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 helps cultivate confident, capable leaders who are multiplying the mission of Young Life in their local areas.

• Investing in women leaders means more opportunities to break cultural barriers and reach more kids 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.

Meet Our Accelerator Graduates

1. Why does this program focus only on women?
Because across many of the areas we serve, women are faithfully called to lead but are rarely given the tools, training, or opportunity to do so. This program addresses a real gap spiritually, culturally, and organizationally. When women are equipped to lead well, ministries grow stronger and more kids meet Jesus. This isn’t about exclusion; it’s about investment where it’s most needed.

2. Isn’t leadership training important for everyone—men and women?
Absolutely. We believe in developing all leaders. But many men already have access to leadership development resources. In many places where Young Life serves, women are not involved. The Accelerator exists to ensure women are not left behind, but are instead empowered to lead alongside their brothers in Christ. We are better together, and that starts with making sure everyone is ready and able to lead.

3. What exactly does the Accelerator teach?
The program offers a holistic leadership journey. Women learn executive-level leadership tools, 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 kids in their local communities.

4. What kind of impact does the program actually 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. When women are equipped and launched into leadership, they multiply ministry. They build healthy teams, disciple young people, and extend Young Life’s reach into places it may never have gone otherwise.

To visit a training, giving, or other inquiries Contact:

Morgan Dermott
mdermott@younglife.org
(434) 981-2437