EmpowerfulHer is a non-profit community dedicated to promoting women’s leadership in China through in person and online mentorship programs and workshops. EmpowerfulHer offers bilingual training in Chinese and English, addressing gender equality and encouraging women to excel as leaders across various sectors. To date, the venture has positively impacted over 200,000 women globally, and established partnerships with NGOs and universities worldwide – including Utrecht University, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University.
Flagship Fellowship
Applications for the program are now closed.
Ryn Delpapa, 2024 Flagship Fellowship Alumna
As a Fellow in the Flagship Program, you’ll elevate your impact-driven venture through intensive training, dedicated mentorship from industry leaders, and connections to a powerful global network. This transformative 16-week journey begins with an Immersive experience in Boulder, Colorado, followed by virtual programming that keeps you deeply engaged with like-minded peers as you strengthen your leadership and scale your impact.
This is a fully-funded* program thanks to our generous partners and consists of a variety of individual Fellowships. Each Fellowship is tailored to address specific social impact areas or has a geographical specification.
What You Will Receive
Through this fully-funded Fellowship, supported by our Partners and powered by Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your venture’s impact. The Fellowship is specifically optimized for impact ventures, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise.
Yoselin Parades and Xinyue Huang, 2024 Flagship Fellowship Alumni
90% of Watson Institute’s Alumni are continuing their venture, employed at leading Fortune 500 companies, or continuing their education.
Meet the Alumni
Watson Institute Alumni from 81 countries have raised over $185 million in capital for their ventures, created over 1,900 part or full-time jobs, and impacted over 10 million people around the world through initiatives they help lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility for this program?
Eligibility Requirements
- Venture Stage: Your venture is at the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stage.
- Location: Fellows may be from any geographical location, with a preference for applicants from the USA, Mexico, East Africa, Brazil, and China.
- Time Commitment: You can fully commit to the entire 16-week program, including the mandatory 5-day in-person immersive in Boulder, Colorado (beginning August 18, 2025). Active participation throughout the program is essential, as our community thrives on engaged Fellows who are eager to both learn and contribute.
- Availability: You can attend all weekly virtual workshops scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM Mountain Time (GMT-6).
Ideal Candidate Profile
The Flagship Fellowship seeks exceptional entrepreneurs and community leaders who:
- Have reached the Problem-Solution or Product-Market Fit stage with their ventures
- Demonstrate a proven history of impact and leadership within their communities
- Have successfully raised funding through grants, investments, donations, or other means
- May lead a team of up to ten full-time team members
How selective is this program?
Fellowships powered by Watson Institute receive a high volume of applications each year and have a 2-8% acceptance rate.
What do the in-person components entail?
- Fellows will travel to Boulder, Colorado for a 5-day in-person immersive to build community and learn about key programmatic information.
- Some Fellows will facilitate a Basecamp event in their communities during their time in the program. They will also have the option to have meet-ups with other program Fellows in their locations.
What are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposits, etc.)?
Watson Institute covers the cost of accommodations, program-related transportation, and most meals. Fellows are responsible for flights and transportation to and from Boulder for the in-person Immersive. Outside of travel, there is no cost associated with this Fellowship program – it is fully funded for all accepted Fellows.
What is the application review timeline?
We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be dispatched by August, 2025. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.
Can I apply if my country is not listed under the priority countries?
Flagship Fellowship is designed for entrepreneurs who are based and are creating impact in any geographical location with a preference for applicants from the USA, Mexico, East Africa, Brazil, and China.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Milena Kirillova at milena@watson.is.
