WPD University
WPD-U Registration is Open!
The Women & Planning Division (WPD) is excited to launch WPD-U, a professional development series developed and facilitated by Corrin Wendell, AICP, founder and president of Future Focus Strategies. WPD-U responds to members' most requested professional development topics, equipping women planners with the skills, confidence, and strategies to lead...and thrive. Participants will leave each interactive “course” with practical takeaways, new skills, a work product, or next steps, including exclusive access to WPD's peer support and mutual learning platform hosted on Discord. Join us for a single course or enroll in the full semester for a deeper, more transformative experience. All courses are capped at 50 participants to provide a meaningful experience. Register for the full semester so we can save you a seat in the next three courses! Your registration includes live webinar course(s), materials and resources targeted to the course goals, and exclusive access to WPD's peer support and mutual learning platform (Discord).
Program Features:
- Four (4) interactive, skills-based courses over the school year (Sept–June).
- Register for courses a-la-carte or enroll for the full “semester.”*
- 50% discount on registration for WPD members (for individual courses and full semester registration).**
- Certification of Completion for each course, and a "Diploma" for completing the full WPD-U curriculum.
- 2.5 CM credits for each course.
*Participants registering for the full semester will receive an email with their registration for courses 102, 103, and 104, when registration for those courses open. Cost of full semester registration is based on number of courses remaining in semester at time of registration).
**Look for the member discount code in your next Division communication. If you have not received your code, please email women.apa@gmail.com
WPD 103: Brand U — Storytelling & Public Speaking
Registration now open!
March 5, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM (EST)
Calling all women! Build your confidence and skills in speaking persuasively in ANY setting.
Every planner has a story—but the way you tell it determines its power. This interactive session will strengthen your public speaking and storytelling skills so you can engage, persuade, and inspire in any setting. From staff meetings to conference keynotes, you’ll learn how to structure compelling narratives, connect with your audience, and deliver with confidence. By the end, you’ll craft and practice your own “signature story” to share with impact.
Agenda highlights:
- Core concepts: Story structure, audience connection, delivery
- Mini-practice: Craft and share a 2-minute story
- Feedback rounds: Supportive peer critique
- Application: Plan where to use storytelling in your career
2025-2026 Course Catalog
Previous Courses
WPD 101: Be U — Leading With Authenticity (past event held September 10)
WPD 102: Val-U — Salary Negotiation & Career Growth (December 2, 2025 at 1-2:30pm eastern)
Upcoming Courses
WPD 103: Brand U — Storytelling & Public Speaking (March 5, 2026, at 1-2:30pm eastern) REGISTER
WPD 104: Plan U — Strategic Career Development (June 4, 2026, at at 1-2:30pm eastern) REGISTER