As we shape the next iteration of the program, we welcome new partners and funding collaborations to help us continue backing Women of Colour to lead, innovate, and transform. To explore working with us, contact us at [email protected].
A first-of-its-kind program designed, developed and delivered by Women of Colour, for Women of Colour — building on the expertise and confidence of leaders ready to advance into executive roles.
Why this program exists
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
- Shaped by lived experience and continuous participant feedback
And the impact is real.
From our very first cohort in 2023, two-thirds of our inaugural 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“It was an inward journey for me. I now call my own shots, set my own deadlines, and I'm better with boundaries.”
Cohort 2023 with the Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins
Cohort 2024
What you’ll learn
Explore a bold, holistic leadership experience designed for and with Women of Colour. Each module combines storytelling, strategy, and support.
Purposeful Storytelling
Learn to harness the power of lived experience. Use storytelling as a leadership tool to amplify your voice and inspire change.
Addressing Burnout
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.
Honouring First Nations – Truth-telling, Decolonising Leadership & Fostering Reconciliation
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.
Identity, Intersectionality, and Influence
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.
Self-advocating and Activating Allies and Sponsors
Develop bold communication and advocacy skills. Learn to identify and activate allies and sponsors, to accelerate your career and drive equity through influence.
Fostering Transformative Cultures
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
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.
Psychological Wraparound Support
Wellbeing matters. Access a dedicated session with a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed psychologist and holistic support to strengthen your mental health and leadership resilience.
Cohort 2025 with Dr Varina Michaels (Program Guide)
Who the program is for
The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program is designed for 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.
With thanks to the Victorian Government
The design of the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program and its delivery across three cohorts in 2023, 2024 and 2025 were made possible through the generous support of the Victorian Government.
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 [email protected].
What is the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program (WoC ELP)?
A first-of-its-kind leadership program designed, developed and delivered by Women of Colour, for Women of Colour — built to support leaders to advance into executive roles. It runs as interconnected modules with one-on-one executive coaching and wellbeing support throughout.Who is it for?
Women of Colour — including culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women — who currently hold or aspire to executive leadership roles.How is the program delivered?
A blended format of in-person workshops and online learning, in an intentionally small cohort of 10-16, so the learning stays personal and the network stays close.How long is the program?
It's delivered over five months in a hybrid model, mostly face-to-face with some sessions online.Is there a cost, and can my employer sponsor me?
The full program is valued at $15,000 (ex GST). We work to subsidise this through government and philanthropic funding so the program stays accessible — the level of funding has varied each year, and in some cohorts places have been fully funded. Where a co-payment applies, it's usually met through employer sponsorship, which we strongly encourage: it secures an employer's investment, accountability and support for the participant throughout the program. Full scholarships are available for Women of Colour in the community sector and for First Nations women. To talk through options for your situation, email [email protected].How do I stay updated or register my interest?
Join our ELP mailing list and we'll let you know when the next cohort opens, along with program news and how to take part. Sign up here.
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.