The Transforming Women's Leadership Program (TWLP) is a 6-month, curated experience for women who are ready to lead, heal, and create meaningful change—within themselves, their communities, and the world.

This comprehensive leadership journey combines virtual sessions, a weeklong in-person retreat in México, and a 10-week follow-up group coaching program to bring you expert teaching and practices tested over 30+ years.

Central to the program is the community of like-minded female leaders who support each other as you implement practical strategies for personal and professional growth.

The Transforming Women's Leadership Program (TWLP) is a 6-month, curated experience for women who are ready to lead, heal, and create meaningful change—within themselves, their communities, and the world.

This comprehensive leadership journey combines virtual sessions, a weeklong in-person retreat in México, and a 10-week follow-up group coaching program to bring you expert teaching and practices tested over 30+ years.

Central to the program is the community of like-minded female leaders who support each other as you implement practical strategies for personal and professional growth.

What does TWLP include?

This transformational, 6-month Healing-Engaged Leadership program is comprised of virtual orientation sessions, a weeklong (Saturday to Saturday) in-person retreat in México, and a remote 10-week follow-up group coaching program.

The program also includes:

Digital Pre-Work Site 💻
Resource Videos 📹
Coaching Support Workbook 📔
Re-Entry Guide 📑
Leadership Vision and Action Plan Worksheets 🗒️
Restorative Yoga 🧘🏽‍♀️
Access to the LJIST Team through Private WhatsApp Group 📲
Special Gifts 🎁

What does TWLP include?

This transformational, 6-month Healing-Engaged Leadership program is comprised of virtual orientation sessions, a weeklong (Saturday to Saturday) in-person retreat in México, and a remote 10-week follow-up group coaching program.

The program also includes:

Restorative yoga 🧘🏽‍♀️
Digital pre-work and coaching program sites 💻
Resource videos 📹
Leadership Vision and Action Plan Worksheets 🗒️
Re-Entry Guide 📑
Coaching Program Workbook 📔
Access to the LJIST Team through private WhatsApp group 📲
Special gifts 🎁
And more! ✨

TWLP welcomes female leaders at any level - whether you're leading teams in an organization, spearheading community initiatives, or guiding your family through important decisions - because we recognize that leadership shows up in all aspects of life.

Our program is designed for those who are open to transformation and ready to embrace vulnerability as part of their leadership journey, regardless of their title or position.

Continue reading to see if this program is aligned for you to (re)emerge as the woman and leader you were always, already born to be!

This program is for female leaders who:

✔️ Are open to the process of transformation

✔️ (Want to) embrace vulnerability as part of your leadership

✔️ Are willing to do hard, even scary, things

✔️ Seek a community of female leaders, where you get and give support

✔️ Can free up your schedule to be away from work and life demands for an entire week and complete all program elements

✔️ Value a chance to restore and practice healthy ways to honor your female body

✔️ Understand that oppression is impacting your life and want a way to heal

✔️ Recognize that your thriving is interconnected to the thriving of those around you

✔️ Keep your commitments, even when it’s not easy to do so

✔️ Value social justice and equity in your leadership!

This program is not for you if you:

❌ Want a checklist or quick fix

❌ Think the problems or challenges you are facing are only external (outside of you)

❌ Are resistant to doing emotional healing in community

❌ Don’t feel ready to commit fully to all aspects of the program

❌ Know you won’t follow through when things get hard (struggling is OK!)

❌ Can’t see yourself accessing the support of a community of female leaders—or contributing support as part of that community

❌ Don’t think sexism has impacted you as a female leader

❌ Are uninterested in examining institutional power and social injustice

❌ Aren’t open to embracing yourself as a powerful, fierce female leader who deserves support and care!

Mothers and caregivers have shared with me what it would mean to be away from your family for the week-long retreat, including missing special occasions or milestones like graduations and birthdays. Some of you expressed how essential your caregiving is to your children and sometimes to your partners and parents as well. In other words, you simply can’t imagine being away for that long. (Or if you dare to imagine it, you don’t feel like it will go well or that others will step up in your absence.)

I trust your thinking about what is best for you and your family. You know the situation you are in better than anyone. My wish for you is the wisdom to discern whether and when this program is right for you; and the patience to wait another year if that makes the most sense!

I also know by the end of the retreat and the 10 weeks of ongoing group coaching with other female leaders who will join you in this program, you will gain invaluable insights, healing, and attention for how you show up in your family, for yourself and for them. I hope you’ll consider putting on your oxygen mask first.

As a small business owner myself, I understand the costs of a program like this are not just about the fees. It’s about all the hours of work in your business you are not doing, that cannot be “made up.” Having never had a paid vacation day in my life, I understand that’s a benefit we forewent when we decided to pursue the entrepreneurial life of our dreams. I don’t know what the real impacts would be on your business to be away for a week, but I can imagine.

I trust you to know what is best for you and your business. My wish for you is the insight to ascertain whether and when this program is right for you; and the patience to wait another year if it makes sense to wait!

I also know that every time I have made the decision to invest in myself in this way, I have seen the benefits multiply in my leadership. I have come to understand how my injury is running through (and sometimes running!) my business. Whether I tend to this pain or not, is my decision. I hope you will consider making the decision to heal with us and experience the rippling impacts on your business first-hand upon your return. (Also, what small business owner doesn’t long for ongoing support? That’s built into this program!)

