Meet the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program — Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
As we begin a new year, United Way of Cass-Clay is proud to kick off the 2026 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program — a leadership experience designed to activate strong, confident women leaders of all backgrounds to unite, inspire, and create meaningful change.
Each January, this program brings together a group of women who are committed to growing as leaders while giving back to the place they live and work. Over the next several months, participants will learn from local experts, challenge themselves personally and professionally, and build relationships that last well beyond the program.
What the 35 Under 35 Program Is All About
The 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program is designed for women ages 23–35 who want to lead with confidence, purpose, and impact. Beginning this month, participants will take part in six monthly sessions focused on essential leadership skills, including:
- Goal setting and personal growth
- Communication and public speaking
- Conflict management and confidence building
- Board leadership and professional presence
Through hands-on learning and meaningful conversations, participants gain tools they can immediately apply in their careers, volunteer roles, and everyday leadership.
Women Who Inspire, Lead, and Elevate Others
Each year’s participants come from a wide range of industries and backgrounds — professionals, volunteers, mentors, and community builders — all united by a shared desire to make a difference.
Recent 35 Under 35 participants have shown what’s possible when leadership is grounded in service and collaboration. From accounting and healthcare to education, engineering, and nonprofit leadership, these women are already shaping the future of the Cass-Clay region through their work and community involvement.
Kicking Off 2026 Strong
The 2026 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program officially begins this January, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what this group will accomplish together over the coming months. As sessions begin, participants will engage with local leaders, explore their own leadership styles, and deepen their connection to the community through United Way.
While applications for the 2026 program are now closed, we encourage those interested in a future year to start planning ahead.
📅 Applications for the 2027 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program will open in August 2026.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in applying in the future, nominating a rising leader, or supporting the program as a sponsor or mentor, we invite you to learn more about the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program.
👉 Learn more here:
https://unitedwaycassclay.org/get-involved/35under35/
Why This Program Matters
United Way’s work is rooted in strengthening our community — and that begins with investing in leaders who are ready to step forward. The 35 Under 35 program helps women grow their confidence, expand their networks, and discover new ways to lead both at work and in the community.
As we launch the 2026 program, we celebrate the women participating this year, along with all those who have taken part in the program in the past — and look forward to the impact still to come.
Here’s to a new year and the leaders shaping what’s next. United is the Way.