And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
– Elizabeth Appell
2027 Conscious Feminine Leadership Academy
A program of Women Writing for (a) Change®
Leadership from the Authentic Self
The Conscious Feminine Leadership Academy is a deeply immersive learning community for those seeking personal growth into deeper consciousness and evolved leadership. Facilitators work to create a brave, supportive space for meaningful connection, storytelling, and self-discovery. Together, we learn by writing, feeling, doing, thinking, listening, and conversation. We develop a leadership practice that is both personally and socially transformative.
Joining CFLA is a commitment to your own life journey and to the collective learning of the group. We create a space where all voices are valued, and participants are encouraged to bring their unique lived experiences into the program.
CFLA is a program of Women Writing for (a) Change, Cincinnati, Ohio originally created by WWf(a)C Founder Mary Pierce Brosmer in 2004.
Who Should Apply
CFLA might be a good fit if you:
- Want to lead in a way that centers self-awareness, intention, and collaboration—whether in your community, workplace, or personal life.
- Are interested in integrating holistic, intuitive leadership into your work, whether in education, social services, healthcare, business, activism, the arts, or beyond.
- Feel called to facilitate Women Writing for (a) Change circles and programs (CFLA is a required step to becoming a lead facilitator).
- Are looking to expand and deepen leadership for the future of WWf(a)C.
- A leader who wishes to launch a WWf(a)C center in another city.
- Are a past CFLA participant who wants to deepen your training and reconnect with the
CFLA is open to adults 18+. Previous experience in WWf(a)C Core Classes is useful but not required. This program honors and uplifts diverse leadership—we welcome professionals, caregivers, creatives, and change-makers from all walks of life. No prior experience in leadership is necessary, only a willingness to engage, reflect, and grow.
What is Concious Feminine Leadership?
CFLA empowers participants to move into leadership rooted in authenticity, self-awareness, and community connection. Through writing, reflection, and shared learning, participants explore the question: How can I lead in a way that reflects my whole authentic self?
The “Feminine” in our title isn’t just about women. It refers to the archetypal Feminine, described by psychologist Carl Jung and explored by many others. The Feminine represents skills and knowledge such as intuition, listening, and nurturing—in contrast with archetypal Masculine skills such as logic, strategizing, and action. Both Feminine and Masculine qualities are present in all human beings, regardless of gender.
In a world that favors Masculine qualities in leadership, CFLA emphasizes Feminine ways of knowing and leading, allowing trainees to lead in a more balanced way. “Conscious” refers to the ability to choose: to claim the helpful, life-giving qualities of both Feminine and Masculine in ourselves and bring them into our lives and leadership.
Facilitators
Diane Debevec, Lead Facilitator. Diane is a current WWf(a)C Facilitator and former Executive Director of WWf(a)C Cincinnati. She is a 2006 Feminist Leadership Academy graduate, and past facilitator of this program. While her creative life includes visual art, music, yoga, meditation and gardening, she considers writing to be her foundational life practice.
Meg Stentz, Co-facilitator. Meg is a teacher with a background in education, a graduate of the WWf(a)C Young Feminist Leadership Academy, and a past facilitator of YFLA. She currently teaches high school English and advises the youth programming at WWf(a)C.
Additional WWfaC faculty and leaders will join along the way, to share their expertise on various topics.
Phase 1: Discovery & Exploration
Discernment Circles & Applications
Discernment Circles & Applications To learn more and discern whether CFLA is right for you, please attend one of our Discernment Circles:
Oct 10 Saturday 10-12pm In Person
Nov 8 Sunday 1-3pm In Person
Dec 7 Monday 6:30-8:30pm Virtual
These gatherings are free, registration is required. Register at womenwriting.org
Applications Accepted: January 2 - March 2, 2027
Notification of Acceptance: By March 31st, 2027
Phase 2: Opening Immersive Retreat
Transfiguration Spirituality Center
July 22 – 26
Our opening retreat focuses on building our supportive community, as we immerse ourselves in the foundational work of Conscious Feminine Leadership. The spacious, tranquil setting of the Transfiguration Spirituality Center offers a welcoming environment for all. Each writer has a small, private room and bath. Meals are provided.
Phase 3: Unfolding & Sharing
Reading, Writing & Practicums
Over a 12-week period we will come together every week for 3 hours, via zoom. The work we began on retreat will continue as we read and write together. Learning in community, we will deepen our understanding of leadership, explore writing as a healing practice, learn creative tools for managing group dynamics, examine social influences, and listen closely for what is calling us to this work. During these weeks, each participant will develop a reflective paper on a relevant topic of their choice, and complete a practicum as a way to gain experience holding space for others using the principles, values and practices of WWfaC.
August 9 – Nov 1 Monday Virtual Meetings | 6-9pm *No class Sept 6
October 31 Final paper due
November 22 Practicums complete
Phase 4: Integration, Emerging & Celebrating
Retreat & Graduation
Closing In-Person Retreat at TSC November 18th-21st |Glendale, OH
Graduation Weekend at WWf(a)C December 10th-11th |Cincinnati, OH
Expectations
What CFLA Asks of Participants:
CFLA is a collective learning experience rooted in personal growth, leadership development, and community building. We ask participants to engage fully, bringing their whole selves into the process in a way that feels right for them.
Commitment to Growth
This program is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of leadership, reflect on your experiences, and grow in a supportive environment. We encourage openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in meaningful learning.
Regular Attendance
Your presence matters—not just for you, but for the entire group. While we understand that emergencies happen, we ask participants to carefully consider the schedule and plan for no more than one expected absence during the program.
Engagement with Yourself
CFLA encourages deep self-reflection, inviting participants to explore their own identities,experiences, and leadership styles. This is not therapy, but it is a space where personal stories and perspectives are valued as essential learning tools. Plan to dedicate 2–4 hours per week outside of class for reading, writing, and reflection.
Engagement with the Community
Our learning environment is co-created by all of us. We ask participants to:
- Show up with openness and trust
- Be vulnerable when they feel ready
- Embrace moments of discomfort as part of growth
- Address and heal mistakes or conflicts with care