I have listened to non-profit leaders share your exhaustion and burn-out. It’s not your imagination that you're understaffed, under-resourced, and overwhelmed by the unrealistic expectations on you, especially as a female not-for-profit leader, and in particular if you are also an indigenous, Black, woman of color.

As one of my dear Nonprofit Executive colleagues, Sonya Martinez-Ortiz, insightfully wrote in response to the Building Movements Project’s research published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy: “Fewer people want to lead nonprofits and many current leaders are looking to transition out. One theme that stood out is the lack of support BIPOC leaders receive from Board AND Staff. BIPOC Leaders are expected to transform culture, raise more money, give more raises, build more impact, and be unconditionally supportive of every aspect of other people’s learning and being at their organization, all while masterfully code switching in every environment. What we don’t often talk about is the insurmountable obstacles to leading a healthy nonprofit, particularly as a woman of color. Layer this with the increasing number of women of color leaders at a time where expectations of workplaces have changed. These demands are something our predecessors were never held accountable for. Lastly, the elephant in the room is that under resourced organizations have very little capacity to get the day to day tasks completed let alone the ability to take too many risks or dive in to new tasks and projects.”

Sound familiar? Are you strategizing your exit? Are you overworking while wanting to quit? Are you more isolated than ever before and trusting fewer and fewer with your challenges? Do you feel like there’s no support out there? There is.

I understand the extra effort it will take for most of you to convince your board that investing in your leadership to be part of this program is worth every cent (and more) for your health and the health of the organization. If you being away for one week will threaten the collapse of a service, program, or the organization itself, you’ve got a problem that needs tending. And I hope you’ll consider coming into a circle of fellow female leaders who will hold your confidence as you rebuild your ability to trust and flourish again.

Moms & Caregivers

Mothers and caregivers have shared with me what it would mean to be away from your family for the week-long retreat, including missing special occasions or milestones like graduations and birthdays. Some of you expressed how essential your caregiving is to your children and sometimes to your partners and parents as well. In other words, you simply can’t imagine being away for that long. (Or if you dare to imagine it, you don’t feel like it will go well or that others will step up in your absence.)

I trust your thinking about what is best for you and your family. You know the situation you are in better than anyone. My wish for you is the wisdom to discern whether and when this program is right for you; and the patience to wait another year if that makes the most sense!

I also know by the end of the retreat and the 10 weeks of ongoing group coaching with other female leaders who will join you in this program, you will gain invaluable insights, healing, and attention for how you show up in your family, for yourself and for them. I hope you’ll consider putting on your oxygen mask first.

Small Business Owners

As a small business owner myself, I understand the costs of a program like this are not just about the fees. It’s about all the hours of work in your business you are not doing, that cannot be “made up.” Having never had a paid vacation day in my life, I understand that’s a benefit we forewent when we decided to pursue the entrepreneurial life of our dreams. I don’t know what the real impacts would be on your business to be away for a week, but I can imagine.

I trust you to know what is best for you and your business. My wish for you is the insight to ascertain whether and when this program is right for you; and the patience to wait another year if it makes sense to wait!

I also know that every time I have made the decision to invest in myself in this way, I have seen the benefits multiply in my leadership. I have come to understand how my injury is running through (and sometimes running!) my business. Whether I tend to this pain or not, is my decision. I hope you will consider making the decision to heal with us and experience the rippling impacts on your business first-hand upon your return. (Also, what small business owner doesn’t long for ongoing support? That’s built into this program!)

Non-Profit Leaders

I have listened to non-profit leaders share your exhaustion and burn-out. It’s not your imagination that you're understaffed, under-resourced, and overwhelmed by the unrealistic expectations on you, especially as a female not-for-profit leader, and in particular if you are also an indigenous, Black, woman of color.

As one of my dear Nonprofit Executive colleagues, Sonya Martinez-Ortiz, insightfully wrote in response to the Building Movements Project’s research published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy: “Fewer people want to lead nonprofits and many current leaders are looking to transition out. One theme that stood out is the lack of support BIPOC leaders receive from Board AND Staff. BIPOC Leaders are expected to transform culture, raise more money, give more raises, build more impact, and be unconditionally supportive of every aspect of other people’s learning and being at their organization, all while masterfully code switching in every environment. What we don’t often talk about is the insurmountable obstacles to leading a healthy nonprofit, particularly as a woman of color. Layer this with the increasing number of women of color leaders at a time where expectations of workplaces have changed. These demands are something our predecessors were never held accountable for. Lastly, the elephant in the room is that under resourced organizations have very little capacity to get the day to day tasks completed let alone the ability to take too many risks or dive in to new tasks and projects.”

Sound familiar? Are you strategizing your exit? Are you overworking while wanting to quit? Are you more isolated than ever before and trusting fewer and fewer with your challenges? Do you feel like there’s no support out there? There is.

