While women of color leaders have been instrumental to the development of the movement to end gender-based violence, they are frequently met with barriers to professional growth and achievement in executive leadership positions. This underrepresentation of women of color leaders in the communities we serve, impedes our ability to provide culturally specific services and education, and ultimately, the ability to grow thriving, violence free communities.

ValorUS (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) established the Leadership Education and Advancement for Professionals (LEAP) Project in 2012 with the Women of Color Network to address the disproportionate lack of women of color leaders in the movement. LEAP’s primary purpose is to enhance the professional skills of individuals of color seeking professional advancement in the gender-based violence field.

For the past 9 years, we have collaborated with over 100 thought leaders and change agents, women in executive positions who are ready to build on their strengths and advance the movement to prevent and end gender-based violence. 

We designed this program to be an interactive distance learning and comprehensive training and practicum experience with topics ranging from program development, working with boards, to finances and budgets. As a cohort member, LEAP Fellows will develop and enhance leadership and management skills to enable them to take upon and succeed in leadership/management roles in their organizations and in the anti-violence against women field.

The deadline to apply is October 1st.  Click here to learn more about the LEAP project and how to apply

An informational session took place on September 16th, 12-1 pm (PDT)/3-4pm (EDT). The recording and the slides are available below. If you still have questions after watching the recording, please reach out to Marsela Rojas (she/her) at LEAP@valor.us. 

Click Here for the Cohort 8 LEAP Informational Session slides