Apply for Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society – Rising Talents 2026

Application Deadline: 12 July, 2026

About the Initiative

The Rising Talents initiative, launched in 2007 by the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, is a globally recognized leadership programme dedicated to identifying, celebrating, and supporting exceptional women under the age of 40 who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential in both the public and private sectors. The initiative seeks to accelerate the careers of emerging female leaders by providing them with international visibility, strategic networking opportunities, and access to an influential community of business executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and innovators. Over the years, the programme has grown into a prestigious global network of more than 270 Rising Talents representing diverse countries, industries, and professional backgrounds. Its alumni include accomplished women who have gone on to become Nobel Prize laureates, renowned scientists, senior government officials, entrepreneurs, and chief executives of leading global organizations. Notable members of this distinguished network include Alyse Nelson, President and CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, and Christel Heydemann, Chief Executive Officer of Orange, reflecting the programme’s success in identifying women who later assume influential leadership positions. Selected participants benefit from mentorship, leadership development, international exposure, and opportunities to engage with global decision-makers through the Women’s Forum’s events and professional networks. Beyond individual recognition, the initiative promotes gender equality by increasing the visibility of women leaders and encouraging greater female representation in executive leadership, public service, science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Applications for the 2026 Rising Talents promotion are now open, inviting ambitious women under 40 from around the world to apply. The programme offers a unique platform to expand professional networks, develop leadership capabilities, collaborate with accomplished peers, and contribute to shaping solutions to global economic and societal challenges. Successful applicants become part of a lifelong international community committed to advancing inclusive leadership and empowering the next generation of women leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

You can apply if:

• You are a woman under 40
• You are driving meaningful impact in your field, community, or beyond
• You demonstrate strong leadership, initiative, and the courage to challenge the status quo
• You are committed to contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable world
• You have an international outlook and are fluent in English
• You are eager to engage with and contribute actively to the Women’s Forum community

Why This Initiative Matters

The Rising Talents initiative identifies and supports high-potential women leaders who are driving meaningful impact in their fields. By joining this global community, selected women gain access to a powerful network, visibility on a global platform, and opportunities to shape today’s economic and societal agendas. For women under 40 who are making a difference in their communities and beyond, this initiative offers:

• Lifetime membership in the Women’s Forum network
• Global visibility and recognition
• Exclusive opportunities for speaking engagements and networking
• Ambassadorship within the Women’s Forum ecosystem

Benefits of Becoming a Rising Talent

• Join a Powerful Global Community: Become a lifetime member of the Women’s Forum network and connect with a community of influential women leaders across sectors and geographies.
• Gain Visibility and a Global Platform: Showcase your work and perspectives by contributing to high-level conversations shaping today’s economic and societal agendas.
• Access Exclusive Opportunities: Benefit from year-round opportunities such as speaking engagements, partner-led events, and curated networking with corporate, institutional, and academic leaders.

Act as a Women’s Forum Ambassador
Engage actively with the Women’s Forum ecosystem throughout the year by:

• Participating in sessions, discussions, and initiatives with partners
• Exchanging with the Women’s Forum partner community
• Bringing your expertise and voice to key global conversations

2025 Rising Talents Class

The latest cohort of Rising Talents includes:

• Elly Chaskis – Neurosurgeon & President, Tous en tête
• Bonnie Chiu – Managing Director, The Social Investment Consultancy
• Halimatou Hima – Coordinator on fragility, conflict, and violence, World Bank
• Shahrzad Koofi Ahmadi – Director, JEAO
• Sarah Little – Founder, Editor in Chief, More to her Story
• Ingrid Olea – Executive Director, Educación 2020
• Carmela Russo – Process Engineer, Racing Bulls F1 Team
• Francesca Santucci – Postdoctoral Fellow, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
• Marieme-Sav Sow – VP Engagement & Advocacy: EP Africa, TotalEnergies
• Anne Catherine Tchokonte Tcholagheu – CEO, Airtel Madagascar
• Laura Vanhanen – Deputy Director: Unit for Communications development and Services, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
• Sathyani Wevita – Medical Doctor, Clinical Researcher & Ambassador, The Pad Project, Selyn Foundation
• Désirée Beate Konrad – CFO, Member of the Executive Board, Sto Se & Co. KGaA

How to Apply

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Women’s Forum Rising Talents Page