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In-Person Leadership Programs

Group of women sitting together in a professional development program.

At Smith College Executive Education, we deliver in-person programs that help organizations invest meaningfully in their current and future leaders. 

Our programs are built for professionals working in fast-moving, complex environments across industries—from global enterprises to growing start-ups. 

These immersive programs support leadership development across career stages—from high-potential emerging talent to seasoned executives—and are rooted in real-world relevance, research, and results.

Anchored by our world-class faculty and thoughtfully curated peer cohorts, participants strengthen their leadership identity and gain the confidence, clarity, and strategic perspective needed to advance.

Each in-person program combines academic rigor with experiential learning—through small-group discussions, hands-on exercises, and coaching—to ensure concepts are actionable and lasting. Participants leave with insights that are immediately applicable and relationships that endure beyond the program.

Smith College Executive Education programs are offered in both women-only and co-ed leadership cohorts, with a shared commitment to fostering inclusive environments where individuals can reflect, grow, and lead with purpose.

Three women in an executive education leadership program.

Directing Innovation

Providing senior executive women leaders with tools and strategies for thriving in today’s increasingly complex STEM fields.

March 22 - 26, 2026
Directing Innovation is a flagship program for senior global executives working in STEM roles and fields to expand their leadership capacity to support their responsibilities for setting and realizing the strategic vision for their diverse, global and cross-functional teams.
Experience level
Senior leadership roles
Role

Sets business direction and has experience driving innovation and leading teams.

Image of two women in a leadership training program.

Advancing Leadership

Developing leaders to drive change and impact at the mid-point of their career growth journey.

April 26 - 30, 2026
Success as a leader requires the ability to manage up, down, and across an organization. Advancing Leadership provides mid-career executive women the leadership training they need to take a bold approach at this key pivot point in their career growth journey.
Experience level
Mid-career leaders
Role

People leaders and managers across all industries with operational, business unit, or line responsibilities.

Group of diverse professionals standing together at a Smith College Exec Ed program smiling.

From Specialist to Strategist

Navigating the transition from individual contributor to people leader.

June 1 to 5, 2025
From Specialist to Strategist is a robust in-person professional development experience for women working as technical specialists in STEM roles and fields who are moving into leadership and management positions.
Experience level
Aspiring and emerging leaders
Role

Individual contributors in STEM roles and fields moving into leadership positions.

“The program was so unique and comprehensive — the best professional training experience I’ve ever had. I was surprised by how powerful and emotional it was. The sessions were thoughtful, relevant, and flawlessly executed.”

— Aerospace Research Scientist
Participants explore the Smith College Art Museum

“The program was so unique and comprehensive — the best professional training experience I’ve ever had. I was surprised by how powerful and emotional it was. The sessions were thoughtful, relevant, and flawlessly executed.”

— Aerospace Research Scientist

Since 1980, Smith College Executive Education has helped organizations of all sizes create cultures of leadership that push beyond boundaries to inspire growth and innovation. Learn more about our program history.

Women talking to one another during a leadership development training.

Since 1980, Smith College Executive Education has helped organizations of all sizes create cultures of leadership that push beyond boundaries to inspire growth and innovation. Learn more about our program history.

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