Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology
Signature Program
The LIWP's year-long foundational training equipping mid-career women and gender diverse psychologists with the skills to step into leadership.
Applications close October 18, 2026
Applications for the 2026/2027 cohort are currently closed.
About the Signature Program
The Leadership Institute for Women in Psychology (LIWP) Signature Program is the initial comprehensive training for all LIWP Leaders. It is designed to empower and equip women and gender diverse individuals in psychology with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in leadership roles. Our expert faculty, comprised of leaders in their fields, provides practical, hands-on instruction, coaching, and mentorship tailored to the specific needs and goals of women and gender diverse psychologists. Rooted in psychological science, the curriculum covers essential topics such as communication, negotiation, strategic planning, and team building.
As part of our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we actively seek out and support women and gender diverse psychologists from underrepresented communities. The program offers CE credits, with the exact number determined closer to the program's finalization. For reference, the 2026 program included up to 39 hours of CE credits.
Participants are expected to attend all sessions and complete homework assignments between each session. Additionally, optional conversation hours are held between sessions, providing an informal setting for Participant Leaders to interact with peers, faculty, and APA staff.
Whether you are early in your career or seeking to elevate your leadership skills, the LIWP Signature Program is an invaluable opportunity to invest in yourself and contribute to the future of psychology. Join us in this transformative experience and reach your full potential as a leader in the field.
At A Glance
Format/Location
Fully virtual program consisting of:
- 13 live three-hour sessions, divided into a Spring Workshop (8 sessions) and a Fall Workshop (6 sessions)
- Asynchronous, self-paced components
- A live graduation, recognition, and awards ceremony
Duration
1 year, beginning annually in February
Term
Spring Workshop: March-June
Fall Workshop: September-December
COST
$2,000
StipenD/funding
Six full scholarships will be awarded based upon a combination of need and diversity in subject matter expertise, geographic location, and years of mid-career experience representation. Information about applying is included with the letters of invitation to accepted applicants.
Who Can Apply
Mid-career women, transgender, and gender non-binary psychologists who work full time in one or more professional settings.
See eligibility requirements
for full details.
How To Apply
Applications are currently open.
Click here to apply.
Why Apply?
Unlock Your Potential and Drive Change
Participate in a transformative experience that will position you for success in your current and future roles. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a leader, think innovatively, and achieve your full potential.
Foster Gender Diverse Leadership
LIWP provides a safe and inclusive space that fosters growth and development, empowering women and gender diverse individuals in psychology to become strong, inclusive leaders. Through this program, you will gain the tools and insights needed to navigate challenges, drive positive change, and create a more equitable future for the profession.
Join a Powerful Community
Become part of a supportive group of leaders who will inspire, challenge, and guide you throughout your career. This invaluable network will provide ongoing support, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities, ensuring that you have the resources and connections necessary to thrive as a leader.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in LIWP, applicants must:
- Be women, transgender, and gender non-binary psychologists who work full time in one or more settings, including (but not limited to) academic, academic medicine, clinical, consulting, corporate, government, military, nonprofit/non-governmental organization settings.
- Be mid-career, which APA defines as 10-20 years post-doctoral degree. In some instances, leaders have achievements consistent with being mid-career as early as seven years post-doctorate and occasionally, leaders are clearly mid-career even after 20 years in the field. In such cases, the applicant is asked to provide a justification for the exception.
- Have a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited graduate or professional school or a school that achieved such accreditation within five years of the doctoral degree (or a school of similar standing outside of the United States). This degree must be based, in part, upon a psychological dissertation or other evidence of proficiency in psychological scholarship. Degrees from international institutions must show U.S. equivalency.
All eligible individuals are welcome to apply to this leadership program for women, transgender individuals, and non-binary individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or disability under applicable federal and state law.
