Scaling a social impact initiative while developing personal influence is a major milestone for many women leaders across the world. The 2026 VV Visionaries Program, powered by the Vital Voices Global Partnership in collaboration with the Estee Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund, is a dedicated leadership support program designed to champion the next generation of women change makers.
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By providing virtual leadership training and small group peer learning, the organization ensures that brilliant women can focus entirely on creating positive social impact in their communities rather than navigating their growth alone.
VV Visionaries Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Vital Voices and Estee Lauder |
| Target Audience | Women Founders and Social Entrepreneurs |
| Primary Benefit | 7 Week Virtual Leadership Journey |
| Program Type | Leadership Development and Networking |
| Gender Focus | Specifically for those who identify as women |
| Application Deadline | March 13 2026 |
About the VV Visionaries Program 2026
The VV Visionaries Program is more than just a training course. It is a partnership aimed at supporting emerging leaders who are redefining leadership in their everyday lives. Recognizing that women leadership accelerates progress in workplaces and boardrooms, the program offers a seven week virtual experience based on over 25 years of global work. The goal is to champion women across diverse sectors who want to create a lasting impact. This initiative is perfect for those who want to join a cohort of 50 women leaders committed to advancing the greater good.
Benefits of the VV Visionaries Program 2026
- Participation in a prestigious cohort of 50 women leaders from across the globe
- Access to the 7 week virtual Vital Voices Leadership Journey development course
- Opportunity to learn directly from Estee Lauder executives and the Vital Voices network
- Full access to the global network Hub with over 47,000 women leaders
- Ongoing continuing education and engagement opportunities after program completion
- Receipt of an official certificate of completion to validate your leadership growth
- Strengthened awareness of how to lead inclusive communities and take bold actions
Eligibility and Requirements for VV Visionaries Program
- Gender Identity: Applicants must identify as a woman to be considered for the program.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old by May 2026.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in the English language.
- Professional Role: Must be a founder or co founder of a social sector organization or social enterprise.
- Program Status: Applicants must not be currently participating in or have graduated from another Vital Voices program in 2025 or 2026.
- Time Commitment: Must be able to commit 3 to 4 hours weekly for sessions and assignments.
Step by Step Application Guide for the VV Visionaries Program
Phase 1 Professional Alignment and Role Verification
- Confirm that you are the founder or co founder of an NGO or a for profit social enterprise.
- Verify that your organization or business has an explicit and measurable social impact mission.
- Check your birth date to ensure you will be at least 18 years old by May 2026.
- Assess your English language skills to ensure you can participate in complex virtual discussions.
- Review your past participation in Vital Voices programs to confirm your current eligibility status.
Phase 2 Commitment Planning and Schedule Review
- Ensure you can attend all seven live virtual sessions held on Thursday mornings.
- Dedicate at least two hours for each live session and an additional two hours for peer calls.
- Block out 3 to 4 hours per week in your calendar to manage the program workload.
- Prepare to remain engaged with the global network even after the official graduation.
- Confirm that you can complete the required surveys for up to one year after the program.
Phase 3 Online Application and Account Setup
- Navigate to the official Vital Voices application portal through the provided link.
- Read the instructions thoroughly as the estimated time for completion is 30 minutes.
- Create your user profile by providing your active professional email address.
- Ensure your application is written entirely in the English language.
- Gather details about your organization to answer the specific founder related questions.
Phase 4 Vision Statement and Impact Assessment
- Articulate how your leadership is currently driving change in your local community.
- Describe the social sector organization or enterprise you founded and its primary goals.
- Explain what bold actions you intend to take to create a lasting impact after the program.
- Provide clear data on the social impact your initiative has achieved so far.
- Review your vision statement to ensure it aligns with the goal of advancing the greater good.
Phase 5 Final Submission and Monitoring
- Review all your answers to ensure they are accurate and professional.
- Submit your completed application by 10 am ET on March 13 2026.
- Save the confirmation message or email that proves your application was received.
- Monitor your email for any requests for a needs assessment or follow up interview.
- Stay prepared to join the virtual cohort of 50 women leaders if your application is successful.
Jamnet.com.ng Expert Advice STAR and SMART Methods
- Use the SMART Method: Be Specific about the social impact your organization creates and ensure your leadership goals are Measurable throughout the seven week journey.
- Apply the STAR Technique: When describing your leadership experience focus on a Situation where you led a community and the Task you managed and the Action you took and the Result.
- Emphasis: The program focuses on leaders who are redefining leadership and taking bold actions for social good.
- Proactive Tip: Start your application early as the 10 am ET deadline is strict and you will need 30 minutes to complete the form accurately.
Applications Deadline: March 13 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ About the VV Visionaries Program
- Who can apply for the VV Visionaries Program? Women founders or co founders of social sector organizations and social enterprises are eligible.
- What is the age requirement for the program? You must be 18 years old by May 2026 to participate.
- How long does the leadership course last? It is a 7 week virtual leadership development course.
- Is the program conducted in person? No the sessions are virtual and held on Thursday mornings for two hours each.
- What is the weekly time commitment? Participants should expect to spend between 3 and 4 hours each week on sessions and assignments.
- When is the final application deadline? Applications must be submitted by March 13 2026 at 10 am ET.
- How many women are selected for each cohort? Each cohort consists of 50 women leaders from across the world.
- Do I get a certificate after the program? Yes participants will receive a certificate of completion after the program finishes.
- Can I apply if I am already in another Vital Voices program? No you cannot apply if you are currently participating in or graduated from a 2025 or 2026 program.
- What is the Estee Lauder Emerging Leaders Fund? It is the charitable fund of Estee Lauder that partners with Vital Voices to support women leaders.
