THE EXPERIENCE
HAS BEEN
REDESIGNED.
ONE COHORT. TWO CITIES. 40 BLACK WOMEN.
Because Black women need each other. We need community. We need safe spaces that allow us to be seen, celebrated, and supported.
THIS IS THAT.
COHORT 10
AND BE ONE OF THE 40.
APPLICATIONS ARE
NOW OPEN!
CHICAGO + ATLANTA
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Friday, Sept 18, 2026
What Does the Cohort 10 Experience Include?
Beginning October 2026 through April 2027, forty selected Black women leaders journey through experiences crafted around authentic growth, leadership, wellness, and sisterhood.
Connection
Build meaningful relationships with Black women across industries, professions, businesses, and communities. This isn't superficial networking; we create space for genuine, lasting bonds.
Leadership
Develop the woman behind the title. Through deep conversations, workshops, and cohort circles, we explore what it means to lead with confidence, intention, and enduring impact.
Wellness in Leadership
Leadership demands emotional and physical energy. Cohort experiences intentionally center rest, boundaries, emotional wellness, self-care, and sustainable leadership without burn-out.
Social Impact
BWPL believes our collective influence must extend beyond individual careers. Cohort members collaborate on impactful service initiatives that uplift our broader communities.
Lifelong Community
Celebrate each other's wins, exchange proprietary resources, make high-level introductions, and stand together in a verified network that thrives far beyond Cohort 10.
Prestigious Induction
Culminates in our signature 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Gala in Chicago, formally celebrating 40 inductees in front of civic, corporate, and cultural leaders.
“When Black Women Stand Together, We Transform Every Room We Enter.”
Cohort 10 represents a decade of intention, evolution, and unapologetic excellence. By expanding this experience across both Chicago and Atlanta, we are building a dynamic bridge between two vibrant hubs of culture and commerce—giving 40 extraordinary Black women an unshakeable ecosystem of elevation, empowerment, and shared community.
“We do not just celebrate your title; we nurture the woman holding it.”
— Reese LaFrances Purnell, Founder/CEO
The Journey Begins in October 2026
Cohort 10 brings together Black women in Chicago and Atlanta for an intentional six-month journey of receptions, retreats, masterclasses, and mutual elevation.
Important Note for Atlanta Inductees:
Participation in the May 2027 Induction Ceremony in Chicago is mandatory. Travel and accommodations are the responsibility of individual cohort members.
Cohort 10 Welcome Reception
Chicago, Illinois • Private venue gathering to kick off Cohort 10 sisterhood.
Cohort 10 Welcome Reception
Atlanta, Georgia • Inaugural launch uniting Atlanta’s inaugural inductee circle.
BWPL 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Gala
Friday, May 21, 2027 • Chicago, Illinois
A Decade of Celebrating Black Women's Brilliance
For nearly ten years, the Black Women Professionals League (BWPL) has honored hundreds of visionary women across corporate executive suites, startups, civic leadership, healthcare, education, arts, and advocacy.
10th Anniversary 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Recap
Official Black Women Professionals League ceremony film
Cohort 10 Membership Investment
Participation in BWPL Cohort 10 requires a membership investment that supports your six-month cohort experience and induction into the Black Women Professionals League. Note: No payment is required upon submitting this application. Selected applicants will be invited to choose a payment plan after acceptance.
Pay in Full
One-time complete investment covering all six months of cohort programming and induction.
- Full access to 6-month Cohort 10 curriculum
- Chicago or Atlanta Cohort 10 Welcome Reception
- Wellness in Leadership retreats & circles
- 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony in Chicago
- Lifetime inclusion in the BWPL Inductee Directory
Flexible Installment Plan
Four manageable payments spread across your cohort onboarding and journey.
$900 total investment
- $225 initial payment secures your confirmed seat
- 3 remaining equal installments of $225
- Identical VIP cohort access, retreats & induction
- Paid in full prior to the May 2027 Ceremony
Key Eligibility & Attendance Criteria
Begin Your Cohort 10 Journey
Please take your time to complete every question with depth and authenticity. All submissions are directly reviewed by the BWPL Selection Committee.
BWPL 40 of 40 Inductee Application
Cohort 10 • Chicago & Atlanta • Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026