DWJ Leadership Fellowship Program

Health | Education | Criminal Justice Reform | Economic Security

 

Calling the Next Generation of Black Women Leaders - Are you ready to build Black girl power across California?

The BWOPA/TILE Dezie Woods Jones (DWJ) Policy Leaders Fellowship is now accepting applications on a rolling basis for the 2025 cohort. This year, we’re seeking strategic, visionary, and committed individuals passionate about uplifting Black communities and driving real, lasting change.

Thank you for your interest in the DWJ Fellowship Program.
Each year, BWOPA/TILE selects a dynamic group of leaders for this highly competitive fellowship designed to equip emerging changemakers with the skills and tools to become impactful thought leaders, policy advocates, and community builders.

Launched in 2015, the DWJ Fellowship was created to build a strong pipeline of Black women leaders rooted in BWOPA’s four core issue areas:
Health, Education, Criminal Justice Reform, and Economic Security.

Our mission is to cultivate bold successors and culture-keepers who will champion innovative policy solutions and lead with power, purpose, and authenticity.

Ready to lead? Email [email protected] to express your interest and receive the application.

Guided by seasoned leaders from both the political and private sectors, the DWJ Fellowship offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

  • Skill-building sessions to craft effective policies aligned with BWOPA’s core issue areas

  • Participation in educational trainings and professional development seminars to deepen policy knowledge and leadership capacity

  • Exclusive opportunities to engage with elected officials and influential leaders shaping California’s social and political landscape

  • Personal development through exploration and refinement of political values and a commitment to public service

  • Hands-on leadership experience through the planning and implementation of organizational and community-centered projects across California and beyond

  • Production of award-winning and historically significant documentation, including scholarly articles, policy briefs, and cultural artifacts

We are now accepting applications - CLICK HERE.  Deadline is July 10, Danielle Motley Lewis, [email protected].