UPWARD Academy:
Nonprofit Board Leadership Program
Enroll in the UPWARD Board Leadership Program and become nonprofit board-certified in 8 weeks. Prepare to lead in your community and make an impact to help achieve gender parity in the boardroom. The program is designed to provide women with the strategic tools, resources, knowledge, and opportunities to be effective board members and pursue a board seat.
THE DETAILS
Cohort #1: Feb. 1st - March 17th
Cohort #2: June 13th - July 25th
Cohort #3: Sept. 26th - Nov. 7th
The UPWARD Board Leadership program takes place over 8 weeks (about 1 and a half months) through 4 live virtual sessions and 4 self-paced e-learning workshops. The live virtual sessions occur via Zoom at 11 am PST - 12:30 pm PST. 3 program cohorts are launching throughout 2024 in February, June, and September.
During this program you’ll learn: Board Member Basics, Essential Guiding Documents, Nonprofit Financial Essentials, Evaluating Agency Programs and the CEO, How Nonprofit Board Service Translates to For-Profit Service, and more!
THE BENEFITS
The UPWARD nonprofit board leadership program caters to executive women with a passion for personal development, career advancement, and community leadership. Distinguished by its focus on board governance, leadership skills, and community trusteeship, participants receive a nonprofit board certificate guiding them to apply their newfound knowledge by engaging with a nonprofit board.
Diversity and inclusivity take center stage as the program features speakers sharing expertise on these crucial aspects in the boardroom. Robust discussions ensue, enhancing participants' skills as they endeavor to serve and reshape their communities. Executive and professional women are urged to leverage their education, passions, skills, and expertise by joining a nonprofit board, presenting an opportunity to actively contribute to shaping the world.
The 8-week curriculum prepares participants to excel in board governance by leveraging their talents and lived experiences. Upon completion, a certification in nonprofit board governance is awarded, along with the chance to match with a nonprofit seeking someone with their unique gifts. The program fosters connections among executive women on similar journeys, creating a supportive community.
This initiative gains added significance in light of the Women in the Boardroom report by Deloitte, revealing a global average of women on boards just under 20%, prompting the UPWARD program to play a pivotal role in accelerating progress toward gender parity, potentially reaching this milestone well before the projected date of 2045. During the program you’ll experience:
• Comprehensive Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of board governance, leadership skills, and community trusteeship.
• Flexible Learning: 8-week program with virtual sessions and self-paced e-learning, requiring approximately 20 hours of commitment.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Learn from diverse speakers, fostering robust discussions on the importance of inclusivity in the boardroom.
• Empowerment: Use education, passions, skills, and expertise to actively shape and strengthen communities through nonprofit board service.
• Certification: Obtain a certificate in nonprofit board governance to leverage in the search for a board position that showcases expertise and commitment.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with executive and professional women on similar journeys, building a supportive community.
Program Schedule
Session #1:
In the first session, we will do a brief introduction on each participant, discuss the career and community impact of board service, the business case for board diversity, and inspect the reality about board leadership. We will learn the basics of board governance and essential guiding documents used for boards.
Session #2:
In this session, you will learn about the basics of board governance, essential guiding documents used for boards, and how nonprofit board service translates to for-profit board governance. We will also problem-solve using real-life case studies and scenarios.
Session #3:
For the third session in the series, we will dive into nonprofit financial essentials, how to evaluate agency programs and the CEO, and take a look at board and committee meetings. This session brings an opportunity to ideate new solutions for another real-world scenario.
Session #4:
In the final session of this program series, we will discuss how to leverage your new learnings and certification to strengthen your professional brand. We will also have a lab working on how to set up your profile, engage with potential board matches, and examine best practices for writing your board bio.
You will receive instructions on how to log in to the BoardBuild platform and will be assigned videos to watch between each live virtual session. (approx. 3 to 5 hours of video homework). It is highly encouraged you attend all live sessions. The recording will be provided in case you are absent due to an emergency.
Ready to elevate your leadership and make a lasting impact? Enroll in the UPWARD Board Leadership Program today. Shape your future and contribute to the journey towards gender parity. Join us in building a community of empowered and influential leaders. Enroll now to unlock your potential!
