Apply for the WSLA Awards

Interested in applying for the 2027 Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards?

You’re in the right place! We’re accepting applications for 2027!

Early Bird pricing is available through July 31, 2026, and all entries must be submitted by August 15, 2026. After the application period closes, submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Award recipients will be announced and celebrated at the 2027 Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards in February 2027.

Award recipients become members of the WSLA Alumnae Group—a dynamic network of more than 135 influential women leaders advancing sustainability around the world. The alumnae network fosters meaningful connections, promotes professional growth, raises awareness of members' work, and supports the development of the next generation of female sustainability leaders.

Learn More About What You Need to Apply

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Diversity & Inclusion: WSLA welcomes a diversity of women to unite as a strong collective of unique lived experiences and perspectives committed to sustainability and impactful environmental stewardship. WSLA is a strong proponent, advocate, and practitioner of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice and as such is an organization open to all women. Our definition of women is expansive and includes those who may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, gender-expansive, two-spirit, and otherwise do not exist within a gender binary.

Why Apply?

The Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards recognize women whose leadership is creating meaningful environmental, social, and economic impact. Beyond recognition, award recipients join an engaged community of alumnae who continue to inspire, mentor, and support one another long after the awards celebration.

Applicant Requirements

Applications may be submitted by the candidate herself or by a nominator on her behalf. Whether you are the applicant or someone submitting the applicant for someone else, you will need to fill out the application and pay the application fee.

Eligible applicants must have:

  • At least 15 years of professional work experience

  • At least seven years of sustainability leadership (as defined by influencing others in a strategic function)

  • At least seven years directly managing others, whether in the sustainability field, in a different field, or in some combination

  • Has made a significant contribution to the sustainability profession, creating a noteworthy, lasting, and positive impact to the planet

  • Values mentorship and guides other female leaders

Everything You Need To Apply

  • Gather everything you'll need before starting your application.

    ✓ Applicant Information
    Contact information, organization, and title.

    ✓ Resume
    A current professional resume covering at least 15 years of relevant work experience.

    ✓ Supporting Documents
    If you're applying on your own behalf, a cover letter and a letter of support.
    If you are submitting this application on behalf of someone else, a letter of support describing the candidate, your relationship, and why they exemplify WSLA's values.

    ✓ Application Fee
    Payment is completed through Zeffy after you submit your application.

    ⏱ Time to Complete
    Most applications take about 20–30 minutes once your materials are ready.

  • Applications may be completed by:

    • the applicant

    or

    • someone submitting on the applicant's behalf, such as a colleague, supervisor, mentor, or peer.

    Applicant information is required for every submission. When someone else completes the application, we'll also collect their contact information near the end of the form.

  • ① Confirm Eligibility

    ② Complete Application Questions

    ③ Upload Documents

    ④ Review, Confirm, and Submit

    ⑤ Pay Through Zeffy

    ⑦ You’ll Receive a Confirmation Email from Zeffy

  • There will be five questions that allow you to tell us about the applicant's leadership journey. This is your chance to highlight the applicant's skills, impact, and passion for sustainability. Maximum: 2,500 characters per answer.

    • Please describe the roles the applicant held over the past seven years that allowed them to create positive change, including how they influenced policy, strategy, and sustainability programs.

    • What are/were the job titles of direct reports and years of management for each?

    • Please describe at least one specific example of how the applicant has implemented lasting change within an organization and/or within a community.

    • Describe how the applicant demonstrates a commitment to mentoring and supporting other female professionals. Please provide at least two specific examples, including measurable results.

    • How does the applicant's work in sustainability align with the core values and mission of WSLA? Provide specific examples of how these contributions reflect WSLA principles and foster a culture of mutual empowerment among women.

  • Applicants should be prepared to upload:

    • A detailed resume or CV covering at least 15 years of relevant work experience - 1 file (1-3 pages long)

    • A cover letter describing why you are pursuing this award

    • At least one (and up to three) letter(s) of support (written by a mentor, colleague, or supervisor.

    If submitting this application on behalf of someone else, please provide:

    • A resume for the applicant covering at least 15 years of relevant work experience - 1 file (1-3 pages long)

    • A letter of support describing the applicant, how you know them, why they deserve recognition, and how they embody WSLA's values. (Make sure it addresses requirements in detail; 1-5 pages)

    All documents should be in PDF or DOCX format, up to 10 MB.

  • Open entries begin July 15th, 2026. Applications received by July 31, 2026, qualify for Early Bird rates. After this date, fees will increase. The application deadline is August 15th.

    • Early Bird (Jul 15-31)

      • Corporate: $200

      • Non-Profit: $150

      • Government: $100

    • Standard (Aug 1-15)

      • Corporate: $250

      • Non-Profit: $200

      • Government: $150

    • You'll receive a confirmation email from Zeffy after submitting your application and completing payment.

    • Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of judges after open entries close.

    • Finalists and recipients will be notified by the end of September.

    • Award recipients are celebrated at the annual Women in Sustainability Leadership Awards celebration in February of 2027 and welcomed into the WSLA Alumnae Network. (Awards Night date TBD)

Have More Questions?

Prefer to view everything above in a downloadable PDF in order to prepare your responses?

Download our Application Guide (PDF) to review every detail before starting your online application. Reminder: all applications must be submitted through the official online form (link provided below, once entries open).

If your questions still aren’t answered, please feel free to email Allison MacLean at amaclean@arbnco.com.

Ready to Apply?

Entries have opened on July 15th! Begin the online application here.

Start Your Application

“The interest in this award is growing exponentially for many reasons, including the global nature of the award, the prestige, and the extensive network and mentoring opportunities within the alumnae group, which consists of all award winners.

The recognition of each new award winner strengthens our voice, collectively, enabling us to do our important work with greater resolve.”

Rochelle Routman
President, WSLA Alumnae Group