Dashney Women's Leadership Accelerator

Expanding opportunities for women in business.

Critical to the success of the Broad College of Business in developing global transformational leaders is the advancement of women leaders. Thanks to a game-changing gift from a senior-level alumna, the Broad College has launched the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator to provide select undergraduate students with experiential learning opportunities and coaching, preparing these DWLA Scholars to begin their professional lives with the ability and confidence to make an immediate impact. The DWLA Scholars opportunity is open to all Broad-admitted students who are rising juniors.

Vision

The Accelerator’s long-term goal is to increase the number of Broad College alumni in senior leadership and C-suite positions. In the short term, our focus is on equipping DWLA Scholars with the tools to navigate the transition from college to the business world prepared and eager to pursue leadership positions.

Mission

The Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator will propel its scholars on their leadership journey by building professional development skills combined with subject matter knowledge for success in career progression. Scholars will hone their skills through experiential individual and group opportunities.

What’s in the Accelerator for me?

If selected as a DWLA Scholar, you will benefit from one-on-one mentorship from the Accelerator’s director. Together, you will assess your leadership values, interests, abilities and areas for development, leading to a personal leadership development plan.

Programs led by the scholars, the director and/or guests will be offered in the areas of professional communication, effective negotiation, mentor and sponsor cultivation, balancing competing demands and capitalizing on challenges and setbacks.

The DWLA will serve as a trusted resource for new graduates as they transition into the professional world. These new graduates will then act as mentors for current DWLA Scholars. As the number of DWLA graduates increases, continued programming based on their interests will be suggested.

What’s expected of DWLA Scholars?

As a DWLA Scholar, you will be expected to participate in the Accelerator’s programming. Unlike student organizations, DWLA does not hold weekly meetings, but rather periodic workshops, speakers, etc.

As a DWLA Scholar, you will share your learning and experiences with others in the Broad College. In this way the impact of the Accelerator will be expanded. You will also participate in the recruitment and selection of future DWLA Scholars.

Meet The DWLA Scholars Spring 2025 Cohort

Meet The DWLA Scholars Fall 2024 Cohort

Meet The DWLA Scholars Spring 2024 Cohort

What credentials must I have and when can I apply to become a DWLA Scholar?

Applications will be open annually midway through spring semester to Broad-admitted students who are rising juniors:

Admitted to the Broad College
Will have junior status the following semester (specific graduation dates targeted each application period)
Academic success, as shown by having a minimum overall GPA of 3.2
College leadership experience in student organizations, student employment, community service, etc.

How does the application process work?

Interested students are strongly encouraged to meet with current DWLA scholars prior to applying. The DWLA uses a three-step application process with passage to each successive step contingent on top performance in the previous stage.

Upcoming Information Sessions

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Applications

The DWLA is currently accepting applications from Broad College students graduating in December 2026 or May 27. Use the link below to access the app. Submit your credentials by March. 18. Any questions, contact Helen Dashney at dashney@msu.edu.

Apply Today