I understand the extra effort it will take for most of you to convince your board that investing in your leadership to be part of this program is worth every cent (and more) for your health and the health of the organization. If you being away for one week will threaten the collapse of a service, program, or the organization itself, you’ve got a problem that needs tending. And I hope you’ll consider coming into a circle of fellow female leaders who will hold your confidence as you rebuild your ability to trust and flourish again.

Nanci Luna Jiménez is a a sought after TEDx speaker, coach, and master-level facilitator.

She has committed to her own healing for more than 30 years to be a transformative guide, heart-centered listener, and authentic companion for leaders and change-makers committed to racial healing and social justice.

Since founding the Luna Jiménez Institute for Social Transformation in 1994, she has reached tens of thousands of people with her core message of human goodness and connection as a transformational approach to social change.

Of Afro-Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage, Nanci was born in Detroit, MI, and raised in Detroit and Tucson, AZ. She currently lives in Portland, OR.

TWLP was cofounded and is assisted by LJIST Vice President, Melissa Miller.

Melissa has has led hundreds of women to examine the impacts of sexism and male domination on their lives, relationships, and leadership. Her work is centered in the practices she has learned over nearly a decade working with Nanci and is informed by her life experience as a White, heterosexual, working-class female raised in Oregon.

Melissa currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her infant daughter, 5-year-old son, and husband.

TWLP was cofounded and is assisted by LJIST Vice President, Melissa Miller.

Melissa has led hundreds of women to examine the impacts of sexism and male domination on their lives, relationships, and leadership. Her work is centered in the practices she has learned over nearly a decade working with Nanci and is informed by her life experience as a White, heterosexual, working-class female raised in Oregon.

Melissa currently lives in Portland, Oregon with her infant daughter, 5-year-old son, and husband.

Surrounded by tropical jungle on three sides, Mar de Jade sits on the shores of Playa Chacala. This small Mexican fishing village both retains a traditional way of life and offers contemporary recreational activities.

Participants are required to book their accommodations directly with Mar de Jade and can choose from single or double accommodations and a variety of room types, as availability permits.

More information and a link to book your room will be included in your registration confirmation email.

Resort Amenities

Large swimming pool, wading pool, and beach-side jacuzzi
Fresh, delicious meals with vegan and vegetarian options using ingredients from Mar de Jade's organic farm, El Rancho.
Newly-built, state-of-the-art, fully stocked gym
Open air, ocean-front guest lounge area with free Wi-Fi and complimentary books
Brand new gift shop with curated, hand-crafted art and unique gifts from different regions in México
Secluded beach areas with hammocks
Complimentary beach towels, herbal teas, fresh fruit, and water available all day
Spa treatments (not included)
Excursions and activities (not included)

During What Happened to Us, you’ll reconnect to your inherent significance and power to change the world! This program includes:

💻 Live Sessions: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 4, 2026, 10 am - 1 pm Pacific Each Day (Check Your Time Zone)

✍🏾 Self-Guided Activities: Reviewing Videos, Resources, and Completing Your Workbook (1-2 hours per week)

👂🏽 Listening Partnership: Meet weekly (5 times) with a designated Listening Partner from the Program. (30-45 minutes per week.)

🌟 BONUS: Pay-in-full registrations will also receive access to our Centering Relationships for Systems Change digital course for FREE!

Claim Your Bundle Discount

To get the most out of this experience, it's important that it be the right fit at the right time, rather than feeling pressured to participate.

Anticipating both the likelihood that 2026 will sell out and the need for some women to plan farther out to take full advantage of what this program offers, we’ve started a waitlist for 2027. (Yep, we have those dates reserved at Mar de Jade already!)

If you'd like an extra year to explore LJIST offerings, experience some of our public sessions—including time to complete the TWLP pre-requisites—at a more relaxed pace, we've got you covered.

What are the program elements?

There are 5 or 6 program elements, depending on if you are coming from the economic north.

(1) 90-minute Mandatory Orientation Session for all registered and confirmed participants.

You need to attend the 90-minute live session on Tuesday January 21, 2026 10A-11:30A PT (Check your time zone).

(2) Women of the Global North Session.

Women coming from (or raised in) the US, Canada, Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand will be required to attend this live (no recordings available) 2-hour session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 10A-12:00P PT (Check your time zone) to support us to be better allies to our hosts and the local communities will be joining.

(3) Seven days, seven nights retreat at Mar de Jade in Chacala, Nayarit, México.

Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions in their entirety as well as complete three (3) 3- minute Listening Sessions with their assigned Listening Partner during “Open Time” or “Evenings" when nothing programmatic is scheduled.

(4) 10-week Coaching Program.

After the retreat, you'll be supported with micro-learning videos, a coaching workbook with weekly prompts and reflections, weekly emails, weekly Listening Sessions with your assigned Listening Partner (1 hour minimum), and two (2) 2-hour, live group coaching sessions with Nanci and LJIST Team on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10A-12P PT (Check Your Time Zone) AND Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 10A-12P PT (Check Your Time Zone)

(5) Ten (10) weekly 1-hour Listening Sessions, scheduled between you and your assigned Listening Partner.

Your participation in this program, includes your commitment to meet weekly with an assigned Listening Partner for 1 hour per week for 10 weeks following the retreat.

(6) Dedicated WhatsApp Group.

