The BOLD Women’s Leadership Network, housed in our Empowering Women Vertical, fully embodies what Helen Gurley Brown, legendary editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, stood for. Though often largely underestimated by her peers, Helen proved herself to be a trailblazer, instigator, and staunch women’s champion, Helen was unapologetically herself and believed that every woman and girl should have the space to do the same while pursuing an education, building a career, and achieving her life’s ambitions. The BOLD Network was established to carry forward that spirit and legacy to honor her efforts towards achieving equity for women in education and build a pipeline for women’s leadership in the workplace. 

Established in 2016, the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network is a pioneering program which cultivates courageous leadership in young women during their college years and beyond. BOLD facilitates opportunities for young women’s career development and networking through different types of funding. BOLD is committed to supporting young women from all backgrounds, especially those who have been significantly underrepresented in higher education in terms of socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, and ability. Selected in their sophomore year of college, Scholars participate in the program during their junior and senior years. Students are selected on the basis of leadership potential, merit, and financial need, with an eye towards the creation of diverse cohorts. These Scholars possess exceptional leadership abilities, critical thinking skills, and willingness to become agents of change in their campus community after graduation. 

Dedicated BOLD Directors and volunteers help Scholars to develop leadership skills, clarify their career objectives, and provide experiences that will help them become  leaders in their lives and careers after college. BOLD Scholars are also eligible to apply for a postgraduate Helen Fellowship, which allows them to bring their own salary to a non-profit organizationNe to garner workplace experience and fortify their resume as they launch their careers. . Additionally, cohorts at each school may apply for a Magic Grant from the Foundation to support projects that will transform their immediate campus or the surrounding community. 

Our current partner institutions are Rutgers University-Newark, Middlebury College, Ithaca College, The College of Saint Rose, University of Connecticut, and Colby-Sawyer College.