Each year, 30 high school sophomores and juniors are invited to attend the Leadership Forum, a 4-day communications and leadership training conference hosted at the ANN Brands’ headquarters in New York City. Fellows meet with influential ANN Brands and ascena leaders, global female activists, and trailblazers in business, politics, entertainment and media. Throughout the week, Fellows are exposed to unique leadership and communications training and presentations on real-world challenges, and are tasked to work together to find solutions. Each HERlead Fellow is given the chance to learn her personal leadership style to help her put their best self forward every single day.

Following the Forum, HERlead Fellows return to their communities and put their training into action. They develop projects to address pressing societal issues that range from economic empowerment to the environment, public health, education, political and public leadership, and human rights.

Selected project ideas receive Project Grant funding to help bring them to life. To date, the HERlead Fellowship has funded 283 projects which have impacted more than 202,885 people in 20 countries around the world. All past Fellows are encouraged to apply.

Click here to check out the impactful projects we’ve funded so far.

Three Ambassador Workshops take place annually. All HERlead Alumni can apply and 4 to 6 finalists are selected to attend.

The Workshops focus on a specific topic or sector such as Leadership in the Non-Profit Sector, Technology, and Advocacy/Public Service. Attendees will receive individualized training and mentorship.

Fellows who participate in these workshops earn the title of HERlead Ambassador. HERlead Ambassadors are champions of the Fellowship and serve as mentors and inspiration for the other young women in the HERlead network.