We ask each participant to set up a WhatsApp account as soon as you are registered, if you do not already have one. LJIST will communicate and coordinate with the cohort via WhatsApp. We ask everyone to set their phone to receive WhatsApp notifications for this group from January (Program Orientation) through July (Final Small Group Coaching Session) 2026.

What is the retreat schedule?

Open, unstructured time is one of the most radical things for female leaders to have in their lives.

We designed this program with that goal in mind.

Each day, we will either meet for a morning session or an afternoon session, but never both.*

On the days we meet in the afternoon, you will have time to sleep in, attend a yoga class, go for walk on the beach, take a morning swim, take a swim lesson, schedule a massage or acupuncture appointment, participate in one of the LJIST optional sessions, or join one of the local excursions.

On the days we gather in the morning, you can take an afternoon nap on an ocean side hamaca, read a book, visit with your roommate or fellow retreatants, stroll into Chacala, go for a dip in the ocean, take a swim lesson, schedule a massage or acupuncture appointment, participate in one of the LJIST optional sessions, or join one of the local excursions.

Evenings are also unscheduled except for Sunday evening when participants will attend a 75-minute Restorative Yoga class. (No prior yoga experience necessary!) There will be other optional activities in the evenings, some offered by LJIST, some by fellow participants, and on Thursday Mar de Jade offers salsa lessons. 💃🏽

All optional activities or sessions have an additional fee.

Participants are expected to arrive on Saturday, April 25. Our Opening "Bienvenida" Session begins at 5:45P (Mexican Pacific Time). (See "Travel FAQs" to transportation scheduling tips to ensure you arrive in time.)

Each full day (Sunday-Friday) will include the following elements:

8:30 am: Breakfast
9:45 am - 1:15 pm: Meeting or Open Time
1:30 pm: Lunch
2:45 pm - 6:15 pm: Meeting or Open Time
6:30 pm: Dinner
Evening: Listening Partnership sessions, Restorative Yoga (Sunday only), and other optional activities.

Participants depart the following Saturday, May 2.

*Unless you opt-in for an optional paid add-on session. Paid registrants will learn more about these opportunities by March 2026.

What is included in the LJIST registration fee?

Your LJIST registration fee Includes:

90-minute virtual Program Orientation
2-hour virtual session for Women of the Global North
7-Day Transforming Women's Leadership Retreat, including Sunday evening Restorative Yoga Class
10-Week group coaching program, including two (2) two-hour live group coaching sessions with Nanci and the LJIST team
Program handouts, workbooks, worksheets, and materials
Access to suite of LJIST instructional micro-learning videos
Dedicated WhatsApp Group
Special gifts! 🎁🤭
And more...

What are the participant commitments?

We intentionally request participants commit to the following:

Attend a mandatory Orientation Session: You need to attend this 90-minute session on Tuesday January 21, 2026 10A-11:30A PT (Check your time zone).
Attend mandatory Women of the Global North Session: Women coming from (or raised in) the US, Canada, Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand (Click here for a complete list.) will be required to attend this live (no recordings available) 2-hour session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 10A-12:00P (PST) (Check Your Time Zone) to support us to be better allies to our hosts and the local communities we will be joining.
Complete mandatory Pre-requisite Workshop: See the FAQ "What are the prerequisites for this program?" for more details.
Complete approximately 1-2 hours of pre-work before the retreat: watching short videos, reviewing handouts, completing reflections. This pre-work will be shared no later than two weeks before we gather in -person in Chacala.
Attend the in-person retreat in its entirety: all scheduled time over all seven days, including at least one meal per day with the cohort.
Complete 30-minute Listening Partnership exchange with your assigned Listening Partner three (3) times during the retreat.
Complete weekly 1-hour Listening Sessions with a Listening Partner assigned during the in-person retreat for 10 weeks after the retreat.
Attend the 2-hour group coaching sessions: June 2, 2026, 10 am PT (Check Your Time Zone) AND Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 10 am PT (Check Your Time Zone)
Agree to our LJIST Limited Media and Liability Waiver in the registration form.
Commit to not consume alcohol or use other drugs during the retreat. (See FAQs for more details.)
Agree to the LJIST and Mar de Jade COVID-19 policies and follow all active protocols at the time of the retreat. (See FAQs for more details.)

What are the prerequisites for this program?

Participants can satisfy the prerequisite by having participated in one or more of the following LJIST offerings:

Transforming Relationships Program (fka Transformational Communication Program)
Stopping the Cycle of Oppression virtual workshop
What Happened to Us virtual workshop series

Based on feedback from past participants, we are requiring prerequisites to ensure that participants have a strong understanding of and commitment to LJIST's foundational Theory of Healing and the practice of Constructivist Listening to support the deeper work of this program.

You can register for the program without first completing the prerequisites. You will be required to complete the What Happened to Us virtual workshop series prior to arriving at the retreat. The next available option for this series is spring 2026. Please visit our Events Calendar for specifics and to register.

Transforming Women's Leadership Program participants will receive a $200 discount on their pre-requisite registration. You may sign up for the next What Happened to Us offering when you register for TWLP.

If you are unsure whether or not you've completed the prerequisites, please contact our office at info@ljist.com

Who are the program facilitators from LJIST?

