Community-rooted program empowers women to connect and collaborate
A new community-rooted program that empowers women leaders to connect, collaborate and create lasting impact across Southwest Florida is seeking membership.
The SWFL Executive Women’s Leadership Program, incubated by the Collaboratory, is now accepting applications for its inaugural 2026 cohort. The program, which fosters values-based leadership, mentorship, and collaboration, will bring together senior-level women from across a variety of sectors.
Participants will spend over eight sessions – January through April 2026 – engaging in deep, interactive learning that cultivates clarity, influence, and purpose. Each session explores a distinct leadership theme — from “Leading with Values” and “Leading Through Change” to “Speaking Powerfully.” Participants will also be paired with a mentor for an additional eight months following the program, ensuring continued growth and connection.
“We wanted to create a space where women could grow alongside each other — not just as professionals, but as people leading with purpose,” said Bailey T. Susic, program director. “Leadership is stronger when shared, and this program is about amplifying the collective strength of women across Southwest Florida.”
The Collaboratory, a Fort Myers-based regional hub for social innovation, is serving as the incubator for this new program. This opportunity to bring together business leaders will expand impact within the region’s broader leadership ecosystem.
“At Collaboratory, we believe in creating networks that elevate our community as a whole,” Collaboratory CEO Dawn Belamarich said. “This program aligns perfectly with our mission to collaborate for the greater good — bringing together women who are ready to lead transformative change.”
The SWFL Executive Women’s Leadership Program welcomes applications from women across sectors — business, nonprofit, education, government, and entrepreneurship — who hold senior or executive roles and are committed to making a positive impact in their organizations and communities.
Applications are open through Dec. 7, 2025. A limited number of need-based scholarships and employer sponsorship opportunities are available to ensure diverse participation.
To apply or learn more, visit collaboratory.org/executive-womens-leadership-program/ or email bailey@sofiades.com.
About the SWFL Executive Women’s Leadership Program
The SWFL Executive Women’s Leadership Program is a values-based leadership experience designed to elevate women leaders across Southwest Florida. Through immersive learning, mentorship, and collaboration, the program helps women strengthen their professional voice, expand their networks, and lead with purpose.
About Collaboratory
Collaboratory is a regional community foundation with an evolved mission committed to coordinating the solving of Southwest Florida’s major social problems by 2040. Not alone, but with everyone—the entire community working together across all five counties: Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Collier.
Collaboratory provides community leadership, raises and coordinates funding, and disburses funds to organizations that are helping solve the problems our donors and the community have identified as priorities. Collaboratory also provides capacity building with training and resources for regional partners. Given the complexities of the social challenges in our region, Collaboratory ensures we are all working together and that every generous donor achieves the biggest impact with their funds. By using and sharing data to track progress, we ensure that donor dollars are best invested to move the needle on improving social issues.
Connection and collaboration are at the heart of our mission. Since 1976, we have made over $130 million in grants to individuals and organizations across the region to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. It is upon that legacy of a commitment to community we will collectively achieve our 2040 goal. To learn more and get involved, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.collaboratory.org.
