The program will launch September 12, 2025 with an in-person event, followed by virtual workshops on Friday, October 3, December 5, and January 16 from 9 am – 10:30 am. Optional workshops will be made available in the Spring. There will be four (4) bimonthly in-person evening events throughout the program on September 24, November 12, February 11, and March 18, 2026 (final program date; subject to change). 

The membership is $5,000, and payment is due by August 27, 2025. Due to the limited number of memberships available, it is non-refundable. Nonprofit employees are eligible for a 10% discount.   

Yes! In fact, we encourage it; 78.5% of the 2024-2025 cohort had their organizations sponsor them. This is a very unique program for a few key reasons: 

1. It’s entirely local and will help you build your network right here in Dallas, helping you get more connected to the region.
2. It is extremely personalized and will pair you with a mentor directly, giving you unparalleled access to senior executives throughout the region.
3. It can provide exposure through D CEO’s media platform to help demonstrate your business’ commitment to women leadership.  

If your HR department needs more information in order to approve, please have them contact EWLN@dmagazine.com and a member of our team will be glad to speak to someone. 

Once accepted we will provide an invoice to submit as an expense and your Accounts Payable team can pay through credit card, ACH, or check.  

All applicants will be notified of their acceptance status starting July 30, 2025. 

This program was developed for individuals who are on a leadership track or have expressed an interest in leadership within your organization. The ideal candidate has a desire to build their network and influence, is eager to engage with the community and other emerging leaders, and is seeking more individualized guidance, coaching, and mentorship. You should be at the point in your career when you’re ready to invest in yourself, your network, and your professional development in order to get to that next level. It’s for entrepreneurs, creatives, small business owners, nonprofit and corporate executives alike who self-identify as “emerging” leaders.  

In order to formerly complete the program, we require that members attend 85% of programming, meet at least three times with their peer cohort and mentor (if applicable). So we ask that all applicants understand the time commitment and are willing to invest in the program and themselves.   

Thank you for your interest! Yes, we are always looking to increase our network of executives looking to give back to the next generation. To be a mentor, you can apply here. 

Please contact EWLN@dmagazine.com with your name and area of interest if you are interested in applying to be a speaker (limited spots available). 

Yes! We are looking for partners who are hoping to reach an engaged network of women leaders, with opportunities to meet and speak with them throughout the duration of the program. There is annual sponsorship available ($24,500 each and category exclusive) for the duration of the program, in addition to one-time sponsorships if you’re interested in a specific topic (starting at $5,500).   

Please email gillea@dmagazine.com if you are interested in learning more. We look forward to hearing your ideas!  

Please email EWLN@dmagazine.com with your questions and a member of our team will gladly help.  

No, there is no age limit for this program; if you self-identify as an emerging leader then you should apply.  Five (5) years minimum of full-time professional experience is required and we prefer that you’ve expressed interest in a leadership path.