Run for elected office and become an effective public policy advocate.

The Mississippi Women in the Lead (MWL) program, co-sponsored by The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi’s Women’s Policy Institute, the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable‘s Black Women’s Leadership Institute, and One Voice of Mississippi‘s Mississippi Black Leadership Institute, is a leadership program designed to help Mississippi women navigate the challenges of running for elected office. Now in its second year, MWL will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective candidates and successful officeholders.

This is the second cohort of Mississippi Women in the Lead. Applications are open now through August 25!

Training Topics include:

• Introduction to Campaigns and Elections
• Developing Your Campaign Platform and Message
• Campaign Planning and Management
• Fundraising and Finance
• Voter Outreach and Communication
• Debating and Public Speaking
• Election Day Operations and Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV)

Who is Eligible?

• Women living and working in Mississippi. Note: Women who are considered non-traditional leaders in their communities are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes women who live in low-income, underserved communities.
• Women from diverse professional backgrounds who aspire to serve their community as elected officials and have the full support of their employer and/or supervisor.
• Women who are interested in running for public office or supporting women who run for public office.
• Individuals who agree to all participation requirements – AND whose employers agree to all participation requirements (if applicable). If you need permission from another entity, such as a college program, the appropriate person must also sign the agreement.

Program Details and Structure

This program will run from late September to January, starting with in-person training sessions in Jackson on the opening weekend in September and the closing weekend in January. In-person training sessions include Friday and Saturday attendance. In addition, virtual training modules will be held on 2-3 weeknights per month from October to December, each lasting 2 hours and starting at 7 PM CST. We request that you secure full support from your employer for any time that may conflict with the program.

Program Dates

• August 1: Application Opens
• August 25: Application Deadline
• August 30: Notice of Acceptance
• September 20-21: In-person Training Session, Jackson, MS
• October through December: Virtual Training Modules; Dates TBA
• January 24-25: In-person Training Session, Jackson, MS

Cost to Participate

• The MWL program is offered free of charge. MWL is committed to eliminating financial barriers to access.
• MWL will cover childcare expenses, if needed. If childcare is a barrier, please indicate this need on your application.
• MWL will provide hotel accommodations and mileage reimbursements (upon completion of a W-9 form and other documentation if needed for in-person meetings.
• Meals will be provided during in-person trainings, meetings, and events.
• Participants are required to have computer and internet access. If this is a barrier, please indicate this need on your application.
• Participants who satisfy program requirements will be eligible to receive a $2,500.00 fellowship stipend.

Please review the FAQs for Participant Selection Criteria, Applicant Requirements, and more.