Throughout history, there has been a clear lack of investment in the development of women leaders. This has led to the women’s leadership gap – although women make up almost half of the labor force, they remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles across industries due to stereotypes, lack of training and connections, bias and discrimination and lack of flexible work options (American Association of University Women). The Junior League knows that women belong in all places where decisions are made and are committed to filling the gap in women’s leadership opportunities by creating spaces to train and develop women in a variety of ways.
In The Junior League, women receive hands on development opportunities through their League community placements. For example, a Junior League member working with a local domestic violence shelter will enhance her relationship building skills, emotional intelligence and ability to problem solve, to name a few.
We provide training and development opportunities for members focused on a variety of topics from diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to professional development. For example, Junior Leagues working with Spanish-speaking populations will implement a Spanish Language Class for their members, easily transferable to their professional development.
We are committed to seeing more women in leadership and decision-making roles, so free/low cost board training programs are offered across the organization to prepare women for their role as board members.
Many Junior Leagues host local, community-based women’s leadership conferences and summits. This gives women in the community an opportunity to learn and develop together.
The Junior League is launching teen and high school programs across the organization in September 2024 to proactively build girl empowerment and introduce girls to key leadership skills and trainings.
