Applications for 2025-26 National Principal and District/CMO Fellowships Are Open!
The goal of the WOCEC is to create a diverse and thriving professional network of women leaders by providing leadership development programs to enhance executive skills, build robust connections among members, and provide self-care and wellness strategies while serving in demanding positions.
Our tailored program enhances the knowledge and expertise that fellows have to navigate complex leadership challenges and drive impactful results.
The WOCEC offers two fellowship programs: the District/Charter Management Organization (CMO) Fellows and Principal Fellows. Applications are now open for both new cohorts. Each program is designed to support leaders by enhancing leadership skills, building a strong network of women leaders, and empowering participants to lead with innovation.
The Principal Fellow program is a five-month program for school principals who are preparing for district/CMO leadership roles. Key development areas include self-care, district/CMO and board relations, budgeting and resource allocation, conflict management, and communication skills. The program includes four virtual sessions and one in-person meeting. Fellows also receive one hour of executive coaching each month and a WOCEC health and wellness coach who will guide fellows on strategies for self-care, promoting a balanced approach to the demanding responsibilities of school, district, and CMO leadership.
The District/CMO Fellow program is a nine-month initiative designed for district and CMO leaders, combining professional development with personalized executive coaching. This program includes four virtual sessions and two in-person convenings. Each District/CMO Fellow is paired with an executive coach for targeted support tailored to the needs identified by the fellow. Additionally, a WOCEC health and wellness coach will guide fellows on strategies for self-care, promoting a balanced approach to the demanding responsibilities of district leadership.
Click here for more info and to apply!
Make Your Year-End Donation to the WOCEC
As we close out this year, we reflect on the incredible strides the Women of Color Education Collaborative (WOCEC) has made in empowering and elevating leaders who are transforming education and communities across the nation.
Research shows that educator leadership diversity brings about a multitude of benefits including:
- improved academic achievement and social-emotional development of all students and of students of color, in particular,
- positive impacts on school climate, and
- increased hiring and reduced turnover among teachers of color.
Thanks to the women in our programs, our coaches, and supporters like you, our national fellowships for district, charter, and school leaders have equipped women of color with the opportunities needed to create lasting impact in schools and beyond. But the work is far from over, and we need your help to continue building this vital momentum.
Program highlights:
- WOCEC provided professional development, executive coaching, and wellness coaching for 106 national fellows
- WOCEC national fellows’ leadership impacts 4.7 million students and 607,000 teachers
- WOCEC continues to advance its mission of strengthening the pipeline of women of color education leaders
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your year-end gift can help us:
- Expand access to the national fellowship
- Provide critical resources and mentorship to emerging and established leaders
- Support health and wellness programs that sustain leaders in demanding roles.
- Deepen the network of women leading in public and public charter school systems
Together, we can break barriers and ensure that women of color have the tools to lead, inspire, and thrive. Thank you for being part of this transformative journey. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to a more equitable future in education. Make your year-end gift by clicking here.
The Black Women’s Senior Leadership Network (BWSLN), an WOCEC Ontario Affiliate
Yes, the WOCEC is an international organization, with an affiliate in Canada, called the Black Women’s Senior Leadership Network (BWSLN).
It started In December 2022 when members of BWSLN were deeply inspired by the WOCEC presentation at the NABSE conference. This powerful session ignited a shared vision for building community and advancing leadership opportunities for Black women, and shortly after the conference, members reached out to WOCEC founder Dr. Stephanie Wood-Garnett and executive coach Dr. Connie Evelyn to explore joining the WOCEC. By September 2023, six members attended the WOCEC conference in Philadelphia, taking a significant step toward strengthening a formalized affiliate north of the US border.
With continued guidance and support, we are proud to announce that the Ontario affiliate of WOCEC held its inaugural meeting on Monday, November 18, 2023. This historic gathering launched a transformative day of deep learning, facilitated by WOCEC health and wellness coach Suzanne Anderson. The day began with opportunities for participants to reflect on their leadership journeys, identify goals for authentic leadership, and explore self-care and resiliency practices. This session is the first of four designed to nurture this growing network in Ontario while maintaining strong ties with our WOCEC sisters in the US.
One participant beautifully captured the transformative learning from the session:
“Through the self-care assessment, I learned how crucial it is to prioritize my well-being as a foundation for leading authentically and effectively. I realized that while I often focus on supporting others, I sometimes overlook the importance of setting boundaries and creating time for restorative practices.”
We are excited to share that 13 members have officially joined the WOCEC Ontario affiliate. Like its US counterpart, this cohort is committed to offering Black women leaders in education opportunities to enhance their leadership skills through workshops, seminars, and networking events. These gatherings also prioritize self-care and wellness strategies, recognizing that these are essential for thriving in the often challenging environments of educational leadership.
We eagerly anticipate connecting with our US sisters in future events, both virtually and in person, as we continue to build and strengthen this empowering network. Together, we are creating pathways for authentic leadership, resilience, and collective success.
WOCEC Coach Reflects on 2025 Opportunities
WOCEC executive coach Dr. Brenda Casselius writes, “As we transition from 2024 into 2025, educators have an excellent opportunity to refine and implement research-backed strategies for even greater impact in these uncertain and challenging times facing public education post-pandemic.
“A promising area of focused academic reform is the science of reading. Schools nationwide are prioritizing early literacy. Teachers and leaders are using universal screeners, providing rigorous staff development, and giving students targeted support who are behind, including those with dyslexia.”
Click here to read.