This program was co-created and is led by Nanci Luna Jiménez.

Nanci has committed to her own healing for more than 30 years to be a transformative guide, heart-centered listener, and authentic companion for leaders and change-makers committed to racial healing and social justice. Since founding the Luna Jiménez Institute for Social Transformation in 1994, she has reached tens of thousands of people with her core message of human goodness and connection as a transformational approach to social change.

Nanci works from the premise that systems are made up of humans, and unhealed humans perpetuate harm and injustice. Her approach centers healing and authentic relationships as the foundation for sustainable systems change and accountability. She gently reminds people what they already know: oppression can only end with their healing, and, with support, they can completely heal!

As a sought after TEDx speaker, coach, and master-level facilitator, Nanci’s approach honors the legacy and teachings of Dr. Erica “Ricky” Sherover -Marcuse, who coined the term “unlearning racism,” and Lillian Roybal Rose, M.Ed., an expert in cross-cultural communication.

Of Afro-Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage, Nanci was born in Detroit, MI, and raised in Detroit and Tucson, AZ. She currently lives in Portland, OR.

Melissa Miller is the other co-creator of this program.

As Vice President at the Luna Jiménez Institute for Social Transformation, Melissa is especially passionate about work to heal from the effects of internalized sexism and its intersections with other forms of oppression.

She has led hundreds of women to examine the impacts of sexism and male domination on their lives, relationships, and leadership. This work is supported by the practices she learned at LJIST and is informed by her life experience as a White, heterosexual, working-class female raised in Oregon, US.

This program is also supported by LJIST Associates and Apprentices, Amel Boucetta, Eileen Webb, Lina Traslaviña Stover, and Vicki Tung.

What happens once you register?

Once you register, you’ll get a confirmation email from hola@ljist.com. If you don’t receive this email within 1 hour of registering, check you “Spam” and “Junk” folders. If you find the email there, move the email to your "Inbox." Also, add hola@ljist.com to your “Safe Sender” list so you’ll receive future communications about this program directly to your inbox. If you don't see the confirmation email in either of these folders, please contact the LJIST Office via email at hola@ljist.com, US phone number +1 (503) 281-5570 (text, WhatsApp, or phone call) during our regular business hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30A-5:00P Pacific US time.

If you change jobs or prefer to receive program communications at an email address different from the one you used to register, please email hola@ljist.com with the new email address right away. Promptly updating your contact information will ensure you don’t miss crucial information to support your participation in this program! We cannot guarantee you will get all information if you don't update us swiftly. (#notswifty, as in Taylor 🎵😅)

If you sign up for the What Happened to Us prerequisite workshop series you will get a separate email confirmation with details for that program.

If you select the 10-month payment plan option, you will pay $259 per month for 10 months for a total of $2,590.

You will receive a confirmation email from hola@ljist.com every time your payment goes through. These emails are your receipt of payment. Save them for your records.

Make sure your credit card or whatever form of payment you are using has sufficient funds or credit limit for this payment to clear each month for the 10 months.

Also, verify your credit card won't expire before your payments for this program are completed. If your credit card will expire during this time, update your credit card in your online account before it expires or if you receive a payment failed notice. We will assess a $50 fee to cover staff time if we need to contact you regarding expired credit cards and collect your missed payment.

If you are not able to join us for the 2026 TWLP once you have registered, you will continue payment installments until the registration fee is paid in full. Your registration is transferable before January 23, 2026. After that deadline, cancellations will be non-transferable and non-refundable.

If you paid the fee in full, you will receive a receipt of payment. Please hold onto it for your records. Your registration is transferable until January 23, 2026. After that deadline, cancellations will be non-transferable and non-refundable.

Once you have registered with LJIST, you still need to reserve and pay for your room and boarding at Mar de Jade. The LJIST program fee does not include your lodging or meals at Mar de Jade. All participants are required to stay at Mar de Jade for the full duration of the retreat in México—from Saturday April 25 through Saturday May 2 (seven nights total). We cannot make exceptions as this is Mar de Jade's policy. Booking information for Mar de Jade will be included in your registration confirmation email. There are a range of room types and prices to fit many budgets and levels of accessibility. Please click here to see your options. Mar de Jade requires a 50% minimum deposit to secure your room. If you don’t reserve your room you may not get the room of your choice or may end up in a shared room, possibly with a participant from a non-LJIST Program or someone not of your choosing.

It’s not too soon to book your flights! You will fly in and out of Puerto Vallarta (PVR). Please give yourself a minimum of 2 hours travel time from the airport to Mar de Jade and at least an hour to get through Customs for your arrival. Our opening session starts at 5:45 pm (Mexican Pacific Time) so please plan to arrive at Mar de Jade no later than 4:30 pm to be present for our first gathering. *You will need to adjust for the time difference between Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco which is on Central Standard Time, an hour later than Chacala, Nayarit which is on Pacific Standard Time.

