Empowering Women Leaders: Applications Now Open for the 2026-2027 Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health!

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Are you a mid-career professional from a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) passionate about driving change in global health? Do you aspire to enhance your leadership skills, build influential networks, and mentor the next generation of women leaders? The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is your opportunity to do just that. Offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this fully funded, 1-year fellowship is designed to equip and empower emerging leaders in global health. With applications now open and a deadline fast approaching, this blog post breaks down everything you need to know to apply and succeed.

Launched to address gender inequities in global health leadership, the LEAD (Learn, Engage, Advance, Disrupt) Fellowship has supported fellows from 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America since its inception. Past participants hail from diverse fields like research, advocacy, policy, clinical work, and administration, and many have gone on to amplify their impact worldwide. If you’re ready to reflect, recalibrate, and explore new horizons in your career, read on!

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Fellowship Overview

The 2026-2027 Harvard LEAD Fellowship runs from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, blending virtual and in-person elements for a flexible yet immersive experience. Fellows engage in a customized 12-month curriculum focused on leadership development, culminating in a mandatory 6-week in-residence period at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during April 2027. This hybrid format allows participants to balance professional commitments while accessing Harvard’s world-class resources.

The program’s core mission is to promote women in global health by providing time for personal and professional growth, fostering innovation, and building a supportive community of mentors and peers. Unlike rigid fellowships, LEAD emphasizes personalization—fellows design their own leadership plans tailored to their goals and interests.

What Makes the Harvard LEAD Fellowship Unique?

In a field where women often face barriers to advancement, the LEAD Fellowship stands out for its focus on gender equity and empowerment. Key differentiators include:

• Customization: Fellows craft individualized development plans, supported by Harvard faculty and mentors, allowing for targeted growth in areas like policy, crisis management, or organizational design.
• Global Network: Join a growing alumni community of leaders from diverse regions and sectors, facilitating lifelong collaborations.
• Reflection and Exploration: The program provides dedicated time to pause, reflect on career trajectories, and venture into new areas of global health.
• Mentorship Emphasis: Paired with senior Harvard experts (e.g., Dr. Ana Langer, Dr. Rifat Atun), fellows receive guidance aligned with their expertise.
  

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Alumni testimonials highlight transformative impacts, such as enhanced confidence in public speaking, stronger negotiation skills, and expanded professional networks.

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Key Program Components

The fellowship’s curriculum is rich and multifaceted, combining virtual sessions with intensive in-person activities. Highlights include:

1. Executive Leadership Coaching: One-on-one sessions with coaches, including assessments like the Leadership Versatility Index (LVI) 360, to refine skills and support reintegration post-fellowship.
2. One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized pairings with Harvard faculty based on fellows’ interests, fostering deep insights and long-term relationships.
3. Speaking Opportunities: Present at global health events, panels, and Harvard programs to gain visibility as thought leaders.
4. Executive Education Courses: Attend specialized courses, such as “Women and Power” at the Harvard Kennedy School.
5. Private Leadership Masterclasses: Interactive sessions on topics like public speaking, negotiation, conflict resolution, crisis leadership, decision-making, and designing equitable organizations.
6. Networking and Independent Projects: Build connections across Harvard and beyond, while pursuing tailored projects.

During the 6-week residency, fellows immerse themselves in workshops, courses, and leadership activities on campus.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship welcomes applicants from all continents, disciplines, sectors, and gender identities, but prioritizes those from LMICs committed to mentoring future women leaders. Key criteria:

• Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of full-time professional experience in global health (beyond education; student work doesn’t count).
• Substantial leadership experience with potential for further growth.
• Ability to take a 6-week leave in April 2027 and reside in Cambridge, MA.
• Eligibility for a U.S. J-1 visa.
• No full-time fellowship (4+ months) in the past two years.
• Currently based or working in an LMIC, with plans to return post-fellowship.

Applicants must demonstrate employer support via letters of commitment.

Application Process and Requirements

Self-nominate via the online portal—applications are due by 11:59 PM EST on November 30, 2025. Required materials include:

• CV/Resume.
• Letter of Intent (max 1.5 pages): Outline your professional journey and expected fellowship impact.
• Four short essays (2000 characters each): Cover career development/training plan, project plan, mentorship plan, and fellowship impact on your organization, field, and country.
• Letter of Institutional Commitment: Confirming support for your 6-week leave.
• Letter of Mentor Commitment: From a professional advocate.
• Two additional reference letters (one from current/recent engagement).

Selection notifications will be sent in Spring 2026. For FAQs and details, visit the official LEAD Fellowship page.

Benefits: Fully Funded Support

The fellowship is fully funded, covering all costs for the in-residence period, including visa fees, flights, housing, and a living stipend. Beyond finances, benefits include access to Harvard’s academic ecosystem, skill-building for sustained leadership, and entry into a global alumni network. Graduates emerge ready to drive health equity and innovation in their home countries.

Why Apply? Join a Movement for Change

As of October 13, 2025, there’s still time to prepare your application before the November 30 deadline. This fellowship isn’t just professional development—it’s a catalyst for transforming global health through women’s leadership. Past fellows have amplified their voices on international stages, led policy changes, and mentored emerging talents.