Amplify Her Incubator

Closest to the Problem. Closest to the Solution.

OVERVIEW 

Amplify Her® Incubator is a 6-month program that equips women leaders with training, mentorship, and funding to turn bold ideas into action (see our press release). Focused on systems-level change, the Incubator supports initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls in New York City.

  • Selective Cohort: 12 initiatives will be chosen through a competitive application and interview process.

  • Seed Funding: Microgrants of up to $10,000 may be awarded to support the launch of selected initiatives. Only projects with 501(c)(3) status or a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible to participate in the pitch competition and receive funding. 

  • Monthly Workshops: Incubator Fellows will engage in a structured curriculum designed to build leadership, strategic advocacy, and implementation skills. These in-person evening workshops will be held on the first Wednesday of each month, (April 1, May 6, June 3, July 8, August 5, September 2) in Chelsea.

  • Mentorship: Each Fellow will be matched with a network of cross-sector mentors to support their vision and growth. Incubator Fellows are encouraged to meet virtually with their dedicated mentor(s) at least once a month throughout the program. 

  • Leadership Development: Fellows will have access to additional curated programming across the Amplify Her® Foundation ecosystem.

  • Pitch Competition: The program will culminate in November 2026 with an event where eligible projects will pitch to a panel of judges for special recognition and funding.

Reshma Saujani speaking about the importance of the Amplify Her Incubator on ‘If She Can Make it Here’ podcast.

FELLOW PROFILE 

If you’ve ever thought, “Something needs to change, and I know there’s a better way,” this program is designed for you. Amplify Her® Incubator supports women at the early stages of bringing an idea to life, whether it is a nonprofit or a grassroots campaign. We’re seeking bold, community-rooted plans.

  • Projects that address inequities and barriers through advocacy, leadership, and systems-level change — and that center the voices of those most affected.

  • Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate alignment with our four policy focus areas: Girls’ Education and Career Readiness, Women’s Economic Mobility, Workplace Equality, and Support for Working Caregivers. Check out our Unified Policy Platform to learn more.

  • Initiative may still be in the formative stages but should show strong potential for growth and impact.

  • Applicants should be women, 18+ years, currently residing in New York City who understand the challenges they seek to address through lived experience.

Facilitator

Harmonie Coleman specializes in coalition building, participatory research, healing-centered practice, program strategy, and workshop design and facilitation. Her recent projects range from designing and piloting restorative justice practices in schools to building toward social cohesion and repair in polarized communities. Her past experience as a teacher grounds her work; she continues to be an ardent advocate for Ethnic Studies education and equitable mental health treatment for young people. Since leaving the classroom, Harmonie has focused on designing and implementing programs that not only engage youth, but also build pathways to economic opportunity for their families and communities. She recently launched withharmonie studio, a community engagement firm dedicated to designing with joyful responsibility, for people and planet. Harmonie holds a B.A. in Psychology and Race & Difference Studies from Emory University and a M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

CURRICULUM

  • Session 1 | Visioning for Systems Change 

  • Session 2 | Community-Centered Design

  • Session 3 | Messaging for Movement-Building

  • Session 4 | Mobilizing Resources for Impact 

  • Session 5 | Leading Change: Building Culture & Infrastructure 

  • Session 6 | Evaluating Systems Impact

To APPLY

Applications for Amplify Her® Incubator are due by Friday, January 30, 2026. 

ApplY FOR INCUBATOR

We want to get to know you — your story, your vision, and the spark behind your idea. We invite you to submit a 3-5 minute video responding to the prompts below (in any order):

  • What is your 1-sentence elevator pitch?

  • What is your idea and how is it different from other approaches?

  • What stage is your idea currently in (concept, pilot, scaling)?

  • What are the first 2–3 concrete steps you would take to launch or expand your idea?

  • Who are you hoping to serve through your work, and what impact do you envision having on this community?

  • How do you plan to involve community members in shaping the initiative?

  • How does it improve the lives of women and girls in New York City?

  • Why is this issue important to you?

  • How have your experiences shaped the way you lead?

  • What would be your primary goal of taking part in the Incubator?