The Poynter Leadership Academy for Women in Media has transformed the careers of more than 650 people since 2015. During a week often described as overflowing with “Poynter magic,” each participant learns to manage teams more effectively, hone and communicate their strategic vision and steer their organizations toward success. But perhaps more importantly, graduates join a global community of support.
This camaraderie is established during the program through honest, candid and often vulnerable conversations, hands-on activities, unstructured time to socialize, and shared experiences. In fact, our 2024 cohort chose to ride out a hurricane together rather than abandon their training.
Each participant’s circle expands after the program as alumni from different classes network, connect online and in person, and even mentor each other.
Our program welcomes all women, including cis and trans women, as well as nonbinary and gender nonconforming journalists who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women in media.
This leadership academy is open to 40 participants and will take place March 23-27, 2026.
NEW: This course is eligible for Professional Development Units (PDUs) through the Project Management Institute’s Authorized Training Partner program and may be applied toward maintaining PMI credentials.
Participants earn 36 Professional Development Units recognized by the Project Management Institute — 8 in Ways of Working, 24 in Power Skills and 4 in Business Acumen.
Poynter’s authorized PMI partnership lets you earn credits while building critical skills.
Poynter directly impacts your career
Poynter leadership training propels careers and changes lives. In a 2023 survey of Leadership Academy for Women in Media alumnae from the last eight years, we learned:
- 75% of respondents have more confidence in themselves and the industry.
- 72% use something they learned during the academy at least once per week.
- 60% took on new or expanded leadership roles.
Learn from prominent leaders
Kate Cox has led the academy since 2023. As the former editor-in-chief of a nonprofit newsroom, The Counter, Cox oversaw special projects and edited numerous award-winning investigations. She has worked in every medium, from radio to TV and print to digital, and all sides of the newsroom, including editorial, development and revenue strategy.
Fernanda Camarena is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience in the media industry, specializing in leadership, ethics and journalistic standards. Before joining Poynter, Camarena served as a manager on NBC News’ Standards and Practices team, where she provided critical support and guidance across all NBC News Network platforms. Camarena’s previous roles include Senior Editor for The Texas Newsroom, where she helped build a collaborative NPR project among Texas stations. She has led teams of all sizes, from local to national. Earlier in her career she helped create the first Telemundo news station in El Paso and launched the first weekend newscast for Telemundo Network in Miami.
Questions?
Here are some frequently asked questions. If you need more assistance, email us at info@poynter.org.
Who should apply
This is one of Poynter’s most competitive programs. It is designed for those who directly manage people and have three to seven years of formal leadership experience. You can be a mid-career journalist stepping into your third year as a manager or you can be a veteran journalist stepping into a more senior role. Either way, this program was created for you to become a self-aware leader and an effective manager. A cross-discipline understanding of the media landscape is a plus.
“I was amazed at how much a group of 30 women could connect in such an authentic and invigorating way in such a short period of time. It’s apparent that Poynter puts an incredible amount of thought into putting these cohorts together.” – LA Blake, senior SEO manager, Hearst Magazines, May 2023 cohort
English-speaking women and nonbinary people from news media organizations all over the world are encouraged to apply. If you think you could benefit from this program, you should probably apply!
If you are a new or first-time people manager, we encourage you to consider Essential Skills for New Managers, a Poynter program designed to help forge successful paths to leadership in journalism, media and technology.
Application process
There is a single application for all Poynter Leadership Academies. You’ll indicate your preferred academy and our reviewers will carefully consider your experience and goals to determine the best fit for your professional development. If your preferred academy is at capacity, you may join the waitlist. Waitlisted applicants will be admitted if a spot becomes available.
While you’ll indicate your preferred academy in the application, our reviewers may recommend a different program that better aligns with your current experience and career goals. For example, newer managers may be recommended for an Essential Skills cohort rather than the Women’s Leadership Academy. This flexibility ensures you receive the most valuable learning experience.
We value diversity and seek to create a rich mix of personal and professional experience in each class. A positive group dynamic is essential to the success of this program. Participants are selected after multiple rounds of review with an emphasis on ensuring diversity across race, ethnicity, geography, platform/medium, organization and organization size, and expertise. We aim to create a cohort of people from diverse career backgrounds and organizations, including TV, radio, digital-only, journalism-adjacent start-ups and nonprofits.
Applications are due by Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Cost
Tuition is $1,350 and covers five days of teaching from prominent faculty, networking and most meals. Participants receive a facilitated 360-degree review and will work with a trainer to review their personality inventory. After the program concludes, participants will have the opportunity to schedule a personalized coaching session to help implement their personal development plan on-the-job.
Participants (or their employers) are responsible for tuition and travel costs (here’s advice about asking your boss for support).
Poynter negotiates a rate with a full-service hotel within walking distance from campus, which is typically around $169/night and includes a $15 daily food and beverage credit. We strongly recommend each participant stay at the preferred hotel to streamline communications, transportation and networking opportunities.
