Programs

Women's Leadership Academy

The Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) was established in 2022. The academy’s mission is to prepare women for a lifetime of leadership. Dedicated to empowering, enriching, and embracing women in Arkansas, the academy facilitates women’s leadership development through expert speakers, hands-on experiences, and community service.

The Academy creates an inclusive safe space for women to learn how to tackle societal norms and cultural expectations, and to strengthen their confidence in their ability to lead.

Annual Gala

The Women’s Leadership Network Fundraiser Gala is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd, 2025! Mark your calendars! Stay tuned as the 2025 Gala theme will be announced at the WLN Kickoff Event on Thursday, January 30th at UCA Windgate Center at 6 pm.

WLN Women's Business Showcase

The Women’s Business Showcase is a one night expo-style event for women-owned businesses to showcase their products and services and expand their networks with women in Central Arkansas.

The showcase is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 6-8 pm at UCA’s McCastlain Ballroom. Mark your calendar!

Level Up Conference

Level up in your business. Level up in your self care, communication, and authenticity.

Level Up Conference is created to inspire, connect, and engage authentically with other women in our community. A day of in-depth learning and conversation coupled with intentional networking brings together bright minds and brave souls. With incredible guest speakers, we open up the floor to authentically connect, share ideas, and to uplift each other as women.

The Level Up Conference is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2 Pm – 6 PM at UCA McCastlain Ballroom. Save the date!

Words That Elevate

Hear what our own members have to say!

"What impacted me the most at WLA is seeing first hand how powerful women can be at all ages, through different phases and walks of life. Every single woman in this cohort is completely different but we can all beautifully empower, guide, help and support one another. The unity, bravery, love and laughter this cohort shared will inspire me always. I am honored to be a part of the 2024 WLA Cohort."

"Based on a moment in the Education Session: We need a diversity of perspectives to have any hope of solving the problems this world currently faces. At a time when it feels as if everyone is choosing sides and hiding in their own information silo, WLA provides a space for people from diverse backgrounds to learn, grow, and build community. As we close out this chapter, we can't forget how much our effective leadership depends on our ability to listen, even when we disagree. We need each other!"

"It is really hard to put into words the impact WLA has had on me. Personally, I have faced challenges in navigating leadership roles due to societal norms or cultural expectations. The Women's Leadership Academy has helped strengthen confidence in my abilities, mange my self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and develop a cohort of women to lean on for their strength, guidance, and support. My hope is to use this empowerment to inspire and uplift other women in our community."

"WLA has been a meaningful experience for me in so many ways. As a Conway native, I thought I knew a lot about my city, but WLA opened my eyes to areas that I had not yet explored including ongoing innovation efforts, expanding educational improvements, and city council concerns. It has also been a space to meet successful women growing in their respective professions and thriving in their pursuit to make our city and state a greater place. Many of those women will be lifelong friends due to the connections formed and I am so grateful for the opportunity."

"I absolutely loved the retreat in January! I was a little nervous walking into the room for the very first time not knowing anyone or what to expect, but the jitters immediately went away after meeting this group of ladies. The staff put together an amazing group of speakers topped off with a much-needed relaxing spa night. I'm grateful for this organization and group of women that I probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to connect with outside of WLA!"

"WLA has meant a community of diverse women supporting one another. Going into this, I thought I knew what I was getting into but it ended up being so much more. I've been inspired by others' stories and motivated to stop operating out of fear. My favorite session was our retreat because I was scared and a little intimidated being around such intelligent women. Getting to know them during the retreat was refreshing and again inspiring."

Become A Member

Join our vibrant community to showcase your expertise, expand your network, and amplify your impact as a woman leader.

See What's Happening

We are women with momentum – and we’re not slowing down. Get involved with us!

Annual Events

Women’s Business Showcase

May 22 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Women’s Business Showcase is a one night expo-style event for women-owned businesses to showcase their products and services and expand their networks with women in Central Arkansas. Click here […]

Annual Events

Women’s Leadership Academy Graduation

July 22 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

WLN Gala 2025

October 2 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm