Equipping & Empowering Women to Respond to the Call
The Women’s Leadership Accelerator is a leadership journey changing the lives of women—and the future of Young Life.
All across Africa, faithful women are being called to ministry with passion, vision, and a heart for reaching kids with the gospel. But too often, they lack the tools, training, or opportunity to grow into the leaders they’re called to be. The Women’s Leadership Accelerator was created to change that. By investing in the spiritual, emotional, and leadership development of women, the Accelerator cultivates confident, capable leaders who are multiplying the mission of Young Life in their local areas.
When women are equipped to lead well, ministries grow stronger and more kids meet Jesus.
Sponsor An AcceleratorWhen More Women Lead, Everything Changes
Everything changes when women lead. Across the regions Young Life serves, cultural and systemic barriers often hold women back from fully stepping into leadership. But God is calling women to rise up. When they do, entire ministries grow stronger.
- Investing in women leaders means more opportunities to break cultural barriers and reach more teens with the message of Jesus.
- When young women see women leading in ministry, they begin to imagine that God might use them too—and they start to believe it.
- Elevating and equipping women leaders can unlock more dynamic and responsive ministry efforts.
It’s about unlocking leadership where God has already planted it and watching it flourish.
Sponsor An AcceleratorWomen's Accelerator Curriculum
The Women’s Leadership Accelerator is an 18-month cohort-based journey offering hands-on, heart-level development in areas such as:
- Spiritual Formation – Rooted in Christ and led by the Spirit, leaders learn to lead from a place of deep personal transformation.
- Emotional Intelligence and Resilience – Navigating the unique challenges of ministry with strength, self-awareness, and grace.
- Executive-Level Leadership Tools – From team development to strategic planning, women gain the skills to lead at every level.
- Coaching and Mentorship – Each woman receives intentional guidance to help her grow, process, and apply what she’s learning.
- Community and Peer Connection – Through shared experiences, women build a network of lasting support and friendship.
Meet Some Accelerator Graduates
From struggling with confidence to becoming a bold leader in Mali, Aissata shares how this women’s leadership initiative is changing lives in West Africa.
Esther is a remarkable leader from Kenya who transformed from a shy volunteer into a powerful force for change in East Africa.
Frey shares her journey from being silenced by cultural norms that discouraged female leadership in Ethiopia to boldly finding her voice.
We are better together, and that starts with making sure everyone is ready and able to lead.
Sponsor An AcceleratorF.A.Q.
1. Why does this program focus only on women?
Across many of the areas we serve, women are called to lead but are rarely given the tools, training, or opportunity to do so. This program addresses a spiritual, cultural, and organizational gap. When women have the tools to lead well, ministries grow stronger and more kids meet Jesus. The Women’s Leadership Accelerator is an investment where it is most needed.
2. Isn’t leadership training important for everyone—men and women?
We believe in developing all leaders. Many men already have access to leadership development resources. The Accelerator exists to ensure women are not left behind, but are instead empowered to lead alongside their brothers in Christ.
3. What does the Accelerator teach?
The program offers a holistic leadership journey. Women learn executive-level leadership, grow in spiritual formation, develop emotional resilience, and receive personalized coaching. It’s practical and transformational—equipping women to lead teams, multiply impact, and reach more teens in their local communities.
4. What kind of impact does the program have?
The results are remarkable. Ministries led by Accelerator alumni are thriving. Women are leading staff teams, training others, and influencing their communities and churches. In cultures where women have long been overlooked, they are now seen as leaders, and lives are changing because of it. One leader said it best: “I finally see what I’m capable of.”
5. How does this support Young Life’s broader mission?
The Accelerator strengthens the very heart of Young Life’s mission: reaching every kid with the good news of Jesus. Women who graduate from this program multiply local ministry. They build healthy teams, disciple young people, and extend Young Life’s reach into places it may never have gone otherwise.
The Accelerator doesn’t just change leaders—it changes communities.
Sponsor An Accelerator
Contact Us
For any questions, contact:
Morgan Dermott
mdermott@younglife.org
(434) 981-2437