Program Structure

During the first level, WLP Leaders are introduced to key concepts in leadership, workplace diversity and Intersectionality. They also make meaningful connections via peer mentors, corporate mentors, and visits to local companies. 

In level 1, students attend Orientation, six program events, and CDI101:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Orientation (and beginning of semester check-in)
• Leadership Exploration - Empowered Play Workshop
• Unconscious Bias Workshop
• Intersectionality Discussion
• Imposter Syndrome
• Sexual Harassment Workshop
• One Mentorship Circle OR Corporate Visit
• Career Development Introduction 101 (CDI101)

In the second level, WLP Leaders continue to explore equity issues and strategies, gain insight and experience in interpersonal communications, unlock their creativity, and focus on building strong presence and presentation skills. They also continue to be inspired and informed by corporate mentors and visits.

In level 2, students participate in five program events, and either CDI201 for undeclared majors or CDI 301 for declared majors:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Creative Confidence Workshop
• Powerful Presence
• Interpersonal Communications
• Perspectives: Hearing Others
• One Corporate Visit OR Corporate Mentor Circle
• Career Development Introduction 201 (CD201)

In the third level, WLP Leaders focus on understanding the value and impact of authentic leadership and gaining self-awareness of their talents and strengths as leaders and team members. They also gain insight on the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and strategic networks, and continue to be inspired and informed by corporate mentors and visits.

In level 3, students participate in six program events:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Mentorship, Sponsorship and Networking
• Closing the Gap Workshop: Confidence and Other Hidden Barriers
• How to Advocate in Professional Spaces
• Intergroup Dialogue on race- with racial justice training
• Exploration of Career Paths
• One Corporate Visit OR Corporate Mentor Circle

In the final level, WLP Leaders continue their development as authentic leaders by developing a personal vision for leadership and a unique value proposition as a leader. Workshops focus on preparing students to enter the workplace or graduate school. This includes a review of key strategies for inclusion and advancement, and short workshops on key skills such as writing your new narrative, men as allies, and Adulting.

In level 4, students participate in four or more program events (includes short workshops related to key life skills):

Offered in some capacity each semester (choose 4 out of the 5 workshops):

• Negotiations
• Men as Allies
• Writing your New Narrative
• Adulting
• Independent Study- with 15 min presentation
• One Corporate Visit OR Corporate Mentor Circle each trimester

WLP Leaders who study abroad will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and experience the country's social norms and attitudes – this includes attitudes and actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To encourage the students to reflect on what they are experiencing, we ask that they observe and document their experiences relative to gender norms, stereotypes, and diversity by making entries in your Leadership Journal. Questions the students can consider:

• How diverse is the campus environment? What is the gender and racial makeup of my classmates? How does this feel different than Bentley?
• How diverse is the city/community when I am off campus? Do I feel welcome by the locals? How does this compare to my hometown?
• Are people of different genders treated differently? How are they portrayed in local media and marketing materials – what are you seeing?
• Am I treated differently because of my national origin, gender, race, or other social identity? What are specific examples? How does this compare to my experiences in the U.S. or home country?
• Did I observe any interactions or hear discussions (both on campus or off campus) that stood out?

They then write a short essay (approx. 500 words) about their experiences and share it with the Women's Leadership Program via a community blog on our Blackboard site. Each fall, we hold an event where students can share photos, observations, and insights from their experiences with other WLP Leaders.

Please note: Bentley will apply your Women's Leadership Program award while you study abroad as long as you are a full-time student and you are abroad during the fall or spring semester. 

WLP Leaders take two related electives any time during the four-year program.

Personal Leadership Journal

After each program event, WLP Leaders write a short reflective essay, based on the experience, and add it to a personal, online Leadership Journal. This provides an opportunity for students to journal their leadership journey through the program.

Every first-year WLP Leader is paired with a peer mentor who is an upperclasswomen in the program. The introduction is made over the summer and the mentor answers questions about the program and Bentley, supports the transition into Bentley, and acts as an ongoing contact, resource, and friend.

The Student Advisory Board is a small group of WLP Leader volunteers who take on roles within the WLP community to plan fun and educational programs. The roles include:

• Alumni Engagement Committee – collaborate with the Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs (GSSP) and the Bentley Women’s Alumni Network to host one workshop, panel, or networking event per semester.
• Diversity and Inclusion Committee – collaborate with the rest of the Student Advisory Board to ensure intersectional and anti-racist programming and plan a social justice conference once a year.
• Social Events Committee – plan activities to foster community among WLP Leaders.
• Book Discussion Committee– plan social gatherings in the Leadership Lounge to foster community among WLP Leaders.
• Social Media Committee – collaborate with the GSSP to highlight Women’s Leadership Program events and workshops on Instagram.

Bentley’s Gender and Sexuality Student Lounge (GSSL) is a welcoming, inclusive space designed as a home base for students who identify as women and/or as LGBTQ+, and their allies. WLP Leaders can use this space to meet, study, chat, relax! Location: Student Center, Room 310A.

WLP Leaders help represent the Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs (GSSP) in campus-wide events as well as Admissions-related events. Students should volunteer for at least one event during the academic year. Examples include staffing a table for the Equal Pay Day, at a GSSP-sponsored basketball game, or at Women's History Month related activities. Admissions-related events include GSSP open house events and calls to admitted students.