The BOLD Women’s Leadership Network is a highly selective, national initiative designed to ignite the potential of emerging women leaders. Through robust scholarship support, personalized mentorship, and a vibrant community of trailblazing women, BOLD equips scholars with the confidence and tools to elevate their voices and lead with purpose.
Beginning in their junior year, scholars participate in a transformative two-year experience, working in close-knit, 10-person cohorts guided by program staff and supported by a dynamic curriculum that blends leadership development, community building, and career exploration. With access to career-focused programming, funding for community-based projects, and internship and fellowship grant opportunities, BOLD scholars are empowered to create meaningful impact on their campuses and beyond—while laying the foundation for their future professional success.
BOLD Women’s Leadership Network
Open to students who will be rising juniors, with demonstrated financial need and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applications for the next cohort will open in Spring 2026.
Empowering the Next Generation of Purpose-Driven Women Leaders
A Legacy of Leadership
Envisioned and founded by Ithaca College’s former president, Shirley M. Collado, the BOLD Women’s Leadership Network is generously funded and supported by the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation. BOLD honors the legacy of the legendary Cosmopolitan magazine editor-in-chief by cultivating courageous leadership among young individuals who possess the skills necessary to move discourse forward on some of our most challenging social issues. BOLD candidates need to have a passion for women's leadership as did Helen Gurley Brown.
Currently the BOLD Network includes five institutions of higher education led by presidents who have demonstrated their commitment to collaboration, innovation and inclusion: Ithaca College, Colby-Sawyer College, Marshall University, Rutgers University–Newark, and the University of Connecticut.
See what it means to be a BOLD Scholar and explore the opportunities, support, and community that shape tomorrow’s women leaders.
Explore the process behind recruiting and selecting emerging women leaders—and learn how you can become part of the next BOLD cohort.
Stay up to date with the BOLD program through our newsletters featuring recent news, photos, and highlights from our scholars.
Questions?
Contact Mish Lenhart, BOLD Program Director
Call (607) 274-3222 or email mlenhart@ithaca.edu or bold@ithaca.edu.