Women Leading Ed (WLE) announces creation of Emerging State Executives Network (ESE)

The initiative is dedicated to investing in and advancing exceptional women in state education roles nationwide.


In anticipation of significant changes in state education leadership due to upcoming gubernatorial elections, the need for prepared, visionary leaders has never been greater. In response, Women Leading Ed has launched the Emerging State Executives (ESE) Network, a pioneering initiative dedicated to investing in and advancing exceptional women in state education roles nationwide.

This Wlehighly selective program is designed to equip proven women leaders with the tools and support they need to ascend to top positions in state education agencies (SEAs). As new opportunities emerge, the WLE ESE Network ensures that these leaders are ready to step into roles where they can make a lasting impact.

This initiative is entirely philanthropically funded and offers an extraordinary opportunity for women currently in SEA roles who aspire to advance their careers, as well as those in local education agency (LEA) roles interested in transitioning to SEA positions. The inaugural cohort will be highly selective and capped to maintain an intimate and impactful experience.

Benefits of joining the ESE Network include:

  • Free Lifelong Membership in the Women Leading Ed (WLE) network: WLE is an ever-expanding national network of district and state education leaders. We support and advance the leadership of women through research, advocacy and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journey. Cohort members will have lifelong free membership to Women Leading Ed.
  • Free Admittance to the Forum for Educational Leadership: A collaborative, collective effort to create the space for highly effective and passionate education leaders to prepare for their pathway to the top role in a state or district. The Forum aims to show that we can transform the odds of who is in the top job while sustaining them once they get there. Cohort members will have lifelong membership to The Forum network.
  • SEA Network Community of Practice: The cohort is grounded in a community of practice that will include monthly virtual sessions with peers and the most exceptional current and former SEA leaders from across bipartisan administration from across the nation.
  • Intensive One-on-One Coaching and Individualized Support: Each cohort member will receive personalized one-on-one coaching tailored for career growth and professional development.  

To learn more and apply, go to: Emerging State Executives — Women Leading Ed

Page 1 of 1