September 28, 2023
Women Leading Ed Receives National Funding to Diversify Education Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Women Leading Ed (WLE), a national network dedicated to growing and strengthening the pipeline of future female education leaders of districts and states, announced its inclusion in a distinguished national cohort of organizations focused on diversifying the education workforce.
NewSchools Venture Fund, a leading venture philanthropy that funds innovators who are building a better PK-12 education system, has awarded Women Leading Ed with new grant funding and support. NewSchools investment will enable Women Leading Ed to embark on ambitious new efforts aimed at advancing more women in education leadership.
“We are grateful for this difference-making commitment from NewSchools to Women Leading Ed’s essential work,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder of Women Leading Ed. “This funding is a testament to the promise and power of women in education leadership and the need to rapidly accelerate our efforts to address the gender gap in education leadership, empower those women already in leadership, and build the pipeline for the talented women who will be tomorrow’s state and district superintendents.”
Women Leading Ed first began as an affinity group of seasoned and aspiring female education leaders with a desire to learn from one another and grow in their careers. Since its inception, it has grown into a national network of dynamic leaders powering change in the face of education leadership. The members of WLE believe that the underrepresentation of women and women of color in education leadership is an urgent issue that demands action. Well over 200 women have been supported by WLE in navigating the politics of education by building trust, relationship, and networks.
Along with financial support, WLE will benefit from NewSchools’ expertise, resources, and influential network. This partnership will bolster WLE’s capacity to drive meaningful change within the field of education. NewSchools provides management assistance and a national community of practice to support grantees and their success.
Learn more about Women Leading Ed at www.womenleadinged.com and follow on social media @WomenLeadingEd.
About Women Leading Ed
Women Leading Ed (WLE) is a nationwide network dedicated to growing and strengthening the pipeline of future female education leaders of districts and states in our nation. WLE has supported over 200 women (and counting) to navigate the politics of leadership through research, advocacy, coaching, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys.
About NewSchools
NewSchools is a venture philanthropy that builds a better education system by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We bridge the gap between those with capital and those with the courage to put that capital to work on the frontlines of education. We believe that philanthropy can advance education in a more equitable, collaborative, and courageous way — and we’re proving it every day. Learn more at newschools.org.
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