Connecting, Growing & Leading

Inaugural U.S. Leadership Champions Fellowship

The Leadership Champions Fellowship Program is a 12-month, intergenerational leadership development journey combining mentoring, coaching, peer learning, and leadership action. Developed by WEL Foundation to empower women of different generations and diverse backgrounds globally, the LCF Program will be hosted in collaboration with the African Center for Community Development with partnership from Girls for Girls (G4G). Similar programming has been offered successfully by WEL worldwide, and now this inaugural Madison-based U.S. partnership places particular emphasis on uplifting Black immigrant women, supporting them to strengthen their leadership, advance their personal and professional aspirations, advocate for themselves and others, and contribute to positive change in their workplaces and communities.

Next Session:

December 2026-October 2027

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Immigrant women aged 18+ , living in the US, particularly Black immigrant women
Those who are passionate about leadership, personal growth, career advancement, self-advocacy, and community change.
Women across all generations, professional backgrounds, and life experiences

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?

Leadership confidence
Mentoring and coaching
Career and financial wellbeing strategies
Intergenerational peer networks
Opportunities for leadership action

Wisconsin Professional African Women Network (WisPAWN)

Come connect, learn, and be inspired by other African women striving for excellence and empowerment in their professional lives. WisPAWN seeks to offer women the tools they need to pursue their professional aspirations, build social capital, and feel like valued and supported members of their workplaces and communities. WisPAWN provides a welcoming and safe space for African professional women to come together for networking, social connection, career advancement, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. You can find WisPAWN gatherings throughout Madison once per month.

Professional Development

Members gain access to workshops, sponsored conferences, and resources designed to strengthen leadership skills, expand career prospects, and support personal growth. Monthly gatherings feature guest speakers, skill-building sessions, and peer-to-peer learning.

Mentorship

Members are connected to mentors for peer support, career advancement opportunities, and professional guidance.

Networking

WisPAWN provides a community of sisterhood for women advancing the educational and career journeys. Find peer support, professional references, social connection, and a space to discuss and share openly.

Why it Matters:

WisPAWN is more than a network—it’s a powerful community of women who lead with humility, kindness, pride, and confidence... What stands out most is the spirit of togetherness—women who celebrate each other, show up for one another, and grow side by side. Rooted in humility. Rising in strength. Together, unstoppable.

~ Magugu

WISPAWN has been a place of profound sense of belonging support and a safety net for me. Through shared experiences we tackle the challenges of life with opportunities for connection and personal development.

~ Vivian