Women's Leadership Institute

Raising the visibility and number of women leaders.

We empower, inspire, and elevate women and girls across industries and demographics, developing conscious leaders ready for today's most complex challenges.

Discover our mission Watch the Women Who Lead teaser

Our community

Lead Boldly.Inspire Deeply.

The Women's Leadership Institute equips women with the skills, confidence, and community to lead boldly in business, career, and life.

Empowering Women to Lead with PurposePractical tools and guidance for women ready to lead teams, launch businesses, or elevate their careers.

A Community Where Women Rise TogetherJoin a network of women leaders who support, inspire, and amplify one another's voices.

Who we are

Advancing women in their careers, organizations and lives.

The Women's Leadership Institute is an organization established to advance and improve the personal, economic, and professional status of women and girls.

Activities and programs are designed to promote talented women and girls seeking leadership, advancement, and opportunities for skills enrichment. We connect women and girls across industries and demographics.

Learn more about WLI Meet our founder

EMPOWERINSPIREELEVATE

2017

Our first conference, held March 25 in recognition of Women's History Month

Topics identified as having crucial impact on leadership development

2,000+

Women inspired to lead & innovate

Community partners, from Alpha Kappa Alpha to the Urban League of Westchester

Our purpose

The mission of the Women's Leadership Institute is to improve the practice of leadership and to foster a better understanding of management dynamics and implications for real world application. The Women's Leadership Institute strives to develop conscious women leaders who are prepared to meet the complex challenges in today's organizations.

March 25, 2017

Our first conference

A resource group of women leaders convened to guide our first conference, held in recognition of Women's History Month.

10 topics

Built on research

Through consultation and research, 10 topics were identified as having crucial impact on leadership development, explored by senior-level women leaders in panel discussions.

Webinar series

Upward mobility

"How to Navigate Upward Mobility in the Workplace" gave participants practical tools and transformative strategies to accelerate their advancement.

Looking ahead

Pipeline to Progress

New initiatives for women pursuing education and careers in fields not readily accessible to them, plus a career and life coaching system.

Barbara L. Edwards, Founder and Chair of the Women's Leadership Institute

Message from the Founder

Barbara L. Edwards

Chair & Founder, Women's Leadership Institute

We believe in the power of potential and the promise of the future. Together, we will continue to make a difference, inspire change, and help women and girls achieve their desired life goals.

Under the leadership of Barbara L. Edwards, the Women's Leadership Institute has remained a steadfast force for equity, resilience, and transformational change. With initiatives like the Pipeline to Progress and a renewed commitment to virtual engagement, WLI and its network of dedicated members stand united in a vision to advance gender equity and drive measurable impact in leadership, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Read the founder's message

Featured Leaders

Women Who Lead

Montage teaser

Teaser · Women Who Lead montage

Featured LeaderDonna Walker-KuhneVP, Community Engagement, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Featured LeaderMonique NelsonChair & CEO, UniWorld Group, Inc. (UWG)
Featured LeaderDr. Valerie Mason CunninghamCo-Founder & Co-CEO, Mason & Rice LLC

A first look at the Women Who Lead montage

Our movement

When one woman rises, she lifts others with her. Join a network of women leaders who support, inspire, and amplify one another's voices.

Touch the light to spread it.

Where Women Lead, Power Follows.

What drives us

Five objectives. One mission.

The mission of the WLI is expressed through its five primary objectives.

Advance women as leaders

Promote the advancement of women, through their careers, organizations and personal lives as leaders.

Grow women in leadership

Increase the number of women who serve in leadership positions in all industries.

Seats on the board

Increase the visibility and inclusion of women on Boards of Directors.

Build the pipeline

Develop a membership component that produces an available, competent and robust pipeline of women leaders.

Share what matters

Publish relevant information about trends and resources impacting women's leadership development.

Empowering women to rise

How to navigate upward mobility in the workplace.

participants promoted since the webinar series began

When women are given the right tools and opportunities to grow, they can accomplish far more than they ever imagined.

Webinar Participant · How to Navigate Upward Mobility in the Workplace

Executive presenceCommunication skillsProfessional networksCareer advocacyLeading within your organization

01Increased visibilityParticipants report being included in key conversations and opportunities.

02Stronger professional relationshipsIncreased engagement from colleagues and supervisors.

03Greater confidenceMore prepared than ever to pursue leadership roles.

Participant voices

Real stories. Real growth.

This webinar series changed the way I view my career and my leadership potential. The strategies were practical, the presenters were inspiring, and I immediately began applying what I learned. Within weeks, I noticed a difference in how I was being included in key conversations and opportunities. I feel more confident, more visible, and more prepared than ever to pursue leadership roles.

Janice F. Webinar Participant

What impressed me most was the authenticity and expertise of the presenters. They shared real experiences, practical advice, and leadership lessons that I could immediately apply in my workplace. The webinars helped me recognize my value, advocate for myself more effectively, and approach my career with a clearer sense of direction. I left each session feeling empowered and motivated to take my leadership journey to the next level.

Elizabeth G. Webinar Participant

Our leadership & members

Women who make it happen.

Chair & FounderBarbara L. Edwards

Our partners

Stronger together.

NY State Judicial Institute Student AdvocacyWestchester Children's AssociationAfrican American Advisory BoardAlpha Kappa Alpha SororityLocal School Districts NY State Judicial Institute Student AdvocacyWestchester Children's AssociationAfrican American Advisory BoardAlpha Kappa Alpha SororityLocal School Districts

Theodore D. Young Community CenterThe Urban League of WestchesterThe Mount Vernon Youth BureauWestchester Community College Theodore D. Young Community CenterThe Urban League of WestchesterThe Mount Vernon Youth BureauWestchester Community College

Join us

Future learning opportunities.

Upcoming webinars, leadership forums, and professional development programs for women at every stage of their careers.

Emerging professional

Build the confidence, presence, and networks to start strong.

Get involved → 02

Mid-career leader

Seeking advancement? Gain strategies to accelerate your growth.

Get involved → 03

Executive

Expand your influence and help build the next generation of leaders.

Get involved →

Stay connected with the Women's Leadership Institute for announcements about upcoming webinars and special events designed to empower, inspire, and elevate women in the workplace.

Support WLI

Invest in your future. Strengthen your leadership journey.

Your support provides the Institute with resources needed to seize opportunities for progression and eliminate barriers for our future women leaders.

Donate online Other ways to give

10 Fiske Place, Suite 316, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 A program of The Center for Interdisciplinary Services, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit