About Us
The Women's Leadership Program promotes excellence in academic achievement, fosters strong community building, and provides a framework upon which students can develop their own leadership identity.
The Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program (WLP) is a selective year-long living learning community for first year students at the George Washington University. Offered exclusively at the Mount Vernon Campus, WLP commemorates and preserves the vision of the founder of Mount Vernon College and Seminary, Elizabeth J. Somers. WLP students have the benefit of small classes, close contact with faculty and women in leadership roles, and strong community ties within the program.
The dynamic curriculum emphasizes exploration and development of advancing women in leadership through academic courses and a weekly interactive event, the WLP symposium. The WLP symposia offer special lectures, workshops, and experiences that draw on the unique resources of Washington, D.C., and brings students together with leaders from many professional fields.
WLP is open to all students, regardless of gender, who share in the mission to support the advancement of women in leadership. Students live together in Somers Hall as a living learning community.
Student Highlight
Shreenithi Venkataraman selected as a GW 2022 Distinguished Scholar
Shree was a public health major with a minor in women's, gender and sexuality studies. She worked alongside Dr. Jameta Barlow, assiantant professor and WLP faculty, in researching the applications of womanist frameworks in Back girls' and women's health. After graduation, Shree plans on furthering her studies and pursuing a job in community health.