Applications are now open for the 2026 Vital Voices (VV) Visionaries Program, an initiative designed to empower emerging women leaders who are redefining leadership in their communities and beyond. Delivered by Vital Voices Global Partnership in collaboration with the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund, the program supports the next generation of changemakers by expanding their access to leadership training, global networks, and opportunities for growth.

The VV Visionaries Program champions women across diverse sectors and industries who are committed to creating meaningful social impact. In 2026, three cohorts of 50 women each will participate in a transformative seven-week virtual leadership experience grounded in Vital Voices’ proven leadership model, built from more than 25 years of work with leaders around the world. The curriculum also integrates insights and lessons from Estée Lauder executives and members of the Vital Voices Global Network.

Participants will engage in live weekly sessions, interactive small-group discussions, and peer learning designed to strengthen leadership capacity and encourage collaboration. They will connect with fellow women leaders from across the globe, building lasting relationships and expanding their perspectives. From across the three cohorts, selected participants will also have the opportunity to attend an annual in-person experience that offers deeper leadership development and further investment in their personal growth journeys.

Through the program, participants will gain greater clarity about their leadership purpose, enhance their ability to lead inclusive communities, and build the confidence to take bold action that drives lasting change. They will become part of the Vital Voices global network of more than 47,000 women leaders worldwide, gaining ongoing access to learning resources and engagement opportunities through the network’s Hub. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.

Eligible applicants must identify as women and be at least 18 years old by May 2026. They must be proficient in English and serve as a founder or co-founder of either a social sector organization, such as an NGO, foundation, or social impact initiative, or a social enterprise, defined as a for-profit business with a clear social mission. Applicants should not currently be participating in or have graduated from another Vital Voices leadership program in 2025 or 2026.

The program seeks exceptional women leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to community impact and a clear sense of purpose. Ideal candidates show innovative approaches to solving community challenges, provide evidence of concrete action through initiatives or measurable results, and express a desire to remain actively engaged within the Vital Voices alumni network. They should also demonstrate the potential to scale their impact and create a multiplier effect within their communities or sectors with the support of the program and its global network.

Selected participants are expected to actively engage throughout the seven-week experience by attending all live virtual sessions held on Thursday mornings, each lasting two hours, and dedicating an additional one to two hours per week to assignments and peer discussions. Participants may have no more than two absences to remain in good standing. They will also be required to complete surveys during the program and up to one year after completion, including assessments and follow-up evaluations, and are encouraged to remain engaged within the Vital Voices network beyond graduation.

As the program is delivered entirely online, participants must have access to a computer with a camera or a smartphone and a reliable internet connection to fully participate. The 2026 cohorts will run from June 11 to July 23, August 20 to October 1, and October 29 to December 10. Women leaders who are driving change and seeking to strengthen their leadership journey are strongly encouraged to apply.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity