COMING THIS FALL
Helping emerging women leaders develop new skills, advance their careers, and grow their networks.
Debuting in the fall 2025, the Women’s Executive Academy is a new offering from The Graduate School, Nichols College, in partnership with Worcester Business Journal. This eight-month program will offer up-and-coming women professionals the skills and training needed to achieve their full potential as business leaders. The academy will be anchored by real-world insights from top Central Massachusetts executives on how to navigate the business landscape and thrive in your career.
Curriculum to include:
- Understanding Leadership Styles
- Developing An Executive Presence
- Creating Your Personal Board of Directors
- Knowing Your Worth
- Overcoming Setbacks & Building Resilience
- Building Personal Courage
- Making It To The Top
See the entire Women's Executive Academy curriculum here.
Additionally, the academy will include two special networking sessions with your class joined by some of the region’s most successful women executives.
Program details
The Women’s Executive Academy will include eight monthly sessions on the second Friday of each month from October 2025 to May 2026. Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to noon, except for the first and last sessions, which will be five hours each and include lunch.
Eligibility: The Women's Executive Academy is open to all women. All of the sessions will be in-person, and women who live or work in or near Central Massachusetts will be given priority. Women from a range of backgrounds including large companies, small companies, nonprofits, and government agencies are encouraged to apply.
Session dates: Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, and May 8. Dates for the networking sessions TBD.
Locations: Sessions will be hosted by an academy leader at one of their locations, including: Nichols College, Seven Hills Foundation, Flexcon, Massachusetts State House, and Bowditch & Dewey, LLP.
Cost: If the applicant is accepted, the cost for the eight-month program is $2,500. The cost includes program fees, course materials, and assessments. For those accepted into the program who complete the required number of sessions, a certificate of successful completion will be provided by the Graduate School, Nichols College
To apply: Fill out this Nichols College online application.
Space is limited, apply today!
The application deadline is September 5, 2025, and payment is due to The Graduate School, Nichols College after an applicant is accepted.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a panel of judges, and those accepted into the academy will be notified by September 12, 2025.
For answers to common questions about eligibility, the program, cost, and payment, visit the FAQ page.
For further information or questions, contact Robin Frkal, Dean of the Graduate School, Nichols College at Robin.Frkal@nichols.edu or Brad Kane from Worcester Business Journal at bkane@wbjournal.com.
