FAQ - IWF Dallas Leadership Fellows Program

IWF Dallas Leadership Fellows Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

What is the IWF Leadership Fellows Program?

The IWF Leadership Fellows Program is IWF's global leadership development initiative designed to advance the next generation of women leaders. It's a comprehensive, year-long program that includes international training at world-renowned business schools, personalized mentoring, and a legacy project to create lasting impact.

What does the program include?
  • Immersive 3-day orientation and training
  • IWF World Leadership Conference and Gala
  • Customized training at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France
  • Training at Cambridge Judge Business School in Cambridge, England
  • Year-long mentoring focused on individual needs
  • All meals and accommodations during program events
  • All course materials and resources
What is the total cost of the program?

The program tuition is $35,000 USD. This covers all training, accommodations, meals, and materials. Transportation (ground and air travel) is not included and must be arranged separately by participants.

ELIGIBILITY & NOMINATIONS

Who is eligible to apply for the Leadership Fellows Program?
Candidates must be:
  • High-potential women leaders with significant professional experience
  • Currently employed in a leadership role with budget and staff responsibilities
  • Able to commit to all program requirements including international travel
  • Not currently IWF members (Fellows cannot be IWF members during their fellowship)
  • Relatives of IWF members are eligible to participate if selected
Can IWF members apply for the Fellows Program?

No. Current IWF members are not eligible for the Leadership Fellows Program. However, relatives of IWF members may apply and participate if selected. 

What is the IWF Dallas Mentorship and Scholarship Initiative?

IWF Dallas is launching the IWF Dallas Mentorship and Scholarship Initiative aimed at expanding the number of high-potential IWF Leadership Fellows Program candidates from the DFW metroplex.

We want to identify and support a broad cross-section of women from the DFW community who are interested in applying for the IWF Leadership Fellows Program.

A committee of IWF Dallas members and former Fellows will provide feedback and guidance as candidates go through the IWF Leadership Fellows program application process.

IWF Dallas will provide scholarship funding to select applicants to make this program more accessible.

How does the nomination process work?

  • IWF Dallas members can identify and nominate qualified candidates
  • Self-nominations are also accepted
  • Each nominee must provide a photo, bio/resume, and one-paragraph personal statement
  • Nominees should identify an IWF member sponsor (if not self-nominated)
  • The nominating committee will screen all applications and select semifinalists for interviews
What if I don't know any IWF members but want to apply?

Self-nominations are welcome! While having an IWF member sponsor is helpful, it's not required to prevent qualified candidates from applying.

Is this opportunity offered annually?

Yes! If this current cycle doesn’t work for whatever reason, interested candidates are welcome to follow the IWF Fellows website for information on the next cycle.

Are there age restrictions for applying?

No. There are no age restrictions, however, the competitive candidate will be at a place in her career where she brings both relevant leadership experience and the potential to take on greater responsibilities.

Is support/approval from my employer required for participation?

Your employer should support your participation at least to the degree that they understand you will need time off from work to participate (and will be willing to accommodate this time away from work).

SELECTION PROCESS

How many Fellows will IWF Dallas select?

IWF Dallas will provide mentorship support for all qualified IWF Leadership Fellows candidates. For the scholarships, our current approach is to select two exceptional candidates to financially sponsor for the 2026-2027 program cycle. However, this may change based on the overall financial needs of the candidates applying for a scholarship.

What is the timeline for selection?
  • Applications accepted to IWF Dallas: September 1-September 30, 2025
  • Evaluation completed by: October 20, 2025
  • Candidate interviews: October 21 - November 10, 2025
  • Final selection: By November 20, 2025
  • Board approval: January 7, 2026
  • Global application submission: January 30, 2026
What happens after IWF Dallas selects candidates?

Selected candidates must still apply to and be accepted by the global IWF Leadership Fellows Program. IWF Dallas will provide mentorship, support and coaching throughout the global application process.

Is selection guaranteed if I'm chosen by IWF Dallas?

No. Selection by IWF Dallas for sponsorship is the first step. Candidates must still be accepted into the global IWF Leadership Fellows Program, which is competitive.

