Sojourn Leadership Academy

What it is:

YWCA Dayton Sojourners are a dynamic group of young professional women nominated in recognition of their leadership qualities and potential to become community influencers toward equality and social justice. Following an intensive, mission-driven nine-month program, our Sojourners graduate uniquely prepared to serve on nonprofit boards, be educated advocates, and act as equity leaders in the Miami Valley.

Who can nominate:

Sojourn Leadership Academy nominations may only be submitted by members of YWCA Dayton’s Circle of Influence (past Women of Influence Honorees) or Board of Directors or Sojourn Graduates. Members may each submit up to three young women, age 25-40, for consideration each year.

Who should be nominated:

  • Nominees for Sojourn Leadership Academy should:

  • Be a professional woman, 25-40 years old

  • Display a commitment to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women

  • Have a strong desire and potential for intentional, change-agent leadership in her profession and community

  • Demonstrate a strong desire and potential for civic engagement and social responsibility around racial justice, gender justice, and economic empowerment

  •   Be able to commit to an intensive, nine-month, tuition-based leadership cohort

  • Nominees cannot be currently serving on the YWCA Dayton Board of Directors or employed by YWCA Dayton, including contract work. Diverse candidates are welcomed and encouraged.

What happens next:

Nominations are due by the first Friday in January.  Once your nomination is submitted, YWCA Dayton notifies the nominee and, if she would like to be considered, invites her to apply to join the program. Finalists for each year’s class are selected by the all-volunteer Development Committee. Once the class has been chosen and accepted, nominators will be notified of final results.