Wisconsin Women in Government
Leadership Seminar
The Wisconsin Women in Government Leadership Seminar is an immersive professional development experience for women serving in and around government. Through expert instruction, collaborative learning, and meaningful networking, participants gain practical leadership tools they can apply throughout their careers.
Held in partnership with the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the seminar combines expert instruction, interactive learning, and meaningful networking to help participants strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and grow their impact in public service. Whether you’re an emerging leader or an experienced professional, you’ll gain practical tools and lasting connections to support your leadership journey.
Applications Now Open
Applications for the 2027 Leadership Seminar are due December 21, 2026. Letters of acceptance will be emailed by January 11, 2027. The seminar takes place March 5 and March 12, 2027, and attendance is required on both days. All materials should be emailed in one PDF to wwigquestions@gmail.com with ‘Leadership Seminar Application’ in the subject line.
Who Should Apply
We encourage applications from women who are interested in growing as leaders, strengthening their professional skills, and advancing their careers in or alongside Wisconsin government. Ideal applicants are women who:
Experience in management, leadership, government, or a related field
Motivation to develop leadership skills and pursue professional opportunities
Work in Wisconsin government, associations, nonprofits, corporations, or organizations that interact with government
Initiative, strong communication skills, and a commitment to professional growth
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
Wisconsin residency and a commitment to attend both seminar dates
Tuition
The Leadership Seminar is limited to approximately 25 women. The registration fee is $400 per person and includes:
Instruction
12 hours of instruction from La Follette School faculty and guest speakers
Networking
Networking with other women in government who share similar experiences
Meals
Lunch and refreshments during breaks on each seminar day
Payment is due before the first seminar day. Selected participants may request an installment plan. Tuition is non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do attendees have to be in management? I have a graduate degree, but am not currently in management.
The Seminar targets women in management and leadership positions, but women in positions that could lead to promotion to management or leadership should also apply. Evaluators may give higher consideration to applicants currently in a management position.
Must I have a bachelor’s degree? What does “equivalent experience” mean?
The WWIG Leadership Seminar best meets the needs of women with professional and/or managerial experience in the workplace who are looking to enhance their abilities in their current position and advance their careers to
a higher level. The most qualified applicants will have career experiences that allow them to maximize this opportunity and contribute to the experience of the other participants in the Leadership Seminar. A bachelor’s degree is not required in order to participate; however, because participants are selected on a competitive basis, a candidate with a bachelor’s degree will rank higher than a candidate with similar experience without a bachelor’s degree.
Can I fax or mail the application materials?
No. We no longer accept faxed or mailed application materials. Please email all application materials in one PDF to wwigquestions@gmail.com by the deadline.
Do the letters of recommendation have to arrive with the application, or can they arrive separately?
We prefer that all application materials arrive together because it helps us administratively, but as long as each item arrives via email by the deadline, and recommendations clearly indicate the applicant’s name, they may be emailed separately. Submitting materials together or separately will not be considered when evaluating applications, as long as all materials are received by the deadline. Applications are due by December 21, 2026.
Do participants receive graduate credits?
No. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Is there a lot of outside “homework” for this class?
Homework is part of this course. However, past participants have not found it burdensome.
Participants are expected to fulfill all aspects of the class, and women with multiple time constraints will need to carefully weigh their commitments.
I work for a nonprofit that does not have a big budget. Is the registration fee due date flexible?
While we encourage applicants to inquire with their employer regarding their ability to cover tuition, participants may reach out to WWIG to request an installment plan.
Please note that the $400 fee for the course is heavily subsidized and does not reflect the total cost of the program, which is approximately $1,000 per participant.
Does question 3 on the application (“list any awards or other recognition of achievement in either work or school”) refer to previous employers?
It is appropriate to include any awards received throughout your career, as well as any awards received in school.
Does the Recommendation Form serve the purpose of the recommendation letter, or do you have to fill out the form and provide a letter in addition?
The form is intended as a guide for those who provide your letters of recommendation. Please have them fill out the form and then attach their letter with responses to the questions on the form.
Does the tuition go to the University or to WWIG?
The fee is paid to Wisconsin Women in Government, which then pays the La Follette School of Public Affairs.
Can I attend the seminar virtually?
We realize that travel to Madison to attend the Seminar is prohibitive for some, and we continue to explore the use of distance learning technology.
However, it is cost-prohibitive at this time. We are keeping the option in mind for future years.
Is the seminar open to federal employees?
Women at all levels of government are welcome to apply. Keep in mind that the Seminar is geared towards women in Wisconsin state and local government, and evaluators may give preference to those candidates.
My employer is willing to pay the tuition. Do I have to fill out an application?
Yes. All women interested in attending the Leadership Seminar must submit all of the application materials, which will then be evaluated, and approximately 25 applicants will be selected to participate.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Please email wwigquestions@gmail.com and include “Leadership Seminar” in the subject line.
Questions?
Please contact info@wiscwomeningovernment.org for more information.