Deadline: January 16, 2026
Applications are open for the National Association of Investment Companies UP Fellowship Program 2026. The UP Fellowship Program was designed to help ethnically diverse women with 7-12 years of alternative investment industry experience strategically accelerate their careers through a targeted 6-month professional development program (March – September). Recognizing the unique challenges of mid-career advancement, this program provides a tailored approach to breaking through professional barriers.
NAIC is the largest industry association for diverse-owned alternative investment firms. Through education, advocacy and industry events, NAIC is focused on increasing the flow of capital to high-performing diverse investment managers often underutilized by institutional investors.
Program Components
The UP Fellowship Program has three key significant components:
- Mentorship: UP Fellows are paired with senior executive mentors from the alternative investment industry to create meaningful mentorship relationships. UP Fellows will meet with their mentors to discuss professional development for one hour a month during the 6-month program. This time can be spent asking questions, addressing challenges, exploring options for your career path and planning for your future. The meetings can take place on the phone, video conferences, or in person.
- Workshops: UP Fellows will participate in a series of tactical professional development workshops designed to transform mid-career professionals into strategic leaders. These expert-led sessions focus on practical skills that drive immediate career impact, including but not limited to:
- Strategic Sourcing Techniques
- Relationship Capital, Building and Leveraging Professional Networks
- Negotiation Strategies for High-Stakes Environments
- Personal Brand Positioning in Alternative Investments
- Communication Frameworks for Executive Presence
- Decision-Making Under Uncertainty
- Stakeholder Management and Influence Strategies
- Adaptive Leadership in Dynamic Investment Landscapes
- AI and Emerging Technology Integration in Investment Strategy
- Networking: UP Fellows will have a cohort of women amongst themselves as well as access to past participants and members to grow last professional and personal relationships with. In addition, the sponsor firms can help open door for industry connections.
Eligibility
- Open to ethnically diverse women with 7-12 years of alternative investment industry experience.
- Applicants must be available to take part in the program.
Application
All Applications must be submitted by the deadline of Friday, January 16th at 11:59 pm to be considered.
For more information, visit UP Fellowship.