APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 ARE NOW OPEN
Launched in 2023, Women in the Alliance brings together a diverse group of talented professionals working across industries related to the Australia-US relationship. Over their one-year tenure, members receive exclusive opportunities designed to advance and accelerate their careers, amplify their expertise and expand their professional network.
Women in the Alliance focuses on work by women, rather than work about women. By investing in and upskilling the next cohort of leaders on alliance issues, the initiative helps ensure that a broader range of perspectives and experiences shape the future of the Australia–US relationship.
The network meets quarterly for closed-door roundtables with distinguished US and Australian experts, running issues-based workshops and fostering professional development. Discussion themes and industries span the remit of the bilateral relationship including defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific strategy; investment and trade; technology, innovation and intelligence; climate change, the energy transition and our role in our region.
The program entails four pillars:
- The Women in the Alliance network
A select group of early-career professionals working in industries relevant to the Australia-US alliance meet quarterly for closed-door roundtables with experts, engaging in issues-based workshops and professional development designed to support the next generation. - Visiting experts
American thought leaders are invited to Australia to meet with young professionals, researchers and Australian officials to share their insights on our cooperation and grow their profile. - Public events
US and Australian experts hold open-door events related to challenges and opportunities for alliance cooperation, connecting accomplished experts with larger audiences.
Apply now for 2027
Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Women in the Alliance Network (WITA).
The United States Studies Centre is inviting emerging leaders working across government, industry, policy, technology and academia interested in the Australia-US partnership to join the Women in the Alliance (WITA) network — a year-long professional opportunity designed to foster meaningful connections, sharpen strategic thinking and support career development.
Convened by the United States Studies Centre, WITA members come together each quarter for exclusive, off-the-record roundtables with senior Australian and US leaders and experts. These conversations offer members the opportunity to engage directly with influential voices across the alliance, gain perspectives beyond their own sector and build a deeper understanding of the strategic issues shaping Australia’s future.
WITA is about more than access to a network. We seek to help talented women turn expertise into influence. Through bespoke professional development opportunities, mentoring and tailored engagements, members are supported to strengthen their leadership capabilities, broaden their networks and develop their voice as strategic thinkers.
The Network has connected members with some of the most influential figures in Australian and US security, policy and technology, including former US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition Cara Abercrombie, former US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michèle Flournoy, former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, former deputy assistant to the president and NSC senior director for South and Central Asia (2017-2021) Lisa Curtis and former director for Space Policy on the National Security Council staff Audrey Schaffer. Australian-based contributors have included former Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate Rachel Noble PSM, Commander (Ret.) Jennifer Parker and CEO Development Intelligence Lab Bridi Rice, NYT Correspondent Victoria Kim and American Chamber of Commerce in Australia CEO April Palmerlee, and more.
If you are an emerging leader looking to expand your network, sharpen your strategic perspective and play a greater role in shaping the Australia-US alliance, we want to hear from you!
What to expect
- A strong cohort: Join a diverse network of emerging leaders shaping the Australia-US relationship.
- Quarterly workshops: Take part in half-day, closed-door sessions in Sydney with leading Australian and US experts, focused on issues shaping the alliance.
- Meaningful connections: Build relationships with peers, senior experts and potential mentors throughout the year.
- A year-end event: Help farewell the current cohort and welcome the next generation of WITA members.
Eligibility criteria
- 1-5 years of experience in any sector related to Australia-US relations, including but not limited to government, industry, non-government organisations, academia, journalism, private sector and international law.
- Demonstrated professional and academic excellence.
- Identifies as a woman, non-binary or gender-diverse person.
- Able to attend quarterly workshops in-person in Sydney (an allowance may be provided to support the travel of interstate participants subject to grant funding).
How to apply
Submit your application to ussc.wita@sydney.edu.au, and make sure to include the following:
- Expression of interest, which includes your view of the greatest opportunity or challenge for the Australia-US relationship that you address in your work (up to 1 page in length).
- CV or resumé.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 4 September 2026.
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