Global Changemakers Network

The Global Changemakers Leadership Network is the Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership’s flagship student leadership development program. The Network brings together Howard University students committed to leadership, service, and advancing women and gender equity in their communities and beyond. The Network is rooted in bringing together students who want to become stronger leaders while seriously thinking about what leadership is for: how we use our knowledge, skills, and influence to serve our communities, advance justice and fairness, and create meaningful change.

Launched in 2024 as the Global Changemakers Fellowship, the program was created to provide students with sustained opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, professional development, entrepreneurship, and community on our campus. We invited thought-leaders from business, politics and the press from around the world to share their experiences with students. The program has since evolved into the Global Changemakers Leadership Network, a year-long cohort experience that builds on the fellowship and combines learning about leadership with opportunities to practice it. To be clear, the Network is not just about preparing students to simply lead, but to lead with purpose and confidence.

Cohort members are asked to consider, "What will I do with my leadership and who will it serve?"

Each year, a select cohort of Howard University undergraduate students participates in workshops, mentoring, conversations with leaders, site visits, experiential learning, and community engagement. Students strengthen their leadership and public-speaking skills, explore entrepreneurship and innovation, expand their professional networks, and engage questions of women, gender, and leadership in both local and global contexts.

The program is grounded in CWGGL’s RISE values: Resilience, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. At the same time, we encourage students to think critically about what resilience requires. Leadership should not come at the expense of individual or community well-being. Global Changemakers therefore emphasizes self-care, communities of care, healthy boundaries, and practices that allow leaders to sustain themselves and the communities they serve.

What do the Global Changemakers Experience Throughout the Year?

Throughout the academic year, Global Changemakers participate in experiences that include:

• Leadership development and public speaking
• Mentorship and professional networking
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Professional and career development
• Conversations with leaders, alumni, and changemakers
• Women, gender, and global engagement
• Site visits and experiential learning
• Community engagement and service
• Wellness, self-care, and communities of care
• The annual Global Changemakers Leadership Retreat

Global Changemakers also have opportunities to participate in select CWGGL programs and special events and to build relationships with faculty, alumni, professionals, community partners, and one another.

What You’ll Gain

As a Global Changemaker, you will have opportunities to:

• Strengthen practical leadership, communication, and public-speaking skills
• Connect with CWGGL staff, faculty, alumni, guest speakers, and partner organizations
• Gain exposure to careers and organizations working in gender equity, policy, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and global affairs
• Develop professional relationships and expand your network
• Receive a certificate of completion and formal recognition at the end of the program
• Join the Global Changemakers Alumni Network upon successful completion

Program Commitment

Global Changemakers is a year-long cohort experience for students who are ready to make an active commitment to their personal and leadership development and to the cohort community.

Fellows should be prepared to:

• Participate throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, from late September through mid-April
• Attend up to two program engagements per month, including leadership sessions, project-based gatherings, and other cohort activities
• Participate in site visits, special programs, and the annual Global Changemakers Leadership Retreat
• Contribute to collaborative projects and cohort activities
• Communicate consistently with CWGGL staff and fellow cohort members
• Approach the program with professionalism, curiosity, accountability, and respect
• Complete program reflections and leadership portfolio activities

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a currently enrolled Howard University undergraduate student with sophomore, junior, or senior standing. The program is not open to first-year students at this time. First year students may join our Student Ambassadors!
• Have an interest in leadership, women and gender, community engagement, public service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or global issues
• Be available to participate throughout the 2026–2027 academic year
• Be able to commit to up to two program engagements per month

Students from all majors and academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: September 1, 2026
Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis, September 3–16, 2026
Selection Notifications: By September 21, 2026
Program Begins: Late September 2026
Program Concludes: Mid-April 2027