“We were offered something precious – the opportunity to internalize the notion that self-care is not just permissible but essential.” 
Maven Denise Ghartey (she | her) shares her reflections on the cohort experience, where we dream, exchange ideas, and prioritize our well-being, in the 2023 Maven Impact Report.

Collaborative Learning & Coaching

Operational skills development, case studies, and practitioner insights.

Catalytic Sponsorships

Collaborative sponsorships in the early stages of an initiative to increase the likelihood of success.

Professional Connections

Meaningful relationships to amplify impact

Convening

Elevate QTPOC subject-matter experts through the cross-pollination of ideas

Site Visits

Multi-city visits to promote community learning and silo-busting.

Impact Storytelling

Produce QTPOC-centered original narratives

Well-being

In-person and digital opportunities to prioritize individual care and collective healing.

Digital Library

On-demand professional development and well-being resources.

01

What is Maven Leadership Cohort?

What is Maven Leadership Cohort? The Maven Leadership Cohort is a five-month transformational learning experience that moves beyond the whiteboards and conference rooms to engage participants in silo-busting activities that include:

            • new skills to navigate uncertainty for people who think differently 
            • individual coaching
            • site visits to learn firsthand from change-agents 
            • an annual gathering that provides Mavens with a platform to showcase their expertise
            • individual and collective healing practices

–all designed to enable these leaders to thrive for the long-term against the rigors of running an operations, particularly in adverse climates.

02

Who should apply?

For six years and seven cohorts, QTPOC social impact and allies who are leaders in the nonprofit, public,and private sectors and the community partners who ensure their success trust Maven at the most critical junctures of their careers or in the life cycles of their ventures. The most benefit accrues to QTPOC leaders and allies who are founders, executives, program directors, board members, grantmakers, creatives, etc. that have significant agency over budgets, decision-making, culture, and their schedule. We build on a cross-pollination of ideas by welcoming leaders in civic engagement, economic independence, health equity, access to the arts, and public education.

      • Social impact leader that is committed to centering queer and trans people of color in building more just communities
      • In a position of leadership for your initiative that provides me with the agency to make decisions, control your time, and allocate  resources.
      • The concept for your initiative is fully developed and you are seeking professional development in either implementing or scaling its impact.
      • You live in or around Miami; Ft. Lauderdale; West Palm Beach; Asheville, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill (NC)
03

What can I expect?

We believe in a collaborative approach to professional development. So it is important that you are committed to showing up for yourself and your peers consistently. This is a space to figure it out–dreaming big, executing impactfully, experimenting freely, connecting meaningfully, and caring for ourselves and each other consistently.

04

What is the cost?

Queer and trans social leaders of color and allies participate at no financial cost to them. We do ask that our alumnx pay it forward by continuing to engage in the Maven community of learners and sustain the work.

Application Season

Maven Leadership Cohort applications allow us to gain an expansive understanding of you and your professional development priorities. A letter of support will need to accompany your submission. 

Life has a way of happening. Please do not leave your submission until the last minute. Good luck!

Individual interviews will take place via a virtual platform with candidates.

Based on the applicant submissions we will invite a group of applicants to join us in Miami for a group interview. We will cover travel expenses.

You will have an opportunity to engage with your peers and share your alignment with the learning experience as you get a taste of the cohort. Travel expenses covered.

Congratulations! Welcome to the Maven community of learners. We look forward to collaborating with you on building more just communities.

Learning Season

In the cohort, learning happens beyond the classroom walls. We will connect with local changemakers and apply lessons to our social impact practice.

Session 1

July 24-28

Maven Camp, Costa Rica

Session 2 

August

Virtual

Session 3

September 5-8

Orlando

Session 4 

October 10-13

Durham

Session 5

November 7-10

Maven Rising, Miami
*Locations may be subject to change

2024 Maven Leadership Cohort