Federal Women Forward 2026

Hear from program alum Wanda Jones-Heath

Federal Women Forward is designed primarily for women in the federal workforce who are navigating job displacement, career transitions, or seeking renewed purpose in their professional journey. This interactive cohort also welcomes federal-affiliated women—including contractors, consultants, and public service professionals—as well as allies who bring deep experience in federal, military, or public sector spaces.

Whether your transition is planned or unexpected, this facilitated cohort offers the clarity, confidence, and coaching support needed to chart your next move—toward purpose-driven leadership across the private, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors.

Program Overview

Format:

-5 virtual group sessions (2 hours each, East Coast evenings)

-2 small-group coaching pod sessions (1.5 hours)

Structure: A mix of expert-led learning, group coaching, and peer exercises

Outcomes:

-A tailored pivot strategy

-A compelling, impact-focused resume

-A powerful leadership narrative

-Coaching-backed confidence

-A network of support and momentum

Seven Sessions! Dates: Feb 5, 2026 6-8pm ET

Feb 12, 2026 6-8pm ET

Feb 19, 2026 6-8pm ET

Feb 26, 2026 6-8pm ET

March 5, 2026 6-8pm ET

March 12, 2026 6-8pm ET

March 26, 2026 6-8pm ET

Meet Your Facilitators

Fed Women Forward is led by a powerhouse team of ICF-trained executive coaches with decades of experience in public service, leadership development, and career transformation. Together, they bring a strategic, compassionate, and action-oriented approach to guiding women through change.

Nicole Ash – Retired Senior National Security Executive | Executive Coach | Board Advisor

Nicole brings over three decades of senior leadership experience from the CIA, where she led high-impact teams and mission-critical initiatives in national security. She is an ICF-certified executive coach and trusted advisor known for her expertise in leadership development, talent strategy, and guiding women through complex career transitions. Nicole is Chair of the How Women Lead’s Capital Region Executive Advisory Board and recently facilitated How Women Lead’s Women Leading the World Black Diaspora Cohort.

Arlene Gaylord – Retired FBI Executive | Executive Coach | Human Capital Strategist

Arlene is a Board-Certified Coach and senior HR professional with 33 years of leadership experience at the FBI. She brings a unique blend of operational depth and human-centered leadership, with expertise in cybersecurity, tech leadership, culture transformation, and adult learning. Arlene is known for her practical, energetic, and multi-functional approach to developing leaders who thrive in mission-driven, high-stakes environments.

Deidre Boulware – Global HR Executive | Talent Strategist | Executive Coach

Deidre is a global senior HR leader with over 20 years of experience aligning talent strategy with business outcomes. She has built high-performance leadership pipelines and driven enterprise-wide transformation across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. A trusted advisor to the C-Suite, Deidre excels at mentoring emerging leaders, scaling talent strategies, and navigating organizational change in complex, regulated sectors.