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GREENWOOD DIST. — Carlisha Williams Bradley, Founder and Executive Director of Women Empowering Nations has been selected as one of 205 global leaders to join the prestigious Obama Foundation Leaders program. As one of only 100 participants in the Leaders USA cohort, Bradley will receive training in leadership development and civic engagement aimed at enhancing her impact across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Bradley has dedicated her career to advancing the leadership of young women through Women Empower Nations (WEN), a non-profit organization she founded in 2009.
Carlisha Williams Bradley Championing Leadership, Social Justice, and Educational Advancement
Over the past 15 years, WEN has impacted the lives of over 9,000 girls in more than 40 countries, providing leadership development, global exposure, and career acceleration opportunities. Her work centers on empowering the next generation of women to rise into leadership roles that drive systemic change and social impact.
Through programs like the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) Cohort, WEN equips young women with the tools to lead and access to succeed in their professional pursuits, offering direct pathways to internships, scholarships, and fellowships that fast-track their career trajectories.
In addition to her work with WEN, Carlisha served as the Congressional District 1 representative on the Oklahoma State Board of Education from 2019 to 2022 and has received numerous accolades for her commitment to social justice, education reform, and the development of women. Her leadership has earned her widespread recognition, including the 2024 Charles V. Willie Advocate Award from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, 2024 BMe Vanguard, 2020 Champion of Student Success, 2020 Tulsan of the Year, and more.
Bradley Sees Obama Leader Selection As Chance To Amplify WEN’s Mission
“It is an incredible honor to be selected as an Obama USA Leader,” said Carlisha Williams Bradley. “This opportunity represents not only my own personal growth, but also the continued expansion of Women Empowering Nations’ mission to equip young women with the leadership skills and global exposure they need to create meaningful social change. I am excited to learn from this community of changemakers and bring back new insights to further empower the next generation of women leaders.”
As part of the six-month program, these dedicated changemakers will convene virtually each week for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. They will also have an opportunity to participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation’s global network.
The Obama Foundation Leaders USA Program, now in its second year, was inspired by the leadership values and approach of President and Mrs. Obama. The program draws on the Foundation’s ‘Hope to Action’ curriculum to support Leaders in engaging diverse perspectives, building collective power, and making tangible, sustainable progress towards a better world. The Leaders USA Program has a particular focus on strengthening democratic culture.