Application Deadline: March 11th, 2013
2013 Learning to Lead™ BC
Leadership Development Program
Minerva Overview
The mission of the Minerva Foundation for BC Women is to elevate the visibility, influence and contribution
of women leaders and through that, change the face of leadership in BC. We offer unique programs that
develop women’s leadership capacity; education awards that support women in need; we help women secure
meaningful work after an absence from the workforce, and provide culturally relevant programs in
partnership with Aboriginal women in their communities throughout BC.
Since 2001, Minerva has impacted the lives of more than 3000 women and girls throughout
the province and given away over $2,000,000 in education awards.
For more information, please refer to our website at: www.theminervafoundation.com.
Program Overview
The Learning to Lead™ BC program is designed to advance the leadership skills of women in British
Columbia. This extraordinary program is one of the ways we bring remarkable women together to learn from
each other and to celebrate their accomplishments. Now in its twelfth year, the Learning to LeadTM BC
program is an exciting opportunity for women from all over British Columbia to participate in fun and
informative workshops, become inspired by fantastic keynote speakers, and interact with other women who
are exceptional leaders in their communities.
Here is what some of our past participants had to say about their experience in the program:
“The learning to lead conference held on May 25th - May 27th was a life changing experience that I will never
forget. I left feeling empowered and stronger than ever. Not only did I learn how to become a better leader, but I
was given the opportunity to discover who I really am and what my true values are. The Minerva foundation
allowed me to meet with like minded women and instilled a sense of camaraderie in us as a group.Thank you
Again,” K. Baker, Gr.11 Student Leader L2L BC 2012 (Nanaimo, BC)
“My experience at the Learning to Lead program was inspiring. I walked away feeling empowered, supported and
valuable. I felt validated and proud to be part of something so warm, positive and proactive.” S. Fendick,
Emerging Leader L2L BC 2012 (Nanaimo, BC)
“It was the best leadership program I have seen - and I have been in the business.” P. Jacobsen, Community
Leader L2L BC 2012 (Vancouver, BC)
“I want to truly thank you for the opportunity to attend the Learning to Lead program. It was an amazing
experience that was beyond my expectations. I was inspired by the extraordinary women I met this weekend. I
will never forget this experience… P. Sidhu, Emerging Leader L2L BC 2011 (Surrey,BC)
Minerva Foundation for BC Women The Woodward’s Building 320 - 111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
Tel: 604 683 7635 Fax: 604 683 7695 www.theminervafoundation.com
Program Goals and Objectives
The objectives of the Learning to Lead™ program are to provide the tools for young professionals to
recognize and understand what their leadership skills are while encouraging the community leaders to
evaluate and enhance their own leadership skills and impart valuable knowledge. The ultimate objective of
the Learning to Lead™ program is to advance opportunities for girls and women in British Columbia to
support their communities by assuming leadership roles in all facets of society.
The goals of the weekend are as follows:
 To bring together three generations of leaders - Community, Emerging, and Grade 11 Students for
insights, learning and growth;
 To inspire a movement towards values driven leadership;
 To provide learning opportunities to foster the development and enhancement of leadership skills.
Areas of concentration include self-awareness, values, community, personality type consciousness,
team-building, creativity and communication.
 To get participants to make leadership commitments to themselves about their community;
 To provide tools for all participants to achieve their personal, educational, and career goals.
Dates, Times, Venue
The Learning to Lead™ BC program will be held at St. John’s College, on the campus of the University of
British Columbia in Vancouver on May 24 - 26, 2013 starting late afternoon on May 24 through until early
afternoon on May 26, 2013. Our expectation is that each Emerging Leader will fully engage with all of the
participants and activities and enjoy this time of collaborative learning.
Selection Criteria and Fees
Graduate and post-baccalaureate students as well as new and transitioning professionals with at least 3 years
of professional experience are invited to apply to be part of our Emerging Leader cohort. We are looking for
