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2023 Hybrid Cohort, Global Multifaith Fellowship

IGE’s Center for Women, Faith & Leadership (CWFL) recently conducted an assessment of its flagship Global Multifaith Fellowship to understand the long-term impact of the program. In-depth conversations with over 30 alumni revealed how the Fellowship has equipped them to transform their communities, advance into leadership roles, and strengthen their faith through consistent spiritual practices.

CWFL’s Fellowship equips women of diverse faiths around the world to lead in areas of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and advocacy within their communities. Through training, mentorship, and global networking, the program supports women leaders who are addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

An alumni from our 2016 cohort commented, “The program enhanced my leadership skills by broadening my perspective on inclusive leadership and equipping me with practical tools for navigating complex interpersonal and organizational dynamics. The Fellowship has equipped me to be a more compassionate, courageous, effective advocate for justice and inclusion in all areas of my work and life.”

One of the unique aspects of the program is the multifaith component, which empowers women across diverse faiths to learn to lead in contexts of polarization, conflict, and marginalization. From the interviews, CWFL identified five key areas where alumni demonstrate that the Fellowship’s impact is profound and lasting:

• Leadership Growth: After participating in the Fellowship, 23% of alumni have received promotion into senior roles, such as Executive Director, CEO, and international appointees. Several have launched NGOs, think tanks, and initiatives that began as Fellowship capstone projects.
• Faith and Identity: Fellows reported a deeper integration of faith and leadership identity, with new confidence to honor their beliefs and serve authentically in public spaces.
• Spiritual Resilience: 80% of alumni embraced self-care and spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and journaling to sustain their leadership over the long term.
• Connection and Collaboration: Across cohorts, Fellows expressed a strong desire for continued connection and structured alumni engagement.
• Alumni Contributions: Nearly 90% of those interviewed indicated a willingness to mentor new fellows, speak at events, write, and connect CWFL to broader networks around the world.

“Personally, I now prioritize self-care to balance work and service, keeping prayer and God at the center,” shared an alum from the 2024 cohort. “Professionally, I’ve improved my leadership through better communication, listening, and thoughtful, proactive decision-making. The program also deepened my appreciation of interfaith understanding—recognizing that, across traditions, many are seeking peace and connection with God.”

Stories like these show how alumni of the program are flourishing and speak to the power of the Fellowship. CWFL alums are not only leading in their communities and making an impact, they desire to give back and ensure that the impact of CWFL continues to grow.