Mar de Jade can coordinate ground transportation to and from Puerto Vallarta. Mar de Jade will circulate a form prior to our arrival to collect your flight information and schedule your rides. They will arrange for your pick up (4/25/26) and drop off (5/2/26). Costs varies between $30-$100, depending on the number of retreatants in your shared ride. If you are arriving earlier or staying later in Chacala, please contact LJIST via email at info@ljist.com, US phone number +1 (503) 281-5570 (text, WhatsApp, or phone call) during our regular business hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30A-5:00P Pacific US time and we will share the name and number of a local taxi driver.

Add the calendar holds in your confirmation email to your calendar. You will not receive direct calendar invites from our office for the sessions, but we've made it easy to add all sessions using the link.

Make sure you have a valid Passport. In the US this means having at least two blank pages and an expiration date that is at least 6 months after travel will be completed. Also, gather other important international travel documents. We recommend purchasing travel insurance.🛂

Set up a WhatsApp account, if you don't have one already.

Am I required to participate in all the program activities?

Yes! We require all participants to participate in the scheduled activities, including committing to do three (3) 30-minute Listening Sessions with your assigned Listening Partner during the retreat and eating all meals directly after each LJIST workshop session with the cohort (See FAQ "What is the retreat schedule? for more information.)

We've thoughtfully designed a schedule that allows for open time, rest, optional activities, and/or excursions.

What is not included in the registration fee?

The following are not included in your LJIST program registration:

Airfare to/from PVR
Ground Transportation to/from Chacala*
Lodging*
Meals*
Spa Treatments*
Excursions*
Optional LJIST activities

Any item in the list with an * can be arranged directly with Mar de Jade.

Why are you asking participants to commit to not drink alcohol or take drugs?

In all LJIST programs, we invite participants to consider limiting or eliminating refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and other substances that interfere with the central nervous system and therefore our emotional healing process. To support the healing intention of our retreat and you as a participant, our menu will offer food and beverages with low/no sugar, no-caffeine, and no alcohol.

During the retreat, we will talk more about the connection between using these substances and:

Oppression and internalized sexism
Prioritizing our wellness
Leadership and leadership attacks
Numbing and burnout

While alcohol and caffeinated beverages will be available for purchase on site, we ask our program participants to refrain. While this commitment may feel daunting (even impossible!), you will have a community to support you without judgement and with loving care and compassion.

I noticed this is a Transforming "Women's" Leadership Program... Who can participate?

We define sexism as the systematic and institutionalized oppression and dehumanization of females; using sex and reproduction as the pretext, excuse, and justification for the oppression. To learn more about our ending sexism work, check out our 4-part blog series.

This program is designed to support females (including non-binary, transgender, and intersex people who identify as and were raised as female) to name, understand, and heal from the pervasive impacts of sexism on their lives and leadership.

We distinguish sexism from gender-based oppression including heterosexism and transgender oppression. Despite their important intersections with sexism, these oppressions require a distinct body of healing and will not be the focus of this program.

Is our meeting room accessible?

Our sessions will take place in El Mar meeting room. Located on the second floor of the main building, this 1,850 square foot hall has a stunning view of the ocean and a large terrace. You will need to be able to climb one flight of stairs to access the space.

How do I register?

Complete the form and select from one of the payment options on this page to register for this program.

If you need to also sign up for the prerequisite, you'll be able to bundle your registrations and save $300 on the checkout page.

You will receive a link to book your accommodations with Mar de Jade directly in your confirmation email.

What if my organization won't fund international travel?

Of the total registration fee, $2,000 is for the retreat in México. The fee for the virtual components is $999.

If you would like to use professional development funds to cover the virtual components of the program and pay the rest personally, please reach out to us at info@ljist.com and we will send you a custom registration link to split the payments.

What is the cancellation policy?

Before December 11, 2025, you can transfer your registration to the next year (limit 1 year extension) or to another participant, as long as that participant has completed or will complete TWLP pre-requisites* prior to the start of the retreat.

Between December 12, 2025 and January 22, 2026, you can transfer 75% of your registration fee (minus the 25% Administration Fee) to the next year (limit 1 year extension) or to another participant, as long as that participant has completed or will complete TWLP pre-requisites* prior to the start of the retreat. After January 22, 2026, cancellations will be non-transferrable and non-refundable.

See FAQ "What are the prerequisites for this program?" under the Transforming Women's Leadership Program section.

See Mar de Jade's FAQ to review their booking and cancellation policies. NOTE: Their policies are not the same as LJIST's.

January 23, 2026 and later: Cancellations are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Do you offer scholarships?

Through the generosity of our community, we may be able to offer a limited number of partial scholarships.

We also have a team of women to support women with fundraising, an important leadership skill. Email us at info@ljist.com if you'd like to be put in touch with them to think creatively about financing.

To expand access and ensure commitment, any scholarships awarded will be partial scholarships. We believe it is important that each person pay what they are able or get support from others to help them pay something to participate in our programs.

Participants can only receive one scholarship every five years.

Click here to apply by October 3, 2025.

To donate to the TWLP scholarship, click here.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes!

Early Bird 10-Month Payment Plan: Your payment will be $259 per month for 10 months for a total of $2,590. Available until June 1, 2025.

General Registration 6-Month Payment Plan: Your payment will be $509 per month for 6 months for a total of $3,054. Available until October 3, 2025.

You will receive a confirmation email from hola@ljist.com every time your payment goes through. These emails are your receipt of payment. Save them for your records.