Can I apply again in another cycle for a scholarship if I'm not chosen by IWF Dallas?

Yes. You are welcome to apply again for a scholarship from IWF Dallas.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

What funding options are available?

Candidates can be funded through:

  • Their company or organization
  • Self-funding
  • A combination of sources
  • IWF Dallas scholarship (full or partial)
How does the IWF Dallas scholarship work?

IWF Dallas offers scholarship support (full or partial) to selected candidates. Funding is limited and awarded based on merit, need, and the strength of the application. Scholarship recipients must still be accepted into the global program.

What if I need partial funding?

Candidates can request partial scholarships and specify the amount needed. Many Fellows use a combination of employer support, personal funding, and scholarship assistance.

Can I still apply to the IWF Fellows program if I am not selected for or do not need financial support by IWF Dallas?

Yes! We would like to be aware of all candidates from the Dallas area applying to the IWF Fellows program, regardless of their financial situation. We will provide mentorship, coaching and feedback on IWF Fellows applications to those who qualify.


PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

What is the time commitment?

The program requires:

  • Participation in all training sessions and conferences
  • Regular mentor meetings throughout the year
  • Completion of a Legacy Project
  • Response to program surveys and research requests
  • Full engagement for approximately 12-15 months
What if I can't travel internationally?

International travel to France and England is a required component of the program. Candidates must be able to commit to this travel requirement.

What is a Legacy Project?

The Legacy Project is a required initiative that extends the program's impact to the Fellow's organization or community. Projects should:

  • Include women and/or girls as a main target audience or beneficiary
  • Showcase what women leaders can do or inspire others' leadership journeys
  • Create opportunities for networking, mentoring, training, and community building
  • Address issues that disproportionately affect women or girls
Can I refine my Legacy Project idea during the program?

Yes! Fellows will have the opportunity to refine and develop their Legacy Project concepts early in the fellowship with guidance from mentors and program staff.

FOR IWF MEMBERS

How can I help as an IWF member?
  • Identify and nominate exceptional women leaders in your network
  • Provide a recommendation letter for nominees you identify
  • Attend information sessions to learn more about the program
  • Share program information through your professional networks
What makes a strong nominee?
  • Look for women who demonstrate:
  • Significant leadership experience and potential
  • Budget and staff management responsibilities
  • Community impact and engagement
  • Commitment to advancing women's leadership
  • Ability to commit to the full program requirements
  • Alignment with IWF's mission and values
How many people can I nominate?

There is no limit on the number of quality candidates you can nominate. Focus on identifying the most exceptional leaders in your network.

What support should I provide to my nominee?
  • Help them understand the program requirements and benefits
  • Assist with the nomination process and materials
  • Provide a strong recommendation if requested
  • Continue to support them throughout the selection process

PROGRAM BENEFITS

What are the long-term benefits of the program?

Fellows gain:

  • Access to IWF's global network of women leaders
  • International business education from top institutions
  • Personalized mentoring relationships
  • Enhanced leadership skills and global perspective
  • Platform to create meaningful change through Legacy Projects
  • Lifelong connections with accomplished women worldwide
Do Fellows become IWF members after graduation?

Fellows are encouraged to apply for IWF membership after completing the program, though membership is not automatic or guaranteed.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about:

  • Nominations and eligibility: Contact the IWF Dallas Nominating Committee
  • Program details: Visit www.iwforum.org/fellows
  • Technical issues: Contact IWF Dallas chapter administration
Where can I find more information?
  • IWF Global Fellows Program: www.iwforum.org/fellows
  • IWF Dallas chapter website
  • Program information sessions (dates TBD)
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
  • August 1, 2025: Program announcement and nominations open
  • September 1-30, 2025: Nominations accepted
  • October 20, 2025: Semifinalist notification
  • October 21 - November 10, 2025: Interview period
  • By December 7, 2025: Board approval; candidates notified
  • January 30, 2026: Global application deadline
  • February 2026: Global program notification

This FAQ will be updated as additional questions arise. Please check back regularly for the most current information.