Program Structure

During the first level, WLP Leaders are introduced to key concepts in leadership, workplace diversity and Intersectionality. They also make meaningful connections via peer mentors, corporate mentors, and visits to local companies. 

Level 1 students attend Orientation, a beginning of semester check-in and six program sessions:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Orientation (and beginning of semester check-in)
• Leadership Exploration - Empowered Play Workshop
• Unconscious Bias Workshop
• Intersectionality Workshop
• Imposter Syndrome Workshop (Spring)
• Sexual Harassment Training Module
• One Mentorship Circle OR Corporate Visit

In the second level, WLP Leaders continue to explore equity issues and strategies, gain insight and experience in interpersonal communications, unlock their creativity, and focus on building strong presence and presentation skills. They also continue to be inspired and informed by corporate mentors and visits.

Level 2 students participate in five program sessions:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Creative Confidence Workshop
• Powerful Presence Workshop
• Interpersonal Communications Workshop
• Perspectives: Hearing Others Workshop
• Mentorship, Networking and Sponsorship Workshop
• One Corporate Visit OR Corporate Mentor Circle

In the third level, WLP Leaders focus on understanding the value and impact of authentic leadership and gaining self-awareness of their talents and strengths as leaders and team members. They also gain insight on the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and strategic networks, and continue to be inspired and informed by corporate mentors and visits.

Level 3 students participate in five program sessions:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Closing the Gap Workshop: Confidence and Other Hidden Barriers Workshop
• How to Advocate in Professional Spaces Workshop
• Intergroup Dialogue on Race
• Exploration of Career Paths Workshop
• Mentorship, Sponsorship and Networking Workshop
• One Corporate Visit OR Corporate Mentor Circle

In the final level, WLP Leaders continue their development as authentic leaders by developing a personal vision for leadership and a unique value proposition as a leader. Workshops focus on preparing students to enter the workplace or graduate school. This includes a review of key strategies for inclusion and advancement, and short workshops on key skills such as writing your new narrative, men as allies, and Adulting.

Level 4 students participate in four program sessions:

Offered in some capacity each semester:

• Adulting Workshop (Fall)
• Writing Your New Narrative Workshop (Fall)
• Mindfulness (Spring)
• Negotiations Workshop (Spring)
• Men as Allies Summit (Spring)
• One Corporate Visit OR Corporate Mentor Circle

WLP Leaders who study abroad will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture and experience the country's social norms and attitudes – this includes attitudes and actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To encourage the students to reflect on what they are experiencing, we ask that they observe and document their experiences relative to gender norms, stereotypes, and diversity by making entries in your Leadership Journal. Questions the students can consider:

• How diverse is the campus environment? What is the gender and racial makeup of my classmates? How does this feel different than Bentley?
• How diverse is the city/community when I am off campus? Do I feel welcome by the locals? How does this compare to my hometown?
• Are people of different genders treated differently? How are they portrayed in local media and marketing materials – what are you seeing?
• Am I treated differently because of my national origin, gender, race, or other social identity? What are specific examples? How does this compare to my experiences in the U.S. or home country?
• Did I observe any interactions or hear discussions (both on campus or off campus) that stood out?

They then write a short essay (approx. 500 words) about their experiences and share it with the Women's Leadership Program via a community blog. Each fall, we hold an event where students can share photos, observations, and insights from their experiences with other WLP Leaders.

Please note: Bentley will apply your Women's Leadership Program award while you study abroad as long as you are a full-time student and you are abroad during the fall or spring semester. 

Personal Leadership Journal

After each program session, WLP Leaders write a short reflective essay, based on the experience, and submit through CampusGroups. This provides an opportunity for students to journal their leadership journey through the program.

Every first-year WLP Leader can opt to be paired with a peer mentor who is an upper-level student in the program. The introduction is made over the summer and the mentor answers questions about the program and Bentley, supports the transition into Bentley, and acts as an ongoing source of support.

The Student Advisory Board is a small group of WLP Leader volunteers who take on roles within the WLP community to plan fun and educational programs.

Bentley’s Gender and Sexuality Student Lounge (GSSL) is a welcoming, inclusive space designed as a home base for students who identify as women and/or as LGBTQ+, and their allies. WLP Leaders can use this space to meet, study, chat, relax! Location: Student Center, Room 310A.

WLP Leaders can help represent the Office of Gender and Sexuality Student Programs (GSSP) in campus-wide events as well as Admissions-related events. Examples include staffing a table for the Equal Pay Day, at a GSSP-sponsored basketball game, or at Women's History Month related activities. Admissions-related events include GSSP open house events and calls to admitted students.