Course Catalog

Leadership Academy for Women (2026)

Description

The Poynter Leadership Academy for Women in Media has transformed the careers of more than 650 people since 2015. During a week often described as overflowing with “Poynter magic,” each participant learns to manage teams more effectively, hone and communicate their strategic vision and steer their organizations toward success. But perhaps more importantly, graduates join a global community of support.

Develop the must-have skills journalists need to lead media organizations of the future. Designed for women and nonbinary journalists, this singular program will support you to amplify your managerial strengths; navigate ethical decision making; strategize ahead of difficult conversations and negotiations; manage up, down and across generations; delegate with purpose; and create your unique formula for work-life chemistry.

Overview

Travel to Poynter in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, for five days of intensive, transformational learning.
Form deep relationships with your cohort of 30 people and join an alumni group of more than 650 leaders.
Process feedback from your boss, direct reports and peers with a Poynter coach.
Explore your personal communication styles and strengths as a manager.
Strategize around difficult conversations, negotiations and culture change.
Chart your unique, winding career path based on how you define success.
Applications are due by Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
The cost for the course is $1,350

Poynter leadership training propels careers and changes lives. In a 2023 survey of Leadership Academy for Women in Media alumnae from the last eight years, we learned:

75% of respondents have more confidence in themselves and the industry.
72% use something they learned during the academy at least once per week.
60% took on new or expanded leadership roles.

Each participant’s circle expands after the program as alumni from different classes network, connect online and in person, and even mentor each other.

Our program welcomes all women, including cis and trans women, as well as nonbinary and gender nonconforming journalists who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women in media.

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