• Chicago

    Women's

    Leadership

    Accelerator

    Committed to Closing the Leadership Gap

    May 8, 2025

    8:30 am - 5 pm

  • About The CWLA

    The Chicago Women's Leadership Accelerator (CWLA) is a premier leadership development program designed to empower career-driven women with the skills needed to lead effectively in today’s dynamic business environment.

    This one-day immersive experience enhances emotional intelligence and inclusive leadership, two critical competencies that drive team performance, strengthen organizational culture, and improve employee retention. The CWLA is ideal for current and aspiring people leaders looking to elevate their impact.

    Since its launch in 2022, the CWLA has helped develop the leadership capabilities of more than 250 women, earning strong support from many of Chicago’s top business leaders. It has quickly evolved into a recognized and influential leadership accelerator.​

  • Why The CWLA

    Despite the wide-spread efforts to disrupt gender inequality within leadership roles across industries, women continue to face barriers when it comes to securing leadership positions. Even though women represent more than half the U.S. population and make up over 40% of the U.S. workforce, they continue to be severely under-represented in leadership roles across industries. This is especially true for women of color. Recent research has shown that the women’s leadership gap is only growing wider despite widespread efforts to increase gender parity within leadership roles.


    The CWLA was born out of the need to increase representation of women in leadership and designed to empower and equip participants with professional development, community, and inspiration that will strengthen leadership acumen and elevate women in the workplace.

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    What an incredible event! The workshops were all thought-provoking and impactful sessions. The organizers created a special type of space that I have never been a part of -one that allowed and welcomed each of us to be honest, open and vulnerable. The CWLA encouraged us to focus on ways that we can be our best and most authentic selves while considering our personal strengths and areas needing improvement. It was an eye-opening event which taught me so many valuable things. As an added mention, the sessions were also quite fun, the day flew by with delicious catered food. We were truly treated as honored guests. Highly recommend!

    Carolyn H.

    Heitman

  • “In this world there is no force equal to the strength of a woman determined to rise.”

    - W.E.B. Du Bois

  • CWLA Founders

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    Experienced Leaders, Committed to Elevating Women

    With decades of combined expertise, Cindu Thomas-George, Desiree Vargas Wrigley, and Alicia Del Real bring deep specialization in Inclusive Leadership, Innovation, and Emotional Intelligence—critical skills for today’s leaders.

    Our why is simple: we believe in elevating women and expanding their power. Through the Chicago Women’s Leadership Accelerator, we are committed to closing the gender leadership gap and creating opportunities for women to lead with confidence and impact. This is our way of giving back—investing in the future of women leaders in Chicago and beyond.

  • 50

    Attendees

    3

    Sessions

    1

    Day