Women's Leadership Development Program

Early- to mid-career female scientists who are:  

• In a faculty/tenure-track or equivalent position for 10 years or less
• ARVO members for at least three (3) cumulative years at time of application, and who will maintain active membership throughout the Program
• Interested in future leadership positions within ARVO
• Eager and able to commit to active participation in all components of the Program curriculum
• Able to request institution support of the $500 program fee 

• To assist with Program operating costs, the home institutions of mentee participants are expected to support their faculty with a $500 participation fee.
• A brief letter of support from the mentee’s department chair, or other appropriate institutional representative, is requested within the application form to acknowledge the program fee and mentee’s participation in the Program.

Any ARVO member who has:  

• Been active for at least five (5) consecutive years and will maintain active membership throughout the Program
• Served in ARVO volunteer/leadership roles (e.g., committees, editorial board)
• A desire to help develop future ARVO leaders with the goal of gender parity in ARVO leadership
• Availability to attend a kick-off and orientation program on-site prior to the ARVO Annual Meeting (mentors will receive a stipend to offset the additional hotel costs).

Mentee online application form must include:

• Applicant demographic information: Complete all required fields.
• Institution Letter of Support: Please provide a brief letter of support from your department chair, or other appropriate institutional representative. The letter should confirm that they acknowledge your application and, if selected, will support the $500 program fee and your participation at the kick-off program and orientation in Denver, Colo. in May.
• Annotated CV: Must include education and professional positions in chronological order, publications, funding and leadership positions held.   

Mentor online application form must include: 

• Applicant demographic information: Complete all required fields.
• Brief bio/ annotated CV 

Participants and mentors meet in-person the Friday prior to the start of the ARVO Annual Meeting. 

Includes live video chats with well-known leaders in the field plus supplemental web-based written discussion on topics such as:

• Finding your strengths
• Building and maintaining your network
• Time management and maximizing your productivity
• Negotiation
• ARVO opportunities

Participants meet monthly (or more) with your assigned mentor for individualized support during the Program year.

Engage and collaborate via topical discussions with members of your Program class and alumni in a dedicated ARVOConnect community.