The New Jersey Black Women’s Collective is now accepting applications for its inaugural Leadership Institute at Rutgers-Newark.
The program is being offered in partnership with the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Rutgers–Newark.
The four-month executive leadership experience is designed to support, prepare, and advance Black women leaders committed to serving New Jersey with vision, integrity, and sustainable impact.
The cohort will launch Feb. 28 (a Saturday) and concludes June 7 (a Sunday).
Applications are now open and must be submitted by Feb. 12, 2026. All are welcome to apply.
Tennille McCoy, co-president of NJBWC and chair of the Leadership Institute, said the program aims to have great impact.
“Black women continue to show up for our communities in extraordinary ways,” she said. “As we witnessed in New Jersey’s most recent gubernatorial election, the impact of strong leadership is undeniable.
“This institute was created to nurture that brilliance by equipping participants with the tools, strategies, and connections needed to lead with purpose and power.”
NJBWC co-president Taraun Tice McNight said the goal of the Leadership Institute is to assist leaders in propelling to the next level.
Sessions will cover topics such as “Think Like a CFO,” “Marketing You,” and “Little P on Politics.”
“They are designed to equip participants with practical skills and insights,” she said. “Additionally, the cohort will include dedicated coaching sessions to further support personal and professional growth.”
The program is the first offered in North Jersey. A third cohort at Mercer County Community College will start Feb. 7.
“As a Scarlet Knight, I am thrilled about this new partnership between Rutgers University–Newark and the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective,” McCoy said. “This partnership allows leaders to join our program without the burden of long commutes and benefit from interactive sessions led by Rutgers SPAA professors.”
Rutgers SPAA Dean Kaifeng Yang said the school is happy to host.
“We are proud to begin this partnership and serve as the academic home for the NJBWC Leadership Institute in North Jersey,” he said. “The work taking place within this program aligns directly with our mission: creating pathways for advancement, supporting community leadership, and providing equitable access to high-level professional growth.”
Hanifa Barnes, co-founder of NJBWC and co-chair of NJBWC Newark, agreed.
“I’m excited to be in Newark and lead this important initiative,” she said. “The cohort will engage with top-notch faculty, have unique opportunities to visit Nasdaq, and interact with local small businesses, enriching their learning experience and expanding their professional networks.”
Kim Brooks, NJBWC co-founder and co-chair of NJBWC Newark, said the program is community action at its finest.
“Each year, the cohort reflects the values of service, dignity, legacy, and collective impact,” she said. “Supporting leaders who are already doing the work and giving them access, preparation and partnership changes the trajectory of every space they manage.”
