Harvard LEAD Fellowship 2027–2028: Leadership Fellowship for Women in Global Health
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship for Promoting Women in Global Health 2027–2028 is now accepting applications from experienced global health professionals based in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Offered by the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI), in collaboration with the Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this prestigious one-year fellowship aims to develop and empower the next generation of women leaders in global health.
The programme provides participants with executive leadership training, personalised mentorship, professional development and opportunities to connect with Harvard faculty and the wider global health community.
The fellowship is designed for established professionals who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities, contribute to their organisations and countries, and mentor future female leaders in global health.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
About the Harvard LEAD Fellowship
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship, which stands for Learn, Engage, Advance and Disrupt, is a year-long leadership development programme for global health professionals working in low- and middle-income countries.
The initiative seeks to address the need for greater representation and leadership of women in global health. It supports experienced professionals by giving them time to reflect on their careers, develop leadership skills and explore new approaches to advancing health outcomes.
Fellows come from different countries, regions and professional backgrounds. Previous participants have represented 18 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America.
Their professional experience has included healthcare, HIV/AIDS, health policy, research, advocacy, administration and public health.
A central objective of the programme is to ensure that fellows return to their home countries and use their experience to strengthen local institutions and mentor future leaders.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The 2027–2028 fellowship runs from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028.
The programme combines virtual engagement with an in-person residential experience at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Virtual component: September 2027 onwards
During the fall semester, fellows participate virtually in leadership development activities and begin planning their individual professional growth objectives.
Activities include:
- Developing a personalised leadership and professional development plan.
- One-on-one executive leadership coaching.
- Academic credentialing and programme preparation.
- Planning for the spring semester and executive education courses.
- Virtual events and mentorship meetings.
Fellows are not expected to take time away from their regular work responsibilities during this initial period. Engagement is relatively light.
In-person residential component: April 2028
Fellows will spend approximately six weeks in residence at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
During this period, participants will take part in executive education, leadership workshops, mentorship activities, team-building and public speaking opportunities.
The fellowship covers the costs associated with the residential experience, including flights, housing, course fees and a daily per diem for food and transportation.
Participants must arrange a leave of absence from their home institutions during this six-week period.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship provides a personalised leadership development experience supported by Harvard faculty and global health professionals.
Key programme components include:
1. Executive Leadership Training
Fellows receive individual and group coaching to understand their leadership styles, strengthen decision-making and develop more effective leadership approaches.
The coaching process includes leadership assessments and personalised feedback.
2. One-on-One Mentorship
Each fellow is connected with Harvard faculty mentors whose interests align with their professional goals.
Participants are encouraged to meet their mentors monthly throughout the fellowship to receive career guidance, develop professional networks and explore potential collaborations.
3. Executive Education
Fellows participate in an executive education course during their residential experience at Harvard. Previous participants have attended the Women and Power course offered by Harvard Kennedy School.
4. Leadership Masterclasses
Participants attend specialised masterclasses led by Harvard faculty and global health experts. Topics have included negotiation, public speaking, communication, crisis management, conflict resolution and leadership decision-making.
5. Professional Networking and Speaking Opportunities
Fellows have opportunities to participate in global health events as speakers, panelists and subject experts. These experiences help strengthen professional visibility and communication skills.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship welcomes applicants from different countries, disciplines and professional sectors. However, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Hold at least a master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
- Work full-time in the global health field.
- Be currently based and working in a low- or middle-income country.
- Plan to return to their home country after completing the fellowship.
- Have full support from their employer and an institutional champion who can provide a reference.
- Be able to obtain a J-1 visa and reside in the Boston area during the residential period.
- Be able to take a six-week leave of absence in April 2028.
Professional experience gained while studying at university does not count towards the 10-year requirement.
Applicants must also not have participated in a full-time fellowship lasting four months or longer during the two years before arriving at Harvard.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV or résumé.
- Letter of Intent (maximum 1.5 pages), explaining their professional journey and how the fellowship would benefit their organisation and country.
- Four essays of no more than 2,000 characters each, covering career development, project plans, mentoring and the fellowship’s expected impact.
- Letter of Institutional Commitment confirming organisational support and permission to take leave during April 2028.
- Letter of Mentor Commitment from a professional champion.
- Two additional letters of reference, including at least one from a current or recent professional engagement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting their applications.
Final Thoughts
The Harvard LEAD Fellowship offers experienced global health professionals an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities through executive coaching, mentorship and direct engagement with Harvard’s academic community.
Women leaders working in low- and middle-income countries who have at least 10 years of professional experience and a commitment to developing future leaders are encouraged to consider applying before the November 2026 deadline.
