WILL Empower (WE) closed out the decade with a remarkable year that grew and deepened our network of women labor leaders including: apprentices, emerging and executive leaders, mentors, advisory council members, sponsors, and more. WE hosted the second class of apprentices, with double the number of applications, participants and host sites from year one and most of the sites were in the South. WE launched the first emerging leaders cohort AND the first executive leadership cohort which represents diverse and dynamic women leading in labor across the country. 

The very first Innovative Fellow, Executive Director Erica Smiley (Jobs With Justice), completed interviews and a manuscript while in residence with WILL Empower. The co-authored book on expanded bargaining strategies and the importance of self-governance as democratic practice will be published soon by Cornell University Press. WE also hosted a variety of DC networking events including the “UnHappy Hour” for Equal Pay Day and co-hosted an annual Intergenerational Women’s Brunch in addition to online offerings such as interviews and talks given by veteran women leaders. 

WE are ready to do so much more in 2020.

WE will be accepting applications for the Apprenticeship program  until April 15, 2020 . Apprenticeship Host Site applications will be accepted until March 31, 2020. 

WE will also begin accepting applications for a new Emerging Leaders Cohort soon so stay tuned!