LeadBoston Applications for the Class of 2021 are now open
YW Boston is thrilled to announce we are now accepting applications for our leadership program LeadBoston.
For almost thirty years, LeadBoston has met Boston organizations’ demand for more inclusive leadership by equipping mid- to senior-level professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network to propel their leadership, and their organizations’ success, forward. During this unique, 11-month cohort-based program, participants explore barriers to inclusion through facilitated dialogue, expert speakers, and peer learning. Upon graduating, participants join the largest network of inclusive leaders in Boston. Do not miss the opportunity to take your leadership to the next level by applying to join the Class of 2021.
Why LeadBoston?
It is imperative for today’s leaders to be responsive to increased demands for racial equity. As leaders think about diversity, equity, and inclusion, they must understand how their organizations both impact and are influenced by systems. Only with a firm grasp of this context can leaders make decisions that enable their organizations, and the broader city, to thrive. Employers who sponsor participants will benefit from increased employee engagement and loyalty, and access to a broader network of local leaders.
During this 11-month program, participants explore and learn how to address barriers to inclusion through facilitated dialogue, expert speakers, and peer learning. Through experiential learning, participants delve into the socioeconomic realities of Boston and explore innovative solutions to inequity. Participants will gain a strengthened ability to lead inclusive efforts in their workplace, improved collaboration, communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking skills, an in-depth understanding of metro Boston’s socio-economic environment, as well as connections to a diverse network of inclusive professionals across the city.
Employers benefit from their employees’ participation in LeadBoston, too. Employees will bring their skills and connections back to the workplace, including their strengthened ability to understand stakeholders’ needs, solve challenges, and make better business decisions. The program also expands the organization’s access to key leaders and institutions. LeadBoston is an excellent way to reward high-potential individuals and prepare them for greater leadership responsibilities.
Who joins LeadBoston?
LeadBoston is a cohort program, accepting a class of around 40 mid- to senior-level professionals per year. Representing the gamut of Boston’s professional, racial, ethnic, faith, and gender diversity, LeadBostonians are typically leaders with 15 to 30 years of experience and who have the ability to influence change within their organization. Each class is carefully selected to ensure diversity within the group with respect to gender, race, ethnicity, and professional background. This structure connects leaders across sectors, who then go on to collaborate in business and social ventures. Check out the members of the Class of 2020.
If LeadBoston does not seem like a good fit for you, consider sharing the opportunity with a colleague or making a referral.
Gary Morton
LeadBoston is the ideal opportunity for development and connection with the Boston community that most professionals aren’t able to receive. It is a networking opportunity where one is able to connect with other professionals who are like-minded and want to give back to the community. It is a great opportunity for grounding professionals in Boston.
Jae Williams
Conversations during our program days have been thought-provoking and have also opened an incredible network of people that I am confident will come together with me to make Boston an even better home for many more amazing people.
Johana Muriel Grajales
I am grateful and humbled to be part of the LeadBoston experience and the alliances that will enable us to continue to make an impact.
Reggie Smalls
I went through LeadBoston when I was a Sales Representative at National Grid. I grew up in Boston and thought I knew the city pretty well, but my LeadBoston experience showed me so much more about our neighborhoods. It gave me a better perspective as I went back to work in various parts of the city.
Lisa Goldblatt Grace
LeadBoston has been an incredible opportunity to build what I hope to be lasting connections across what so often divides us – sectors, race and ethnicity, issues – among folks who share a fervent desire to make our communities better.
Susan Stenger
LeadBoston opens your mind to issues and points of view to which you otherwise would not have been exposed, opens doors to places you otherwise would never go, and opens your heart to people and communities you otherwise would not know.
Allison Picott
LeadBoston is an eye-opening opportunity for a person to not only learn about Boston, but about themselves. What are the challenges that Boston and its residents face and what role do you, as a leader and community member, play in perpetuating or resolving these problems?
Sundip Arora
Graduating from LeadBoston was such a refreshing experience, not only because the program exemplifies what true inclusive leadership is all about, but it also challenges our core beliefs around social justice – whether in our communities or workplace. I’m grateful for its lasting impact on my growth as a leaders and consensus builder.
Colin Stokes
In a culture that normally does whatever it can to avoid looking at racial inequality, LeadBoston is an essential corrective. Of the many insights I gained in LeadBoston, the most essential one may be this: that significant change will only come when leaders break across the artificial boundaries of ‘sector’ and ‘field’ and instead name the entrenched boundaries of race and class that affect people’s lives every day.
Martha M. Walz
LeadBoston helped me to understand Boston, its neighborhoods, and its people in an entirely new way. That knowledge provides a strong foundation for me as a civic and political leader.
Thaddeus Miles
I was skeptical of participating in LeadBoston because I’ve done this work for over twenty years. Turns out, I did have a lot to learn. I learned about myself and how I can more effectively impact areas I care about – health, housing, social justice, to name a few. It’s the best self-development and network building I’ve done in the past ten years.
What will the program look like for the Class of 2021?
Each month, participants gather virtually to discuss pressing issues and trends and hear first-hand from civic leaders, community organizers, business people, and academics. Through curated content and responsive programming, participants gain direct insight into key institutions and levers for change, strengthening their skills as leaders committed to advancing equity within their organizations and the broader community. The program includes opportunities to connect with classmates, as well as access to networking, educational, and social opportunities with LeadBoston’s extensive alumni network.
The program year is January through November and will take place over Zoom, allowing participants to engage with fellow leaders and expert panelists from their homes, offices, or remote locations. LeadBoston is committed to ensuring the safety of its staff and participants. Determination of whether in person meetings will be added will be evaluated periodically and based on state guidelines
The program is structured around a monthly cadence:
• Week 1: Self-paced, topical pre-work
• Week 2: A live four-hour facilitated virtual session
• Week 3: A live 90-minute facilitated follow-up session
• Week 4: Flexible opportunities to connect and network socially
Each month will focus on a particular topic, most often looking closely at particular systemic issues Boston faces. For instance, one month will focus on "Class & Poverty," while the next looks closely at Boston's education system.
Ready to take your leadership to the next level?
The application to join LeadBoston is open through November 6, 2020. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and are encouraged to apply early as admission is competitive. Apply by September 11, 2020 for early consideration and admission to the class. Applicants who pass the first round of the application form will be invited, on a rolling basis, for an interview with a LeadBoston alum.
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About LeadBoston
Become a part of YW Boston’s LeadBoston program and join a network of over 1,000 inclusive leaders in Boston. During this 11-month program, participants explore and learn how to address barriers to inclusion through facilitated dialogue, expert speakers, and peer learning. Through experiential activities, participants delve into the socioeconomic realities of Boston and explore innovative solutions to inequity. Reach out to Rachael McCoy (rmccoy@ywboston.org), LeadBoston Manager, with any further questions about LeadBoston.