An Open Letter to Employers

Your Next Great Leaders Are Already On Your Team

Dear Business Leaders,

Today’s employers face a common challenge: developing the leadership talent needed to drive growth, performance, and strengthen succession pipelines to prepare for the future.

For more than a decade, the Women Rising Leadership Academy (WRLA) has helped organizations address that challenge by equipping working women with the skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities needed to contribute at a higher level. With academic roots at Cal State Fullerton and participants from across California, WRLA has built a strong track record of helping women accelerate their professional growth and leadership effectiveness.

Our research-based, results-driven approach helps participants strengthen executive presence, decision-making, accountability, communication, and strategic thinking. Just as importantly, they return with a stronger understanding of organizational priorities and greater alignment with leadership, enabling them to contribute more effectively to the success of their teams and organizations.

The result is a stronger leadership bench, increased capacity, improved performance, and greater organizational impact.

Many employers recognize the value of leadership development but are deterred by the cost. Comparable university and professional leadership programs often range from $6,000 to $14,500. Thanks to the support of our funders and community partners, WRLA tuition is intentionally accessible at just $447, plus a $50 application fee, making high-quality leadership development available to organizations of all sizes.

We encourage employers to identify women on their teams who are ready to grow, take on greater responsibility, and expand their leadership impact. Sponsoring their participation is not only an investment in their future, it’s a competitive advantage.

Your next great leaders are already on your team. WRLA can help them get there.

Warmly,

Lacy Schoen
Founder, Women Rising Leadership Academy

Organizations Investing In Women’s Leadership Through WRLA

Fortune 500 & Major Employers 

Chevron, Amazon, Southern California Edison, SoCalGas, Amway, In-N-Out Burger, Mercury Insurance, JLL, Suzuki Motor USA, Burns & McDonnell, Sully-Miller Contracting Co. 

Healthcare & Human Services 

St. Jude Medical Center, Easterseals, Ronald McDonald House Orange County, Clarvida, Tri-City Mental Health, New Directions for Women, Glidwell, Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Lander Chiropractic. 

Higher Education 

Cal State Fullerton, Chapman University, Antioch University, Western University, North Orange County ROP.  

Government & Public Agencies 

County of Orange, City of Brea, City of La Habra, Brea Police Department, Ontario International Airport, U.S. House of Representatives, John Wayne Airport, Republic Services. 

Nonprofit & Community Impact Organizations 

American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill Industries of Orange County, Alzheimer’s Orange County, OneOC, Vital Link, The Cause Church. 

Legal, Financial Services & Banking 

Farmers & Merchants Bank, First Foundation, Crown Capital Securities, Winn Financials Management, OneDigital, Blue Sands Wealth, AALRR, Aders & Herrera 

Entertainment, Hospitality and Tourism 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Embassy Suites, Chase Suites, Travel & Leisure, Hardage Hospitality.  

Economic Development & Business Leadership 

Orange County Business Council, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Orange Chamber of Commerce, and Advance OC.