Make sure your credit card or whatever form of payment you are using has sufficient funds or credit limit for this payment to clear each month for the 10 months.

Also, verify your credit card won't expire before your payments for this program are completed. If your credit card will expire during this time, update your credit card in your online account before it expires or as soon as you receive a payment failed notice. We will assess a $50 fee to cover staff time if we need to contact you regarding expired credit cards and collect your missed payment.

If you are not able to join us for the 2026 TWLP once you have registered, you will continue payment installments until the registration fee is paid in full. Your registration is transferable before January 23, 2026. After that deadline, cancellations will be non-transferrable and non-refundable.

S elect the Payment Plan option on this page to complete your registration.

How many participants will there be?

We have space for 40 participants.

How diverse will the program participants be?

LJIST hopes to gather a diverse group of women across "race", ethnicity, nationality, languages spoken, ages, class background and current socio-economic status, sector, religion, ability, and other identities.

If you are a female who has more than enough financial resource, identifies as White, gentile, and from the Economic North, we encourage you to support another female from your life who doesn't share these identities with you to register and attend this program.

You can do this by sponsoring her directly or contributing to the general scholarship fund for this program. (You'll see this option on your registration confirmation page or you can click here.)

Fun Fact: Any individual who earns more than $33,000 annually in the US is considered part of the 1% globally. 🤯💰

If we don't get a diverse group of participants initially, we may temporarily close registration to the public so we can make direct invitations to our community members.

If the program sells out, there will be a waitlist. We may also choose to invite participants from the waitlist pool to ensure a diverse mix of participants.

Will you offer this program again?

Yes! We will offer this program again in 2027. To join the 2027 program waitlist, click here.

What airport do I fly into?

The closest airport to Mar de Jade is Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Use this airport for your air travel. Airport code: PVR.

All major US carriers (Alaska, American, United, Southwest, Frontier) as well as Mexican, Canadian and some European charter flights serve Puerto Vallarta. There are many daily nonstop and connecting flights from US, Canadian and Mexican major cities.

What time should I arrive and depart?

Check-in at Mar de Jade is at 3 pm on Saturday.

Check-out is at 11 am on Saturday.

You can arrange ground transportation to and from PVR with Mar de Jade directly when booking your accommodations.

Please make your travel arrangements to ensure you will arrive at Mar de Jade no later than 4:30 pm on Saturday, to not miss our Opening "Bienvenida" Session and dinner with the group.

Where should I exchange money?

Depending on your bank, you can order and exchange your local currency to pesos before you leave home.

Another option is to use the Casas de Cambios (Money Exchange), which can be found at the airport before you board or once you land in PVR. There will be fees for these currency conversions.

A third option is to withdraw money at an ATM once you have arrived in México. You can do this at the airport or at one of the three ATMs in Chacala. Keep in mind there will be fees and taxes on these withdrawals and, depending on your bank, fees for using an out-of-network ATM as well as a foreign transaction fee.

It may be worth you time to research these fees in advance and/or inquire whether your bank will waive or refund some or all of these fees.

We recommend changing about $100 USD to pesos, with the rest of your cash brought in US dollars. Mar de Jade cannot exchange currency (only official exchange places can do this).

What is the weather like?

Chacala is located on the Pacific Coast in Nayarit in the Tropic of Cancer. The weather and vegetation is tropical with warm ocean water suitable for swimming year-round. The dry season is from November through May; days are usually warm (around 80 F), with cooler mornings and evenings in the winter months (around 65–70 F).

Click here to check the weather in Chacala.

How do I get to Mar de Jade from the airport?

After you purchase your airline ticket, Mar de Jade will arrange ground transportation with you directly when you book your lodging with them.

The cost of the transport can range from $30-$100 each way depending on the number of people in your shuttle.

Bring cash to pay the driver and for the tip

What kind of money should I bring?

Bring enough cash (USD or Mexican pesos) to cover ground transportation from/to airport, gratuities, optional excursions and on-site spa services. $300-$400 USD (equivalent in pesos) should be plenty.

Click here to check the current conversion rate to Mexican pesos.

It's easier to use Mexican pesos and you'll also get a better exchange rate. That said, US dollars are widely accepted in México, so you are welcome to bring US dollars if that is your preference.

Please note that many vendors do not accept credit cards. You cannot use your credit card to pay for: Mar de Jade excursions, LJIST optional activities, shopping in town or at the market, gratuities.

Small safes will be provided in the room for your valuables, cash, passports, etc.

What documents do I need?

Immigration regulations require that you have a valid passport for travel to México. It's important you confirm what qualifies as "valid" in your country of origin.

If you have a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or European passport you will be granted a tourist visa once you arrive in México and pass through customs. If your passport is from another country, please check online for any other visa requirements. Most tourist visas are issued for 30 or 90 days. However, you can ask the immigration officer to make it for up to 180 days if you plan to stay longer in México.

Keep your tourist visa in a safe place, as you will need it upon exiting México. If you lose your tourist visa you need to be at the airport 4 hours before your flight on your departure day and pay a $30 USD fine.

There is a possibility that more documentation related to COVID will be required for entry and that information will be shared with participants closer to the retreat.

