The year-long LEAD Fellowship program runs from September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027. Beginning in the fall semester, fellows will engage virtually in the fellowship program to plan their unique personal growth and leadership plan, in part through 1:1 executive leadership coaching. Deliverables for this part of the fellowship will also include academic credentialing, obtaining a J-1 visa for travel, registering/planning for their spring semester course/s, and may include participation in virtual events and mentorship meetings.
Please note, Fellows are not expected to be removed from work responsibilities during the fall semester and program engagement during this time is light.
The spring semester is characterized by an in-person experience at Harvard University during which time fellows will participate in an executive education course, leadership workshops, mentorship, team-building opportunities, and public speaking opportunities.
Please note, Fellows are only required to take a leave of absence from their work responsibilities during their time in residence on campus, which is expected in April of 2027 for 6 weeks. The in-residence month on campus is financially covered through the fellowship award and fellows will be provided a stipend for logistical expenses (i.e. housing, flights to and from Cambridge, MA, course fees and daily per diem for food and transportation).
Fellows will have the opportunity to speak at global health events throughout the fellowship period and beyond. In previous years, fellows have served as panelists, speakers, topic experts and directed and organized in executing LEAD fellowship events. Speaking opportunities will allow the fellow to build networks, showcase their work and enhance their public speaking skills as a leader.
An Executive Education Course
As a core course, LEAD Fellows will participate in an executive education course during their time in-person in Cambridge, MA. In the past, Fellows have participated in the Women and Power course offered by the Harvard Kennedy School.
Private Leadership Masterclasses led by Harvard Faculty on various leadership topics (negotiation, public speaking, communication, decision-making)
Fellows will attend leadership masterclasses exclusively designed for the LEAD fellows. These small, highly interactive sessions address key leadership skills and are led by experts from Harvard and the global health community. In previous years, the workshop program covered topics including.
We welcome applicants from all continents, regions, disciplines, sectors, genders, and gender identities. Candidates nominate themselves by submitting an application for the fellowship.
Applicants must have a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field.
Applicants must work full-time in the field of global health and have at least 10 years of professional experience. Work completed as a university student does not count as professional experience.
Applicants must have the full support of their employer and a champion in their organization who serves as a reference.
Applicants must take a leave of absence (or equivalent) from their home institution during their in-residence experience for 6 weeks in April 2027.
Applicants must be able to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States and must be able to reside in Boston, MA. NOTE: Visa fees, housing, and flights will be covered under the fellowship and a living stipend will be provided for the weeks in residence.
During the two years prior to arrival at Harvard, the fellows should not have participated in a full-time fellowship that lasted 4 months or longer.
