A unique leadership program where women veterans can be understood as women veterans
format
in-person & virtual learning
duration
3 months
7 in-person days
cohort size
70-75
Virginia Tech is proud to present a program certificate to graduates of the Women Veterans Leadership Program. Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim, or “That I May Serve,” aligns with the mission and leadership philosophy at Beneath the Service.
The Women Veterans Leadership Program (WVLP) is a one-of-a-kind, cohort-based leadership development opportunity that enhances leadership potential, promotes strong connections between women veterans, expands their networks and social support systems, all in service of building a community of women veteran leaders across the United States.
Through the five month long WVLP, women veterans from across the United States convene to over two in-person sessions supplemented with virtual training and individualized coaching. The curriculum expands upon participants' experiences to cover topics ranging from leadership identity, group dynamics, conflict resolution, and managing change.
By the end, participants gain valuable perspectives and the professional and personal insights they need to transform their future and embrace their identity as women veteran leaders.
Who Should Attend?
This program is ideal for women who self-identify as women military veterans of the U.S. who have served in any of the branches of military service.
If you feel prepared to invest in your leadership development, you've come to the right place.
Why Attend?
We believe that the point of leadership is to become yourself, and that a leader's ambition to learn never rests.
You will gain insights and practical strategies for maximizing your leadership potential, and represent a community of women veteran leaders across the country.
Program Objectives
01 Provide women veterans with the knowledge, skills, mindset shift and resources to make sense of their leadership identity.
02 Strengthen confidence and reaffirm a sense of purpose.
03 Make a meaningful difference in their communities by developing stronger connections.
WVLP is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program that addresses women veterans' unique challenges
Feeling undervalued
and unrecognized
Downplaying veteran identity to overcome social barriers
Service to others before self
Innate leadership tendency to serve others makes it difficult to ask for and accept help
Lack of social connection
Feeling disconnected from
old friends, difficulty in connecting with civilian peers, and avoiding certain social situations
No space for discovery and reflection
Limited outlets for processing the emotions and identity during reintegration
Application Process
01
02
03
Complete the application
Verification and selection
Confirmation
Once open, complete the application form to verify eligibility.
Verification of your military service and receive your admission decision.
If selected, confirm your place and prepare to join orientation.
The 2026 application is now open.
Apply below!
"This program has provided me with the courage to be more forward facing as a leader, while embracing my differences and the value they add to my leadership style."
What WVLP graduates have to say
"The most profound impact of this program has been on my ability to lead with greater empathy, resilience, and authenticity. I've learned to balance the demands of entrepreneurship, family, and community service while staying true to my values."
"I am waking each day with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to keep growing and thriving instead of just enduring".
"For starters, I found a rich group of sisters who I'm inspired from and learning from everyday. This has greatly expanded my support system (and built friendships)."
Frequently asked questions
Throughout the five months, the entire cohort will come together in-person twice for 3-day conference style sessions at the beginning (Session I) and end (Session II) of the program. In between both sessions, program members will be regularly enrolled in coursework they are expected to complete on time throughout the program duration. Participants will also engage in virtual connection/learning opportunities via “huddle spaces” or live training events.
(1) You are a self-identifying woman with military service under your belt (even if currently in the Reserves), motivated to continue building upon the leadership skills you learned in the military, and are ready to take on a new challenge.
(2) Able to commit to approximately 3-5 hours per week over five months, including two 3-day virtual conference-style sessions.
(3) Comfortable actively engaging in a virtual learning environment.
Thanks to our generous donors and partners, these programs are available at no direct cost to our veterans as an investment in your leadership. As a nonprofit, Beneath the Service’s free programs require the responsible use of donor funds.
On average, the value of the program per participant is $12,500. We urge applicants to ensure their commitment and ability to fulfill time and travel requirements before applying. Otherwise, we strongly encourage you to apply in the future, leaving the current opportunity open for another veteran.
Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education department, part of Outreach and International Affairs, issues the certification. This department is dedicated to addressing complex challenges through innovative solutions and high-quality learning experiences. Nearly 90 percent of certificate earners report confidence that their certificate has prepared them for the next step in their careers! Upon completing the Women Veterans Leadership Program, participants receive their certificate in both digital and printed formats at no cost.