicants will be notified by Monday, 9 June 2025.

We exist to champion Australia’s Women of Colour.

THE ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE “WOMEN OF COLOR”

"Women of Color is not a biological designation. It is a solidarity definition. A commitment to work in collaboration with other oppressed women of color who have been minoritized. It is a term that has a lot of power." Loretta Ross
Learn more here

WOMEN DEFINITION

Women - Transgender and cisgender, all those who experience or have experienced oppression as women, including non-binary and gender non-conforming people and all those who identify as women. Self-definition is at the discretion of the individual.
Definition credit: wire.org.au

ALLY DEFINITION

A - always centre the impacted
L - listen and learn from those who live in oppression
L - leverage your privilege
Y - yield the floor
*Mnemonic credit: Kayla Reed Executive Director ACTION St. Louis.

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We acknowledge the Wallumattagal clan of the Darug nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Women of Colour Australia is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with whom we stand in solidarity. We acknowledge that as settlers on this stolen Aboriginal land, we are beneficiaries of the dispossession, genocide, and ongoing colonial violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We believe that it is our collective responsibility and moral imperative to help dismantle the systemic barriers and structural inequities oppressing the original inhabitants of this land. We are also painfully aware that this land was taken forcibly, without a Treaty or reparations made. We have taken a practical step towards honouring sovereignty by paying the rent – and we invite you to do so too. This land is and always will be Aboriginal land. Sovereignty was never ceded.