women who have demonstrated leadership skills in their communities, in their workplaces and/or in their
schools. Leadership may be in the form of service, volunteerism, participation in professional or community
organizations, athletics involvement, initiation of projects or other endeavours. Along with leadership
experience, candidates will demonstrate that they:
 Are self-directed and responsible community members;
 Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills;
 Are action-oriented and are able to motivate others;
 Exhibit the attributes of integrity, flexibility, creativity,
 focus, and emotional intelligence;
 Are self-reflective;
 Are risk-takers;
 Have good organizational skills;
 Can manage conflict.
Academic standing or achievement is not a criterion for selection. We strive to have representatives from a
variety of disciplines and geographical locations.
Emerging Leader participants can be fully sponsored by their company. If your company would like to
discuss this option, please contact Carrie-Ann Goodfellow, our Resource Development Manager at
carrieanng@theminervafoundation.com or 604-683-7635, Ext. 223.
We also reserve several spots specifically for applicants who cannot secure corporate sponsorship. Thanks to
our generous donors and sponsors, Minerva is able to subsidize the program fees for these candidates. The
cost for these spots is $250, which is 20% of the total participation cost for this program.
Please email your completed application which includes your letter of interest and resume/CV by the March
11th, 2013 to zhenig@theminervafoundation.com. Successful applicants will receive a letter of
invitation by mid-April. Specifics of the program will be included at that time.
Minerva Foundation for BC Women The Woodward’s Building 320 - 111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
Tel: 604 683 7635 Fax: 604 683 7695 www.theminervafoundation.com
Application Deadline: March 11th, 2013
Emerging Leader Application Form
For New and Transitioning Professionals and Graduate Students
2013 Learning to Lead™ BC, May 24 – 26, 2013 at St. John’s College, UBC
Please save your completed application under your name e.g. Jane Smith Application. Email the word
document to zhenig@theminervafoundation.com.
NAME:
(Given)
(Middle)
(Surname)
BIRTHDATE (DD/MM/YY):
ADDRESS:
CITY/TOWN:
POSTAL CODE:
TELEPHONE:
E-MAIL:
CURRENT PROFESSION AND COMPANY:
UNIVERSITY AND PROGRAM OF STUDY:
PREVIOUS DEGREES:
FIRST NATIONS APPLICATION
YES / NO
(Please circle one)
One of the goals of the Minerva Foundation is to create leadership opportunities for First Nations Women. Our
objective for the program is to achieve a high representation of First Nations participants.
Minerva Foundation for BC Women The Woodward’s Building 320 - 111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
Tel: 604 683 7635 Fax: 604 683 7695 www.theminervafoundation.com
1. In the space provided below, please list no more than five main leadership activities that you have
participated in during the last three years. These may involve student executive positions, roles with
university clubs, profession al societies, your workplace, service organizations, sport teams or volunteer
organizations in your community. Please indicate how long you were involved with the group and give a
brief description of your role.
ACTIVITY
LENGTH OF
TIME
INVOLVED
YOUR ROLE
Minerva Foundation for BC Women The Woodward’s Building 320 - 111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
Tel: 604 683 7635 Fax: 604 683 7695 www.theminervafoundation.com
2. Letter of interest - In no more than 500 words please outline the following:

Expand on one of the activities you have outlined in question 1. Explain in detail the activity, your
role in it and how many others were involved in the organization. Elaborate on what the group goals
were, how you demonstrated leadership, how your group measured success and what you learned
about leadership and yourself during the activity. If you encountered problems, what were they and
how did you solve them?

What do you think are your strengths in leadership? What skills or attributes do you feel you need to
work on in order to be a more effective leader?

Why would you like to participate in the 2013 Learning to Lead™ BC program? What would you like
to learn more about? What would you like to leave with?
3. Please insert your CV/ Resume here.
Please e-mail the completed application to zhenig@theminervafoundation.com.
Deadline: March 11, 2013
If you have any questions, please email zhenig@theminervafoundation.com
or call 604.683.7635 ext. 226.
Minerva Foundation for BC Women The Woodward’s Building 320 - 111 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 1H4
Tel: 604 683 7635 Fax: 604 683 7695 www.theminervafoundation.com