Emerging State Executives Network

The Emerging State Executives (ESE) Network is a game-changing initiative designed to invest in and elevate women state education leaders across the nation. More than ever, state education agencies (SEAs) sit at the center of some of the most urgent challenges and opportunities in public education. As new opportunities arise, the WLE ESE Network equips proven women leaders with the tools, coaching, and network needed to drive lasting change where it matters most. This highly-selective program is a yearlong experience that combines cohort-based learning and personalized support for those preparing to step into top SEA roles.

The program is intentionally limited to ensure an intimate, powerful experience. By joining the WLE ESE Network, women leaders will gain access to:

  • In-person cohort convenings featuring fireside chats with current and former state superintendents and commissioners, hands-on leadership development, and deep dives into the unique responsibilities and challenges of SEA leadership.

    Virtual expert-led sessions focused on high-impact topics that strengthen leadership skills, spotlight seasoned SEA leaders, and foster rich peer-to-peer learning.

    Problem of practice consultancies that offer structured, peer-driven problem-solving for real-time leadership challenges, tailored to each participant's context.

    Individualized executive coaching with a current or former SEA superintendent or commissioner, plus personalized job search strategy and placement support.

  • Women Leading Ed is a nation's largest nonprofit of bipartisan women education leaders who are transforming educational systems. From state and district superintendents to C-suite executives, WLE's 500+ members are at the helm of systems that shape the lives of 20+ million students. WLE provides development, research, and relationships to women leaders who are leading with impact and delivering results for schools, communities, and the future of education.

  • The Forum for Educational Leadership is designed to support and prepare top education leaders for charter, district, and state roles – with a special focus on helping them thrive once they’re there. It’s also the only national model with tracks specifically for women in leadership, grounded in the latest research and trends shaping education today.

“Women Leading Ed has sharpened my strategy, expanded my vision, and reminded me that sisterhood is a leadership accelerator. From teaching us the power of negotiation to offering tactical strategies on finance and operations, this experience has helped us own our power and walk boldly in it. Personally, I’ve felt seen. Professionally, I’ve leveled up. And strategically? I’m playing smarter.”

— ESE Inaugural Cohort Member

Tuition: $3000 per cohort member, with limited full and partial need-based scholarships available.

Please note that a travel stipend is available to all cohort members to off-set travel costs for required in-person sessions and convenings.

Ready for the next step?

Register to attend an ESE info session:

Reach out to Emily with any questions:

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The WLE ESE Network is overseen by Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder and CEO of Women Leading Ed, a distinguished education leader with a proven track record of creating impactful organizations and programs that touch nearly every student nationwide. Her initiatives, including Women Leading Ed, the Forum for Educational Leadership, and Future Chiefs and Women in Leadership, have reshaped education leadership across the U.S. She is joined by a powerhouse group of women SEA leaders from bipartisan administrations nationwide, all committed to empowering the next generation of educational leaders.