The East-West Center’s Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Seminar 2025 is now open for applications. This unique program is designed to highlight the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering community development. The 12-day seminar offers professional training, discussions, and travel opportunities to empower women leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Participants engage in workshops focused on leadership and entrepreneurship while benefiting from curated field trips and networking opportunities with industry experts, practitioners, legislators, and business owners in Hawaii. The seminar includes a Host Mentor Program, where each participant is paired with a local woman leader for one-on-one mentoring. In return, participants mentor a group of high school students as part of the Next Generation Service Project. The seminar culminates with participants creating a detailed Action Plan aimed at advancing their businesses or communities.

Program Details

• Organizer: East-West Center
• Application Deadline: February 11, 2025
• Program Dates: June 2–15, 2025
• Location: Oʻahu and Kauaʻi, United States
• Theme for 2025: Women as Innovators and Entrepreneurs
• Gender: Female
• Number of Participants: 6–8 spots
• Type: Leadership and Entrepreneurship Seminar
• Eligible Countries: United States, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and Vietnam.
• Special Encouragement: Women from Hawaiʻi are especially encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Seminar

Thanks to sponsors such as the Fish Family Foundation and the East-West Center, the seminar is fully funded for 6–8 participants from the Asia-Pacific region and the United States. Each full scholarship is valued at USD 3,500 and covers the following expenses:

• Interisland airfare between Oʻahu and Kauaʻi
• Ground transportation and airport transfers for the program
• 12 days of accommodation on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi
• Program meals and a per diem for meals not provided
• Speaker honorariums and expert-led training workshops
• Personalized mentoring through the Host Mentor Program
• Cultural activities and networking opportunities
• Participant resource materials
• Facilitation by experienced professionals with expertise in regional and women’s leadership topics

Participant Responsibilities

While the scholarship covers many program expenses, participants are responsible for:

• Roundtrip airfare to/from Honolulu, Hawaii
• Visa application fees
• Health insurance
• Baggage fees

The East-West Center encourages applicants to share in the program costs, as this demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth, business development, and the seminar’s objectives. Cost-sharing is a key factor in the selection process.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Leadership Experience and Innovation:
   • Applicants should be business owners or social entrepreneurs with a leadership background and proven community impact.
   • Open to innovative entrepreneurs, business managers, policymakers, and civil society leaders.
   • Applicants must have at least 7 years of professional experience and demonstrate the ability to lead effectively within their communities.
2. Community and Business Impact:
   • Candidates must have created or enhanced an original idea, product, or service.
   • The applicant’s work should reflect a strong commitment to community development and economic growth.
3. Nationality and Residency:
   • Open to nationals of eligible countries listed above.
   • Preference is given to women with limited international exchange opportunities.
4. Language Proficiency:
   • Applicants must be fluent in English for effective communication.
5. Commitment to Action Plan:
   • Candidates must propose a specific goal for their business or community to be developed and implemented during the seminar.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. Completed Online Application Form:
   • Accessible through the East-West Center’s Submittable platform.
2. Letter of Interest: (Maximum 3 pages)
   The letter must include:
   • A brief overview of the applicant’s organization or business and their role within it.
   • What they aim to gain from the seminar and how they plan to contribute.
   • Specific examples of leadership, innovation, and community impact.
   • A clear objective or goal to be worked on during the seminar (this will form the basis of the Action Plan).
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): (Maximum 2 pages)
4. Professional Letters of Recommendation:
   • Two signed and dated recommendation letters from professionals familiar with the applicant’s work.
   • Letters must be on official letterhead and outline the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the seminar.

Selection Process

The selection process involves two key phases:

1. Pre-Selection:
   • Applications are reviewed for compliance with eligibility requirements.
   • Three candidates per slot are shortlisted.
   • Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information or to re-categorize their applications if needed.
2. Final Selection:
   • Finalists are chosen based on leadership, innovation, community impact, and cost-sharing contributions.
   • Phone interviews may be conducted with selected candidates.
   • The Steering Committee’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

Important Notes:

• Finalists will be notified by February 11, 2025.
• Categories may be left vacant if no suitable applicants are found.

How to Apply

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Review the eligibility criteria and seminar details thoroughly.
2. Complete the online application form on the East-West Center’s Submittable platform.
3. Submit all required documents (letter of interest, CV, and letters of recommendation) by the deadline of February 11, 2025.

Apply Now

To learn more about the Changing Faces Women Leadership Seminar, please visit East-West Center’s website.