The JOURNEY Leadership Summit

JOURNEY equips the best emerging women leaders in the U.S. and Canada to scale their skills, businesses, capital, and impact. For our 2027–28 Fellowship class, we’re seeking 25-30 mission-driven innovators—startup CEOs, corporate executives, venture capitalists, heads of transformative nonprofits—who show the grit and resilience to reach the top of their industry.

Who’s the most innovative, inspiring, and aspiring woman leader you know? If this is YOU, apply! If you know an emerging superstar, nominate her for the 2027–28 class of JOURNEY Fellows.

Apply or nominate by Friday, January 15.

Nominate a Fellow

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Fellow Nominations & Applications

We Are Seeking

High Achievers

We’re seeking a mix of emerging star executives and exceptional founder/CEOs. Our corporate Fellows show high potential to reach the top of Fortune 1000 companies or large private organizations. Our Founder/CEO Fellows are scaling impact-focused startups and have raised at least $10 million, or have reached $10 million in annual revenue.

 

Our Fellows include venture capitalists who are deploying high-dollar capital into industry-changing companies.

Mission Driven Leaders

JOURNEY Fellows are visionary, innovative, and committed to making an impact in such areas as healthcare, energy transformation, economic mobility, AI/technology for good, education, and global security.

Models of grit

The leaders we select annually have overcome obstacles to become models of resilience and courage.

Applications Timeline

OPEN NOW!
Nomination and Application windows open

JANUARY 15, 2027
Nomination and application windows close for the 2027–28 class

MARCH
2027–28 JOURNEY Fellowship Class announced

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, please email us at info@journeytolead.org

Who is the perfect Candidate to be a JOURNEY Fellow?
Fellows are emerging star corporate leaders and CEO/Founders who are visionary, innovative, mission-driven, and on the cusp of breakout success and impact. They have overcome obstacles to reach senior leadership and will benefit from JOURNEY’s program and lifelong community of extraordinary leaders. See details here.
How does JOURNEY define impact?
The JOURNEY definition of “making an impact” is tackling the world’s most pressing societal challenges, creating positive change that’s sustainable, and engaging others to scale impact.
What is the cost of being a JOURNEY Fellow?
JOURNEY programming is free for all Fellows, who are expected to cover their own transportation and hotel costs. Fellows who require financial support may request it from JOURNEY.
How do I connect with Champions?
A number of JOURNEY Champions attend each in-person event, building connections and trusted relationships with individual Fellows. In between, Fellows have unlimited opportunity to connect 1:1 with Champions for coaching, guidance, and door-opening.
Do I need to hold a specific title or be at a certain level to be considered “on the cusp”?
No. We do not have specific title and level requirements. That said, JOURNEY Fellows have high-level leadership experience. See details here.
What support does the JOURNEY team provide?
Throughout the JOURNEY year, the team provides individual coaching and career guidance, as well as assistance in vision/storytelling, board bios, thought leadership, and other topics to enhance and scale leadership.
Is there an age requirement?
No! We believe in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th acts.
What other career support will I experience?
Your class of Fellows will become lifelong friends, opening doors and providing coaching and counsel for each other.
What is the JOURNEY year?
Fellows are selected by mid-March and then meet individually with the JOURNEY team to “map” their needs and goals for the year. Fellows must participate in the JOURNEY Kickoff Retreat in Montana.
Is a JOURNEY Fellowship open to all races, ethnicities, and types of leaders?
Yes. Fellows are U.S. and Canada-based leaders in the private sector, across industries, geographies, and backgrounds.
What happens after the JOURNEY year?
We know that careers aren’t made in a year, so we’ve built JOURNEY to be a lifelong network of support. After completing the year-long Fellowship, Fellows graduate into lifelong Membership in the JOURNEY community. Members retain access to the network, resources, and events—and continue to shape JOURNEY’s future.
Do I need to be nominated to apply?
No nomination is required to apply. If you were nominated, please indicate your nominator’s name in the application. If a mentor or colleague encouraged you to apply, please mention that as well.
What is the time commitment for the JOURNEY year?
The four-day kickoff retreat is mandatory. Fellows are expected to attend the three other in-person gatherings (each 2-3 days in the U.S.), and are invited to optional weekly virtual sessions with Champions and other leadership experts.
How will I know if I’m being considered?
We’ll contact you if you’re selected as a finalist. We interview all finalists before selecting a class of 25-30 exceptional leaders.
Geographic Eligibility
Fellows must be based in the U.S. or Canada. Temporary relocations do not affect eligibility.