Is this area of México safe to visit?

We appreciate your concern for safety in México. Although we understand that drug-related violence has been extensively reported in the U.S. press, we want you to know that it is mostly confined to the border with the United States and a few cities and towns within the areas of drug production.

The entire coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Chacala is extremely safe and continues to receive millions of visitors each year. Local and state law enforcement are closely monitoring and ensuring safety in this area which relies on tourism as the most important sector of the economy.

Chacala is a small fishing town where visitors and residents alike feel safe to walk at any time during the day or night. Children and families play in the area without fear. For a comparison you might think of going to Big Sur or Lake Tahoe and wondering if violence in Los Angeles is something about which to be concerned. Mar de Jade has never had or known of a guest or a tourist in their area having any safety issues related to violence in the last three decades Mar de Jade has been open.

Do I have to stay at Mar de Jade?

Yes. Participants are required to make their accommodations with and stay onsite at Mar de Jade.

You will receive more information and a link to book your room in your registration confirmation email.

If I'm registering individually, can I get a roommate?

If you would like to book a double room but don't have a fellow participant in mind, please email us at info@ljist.com. We will put you in touch with other participants who have made the same request. Mar de Jade requests that you confirm your roommate before calling to book double accommodations, though you will still be able to pay separately.

Please note: if your roommate cancels and you are unable to secure a replacement, the remaining guest will still be responsible to pay the difference in rate for a single.

Space permitting, you may also be able to book a bed in a women's loft dorm. Mar de Jade may place you with women from other retreats happening during the same week as LJIST's Transforming Women's Leadership Program.

What is the food like?

Three meals per day are lovingly prepared from scratch using fresh, local and whenever possible, organic produce and ingredients. Many vegetables, fruits and legumes come from Mar de Jade’s own 17-acre organic farm. The menu is mainly vegetarian with chicken and seafood options and there is always an aqua fresca (or "fresh water") at every meal which features a seasonal fruit in a water base.

The cooks prepare flavor-filled food that is not too spicy to appeal to most palettes. There are always home-made salsas and hot sauces available to add more heat.

During designated times, meals are served buffet style in Mar de Jade’s beautiful open air oceanfront dining room. Outside of meal times, you can find fresh fruit, herbal teas, and water in the dining room. For those early-risers looking to break fast before the buffet opens, you can find fresh-baked bread ready for toasting as well as locally-made peanut butter and low-sugar home-made jams for topping. Qué rico!

Although all your meals are included with your Mar de Jade stay, you are welcomed to pay out-of-pocket for meals or snacks in Chacala, a short walk up the beach.

What excursions does Mar de Jade offer?

Depending on the season, Mar de Jade staff can arrange a number of excursions and activities for you or a small group. Please click here to learn more.

What is required to book my room with Mar de Jade?

When you register with LJIST you will receive a confirmation email with instructions to book your accommodations directly with Mar de Jade (online, by phone, or by email).

Mar de Jade will require a 50% deposit with a Visa or Mastercard to secure your booking. The balance of the room will be automatically billed to the credit card on file two weeks prior to arrival.

Rooms are assigned on a first-reserved basis and guests are encouraged to book early for a wider choice of room types and occupancy.

See Mar de Jade's FAQ to review their booking and cancellation policies. Their policies are not the same as LJIST's.

What should I pack?

For LJIST: Be comfortable! Bring clothing that allows you to sit on the floor and shoes you can quickly remove (the meeting room is a no-shoe space). We'll make announcements in advance of specific items to bring with you for certain activities and cover this question in more detail during the mandatory Orientation Session. We'll provide any workshop materials you'll need.

For the resort, some suggested items include:

Comfortable clothing and layers, including a wrap or light-weight jacket
Reusable water bottle to fill up with purified water provided at Mar De Jade
Reef-safe, biodegradable/mineral based sunscreen (Skinnies, Alba Botanical, and Sun Bum are great brands!)
Mosquito repellent
Hiking poles (if you plan to go to the caldera)
Earplugs & eye mask (for sleeping, especially if sharing a room)
Fitness clothes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Bathing suits
Swim goggles and cap
Sarong/pool-wear
Sandals, flip flops/comfy tennis shoes for hikes, water shoes for the boat ride, etc.
Personal hygiene items
Any medications/supplements you use
Camera
Headlamp/small flashlight
Small day pack
Cash, ATM card, and credit card
Passport and other travel documents
Health insurance card
Bandanas

Can I request dietary accommodations?

Mar de Jade can accommodate vegan requests and food allergies like gluten free, dairy free, peanut free. Special dietary needs (outside of those listed above) that require extra time to prepare may be charged an additional rate.

When you book your lodging for the retreat, please make these requests with Mar de Jade directly.

Is Mar de Jade Accessible?

Our sessions will take place in El Mar. Located on the second floor of the main building, this 1,850 square foot hall has a stunning view of the ocean and a large terrace. You will need to be able to climb one flight of stairs to access the space.

Mar de Jade is not fully wheelchair accessible as there are areas where steps are unavoidable and some ramps are not to grade. However, most public areas and some ground floor rooms can be accessed via ramps. Please contact Mar de Jade to discuss your particular needs.