Registration is Now CLOSED!
EMPOWER is a 6-week leadership development program for all UC Merced students. We aim to create a strong sense of belonging—everyone is welcome. The curriculum focuses on empowering women-identifying students while building leadership confidence and self-advocacy skills.
Participants will learn strategies for leadership roles, develop confidence, and explore how to advocate for themselves and others. The program was first launched in Spring 2020.
Topics include: Communication with Confidence, Negotiation Skills, Decision-Making in Leadership, and more.
Spring 2026 Cohort
Schedule: Mondays, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM starting February 9, 2026
Session Dates: Feb. 9, Feb. 16, Feb. 23, Mar. 2, Mar. 9, Mar. 16, Mar. 30
Attend all sessions to receive a certificate of completion.
Interested in joining EMPOWER?
Please complete our interest form to be notified when registration opens.
For questions, concerns, or accommodations contact lead@ucmerced.edu
Who Should Register?
- All UC Merced students are welcome
- Students interested in exploring leadership identity
- Those looking to build confidence, communication, and empathy
- Students who want to reflect on their impact and leadership goals
- Those interested in developing self-advocacy skills
Why the “x” in Womxn?
The term “womxn” is used to move away from patriarchal language and to be inclusive of all identities, including cisgender, transgender, and gender-fluid individuals, as well as allies. It also acknowledges the intersectionality of gender and lived experiences.
