Deadline: November 30, 2025

Description

The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health is a prestigious, year-long program jointly organized by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) and the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Designed to empower mid-career women leaders, this fellowship equips participants with advanced leadership skills, executive coaching, and access to Harvard’s world-class academic and professional network.

The fellowship runs from September 2026 to August 2027, combining a virtual component during the fall with an in-person residency at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, in spring 2027. During their stay, fellows will engage in leadership workshops, mentorship programs, executive education courses, and opportunities for public speaking in the global health field.

Since its inception, the program has supported women from over 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America, who have gone on to lead major initiatives in global health, advocacy, and policy reform.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Have at least 10 years of professional experience in global health.
• Be employed full-time in global health and have their employer’s support.
• Be able to obtain a J-1 visa for travel to the United States.
• Take a 6-week leave of absence during the in-person residency in April 2027.
• Not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or more in the past two years.

The fellowship welcomes women from all continents, sectors, and disciplines who are committed to advancing gender equity in global health leadership.

Benefits

• Full financial support, including housing, travel, and living stipend for the residency period.
• Executive coaching and mentorship from Harvard faculty.
• Participation in executive education programs and leadership masterclasses.
• Networking opportunities with international leaders and organizations.
• Public speaking engagements and visibility in global health initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following through the online application portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
• Letter of Intent describing their professional journey and how the fellowship will transform their leadership.
• Four short essays outlining career plans, project goals, mentorship strategy, and the expected impact of the fellowship.
• Letters of institutional and mentor commitment, along with two additional references.

All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST, November 30, 2025.

Contact Information

For inquiries, contact:
globalhealth@harvard.edu

For more information, visit the official website.