Homeward Bound was born from a simple but urgent belief: that the world needs more women and non-binary leaders with a background in STEMM — and that when they lead with clarity, courage and connection, everything changes.

Over the past decade, nearly 1,000 of you from across the globe, and many thousands of supporters, have answered that call. You have trusted this community with your growth, your vulnerability and your vision. You have formed friendships across borders, disciplines and generations. You have gone back to your workplaces, your research and your communities and led differently. That is not a small thing. That is everything. 

It is with deep gratitude — and real sadness — that we write to let you know that Homeward Bound will cease operations on 30 June 2026.  

This has not been an easy decision. In recent years, shifting global conditions — economic pressures, a changing DEI landscape, rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty — have made it increasingly difficult to sustain our programs at the level of quality and depth this community deserves. After careful consideration of our strategic and financial position, the Board concluded that continuing would mean compromising the very things that make Homeward Bound what it is. We were not willing to do that. 

We thank our long-time strategic partners, Generacion Code, ACCIONA and Human Synergistics – their generous support has allowed us to deliver the learning and experiences that you will all take with you as we move forward. A huge thank you also to our faculty, coaches, past Board members and staff, without whom none of this would have been possible. 

This is a decision about stewardship. It is not a reflection of the importance of this mission — if anything, the world’s need for what Homeward Bound represents feels more urgent than ever. 

While Homeward Bound will cease operating on 30 June 2026, we remain open to supporting community-led conversations about how the purpose, spirit and mission of Homeward Bound might continue into the future.  

Homeward Bound has never been just an organisation. It is you. It lives in the way you lead, the conversations you carry forward, the doors you open for others. The relationships, the learning, the shared belief in a more sustainable and inclusive future — none of that closes on 30 June. It continues through each of you, every day. 

Thank you for your courage, your generosity, and your trust. Thank you for choosing to lead differently, and for helping build something that has genuinely mattered. It has been one of the great privileges of our lives to be part of this community alongside you. 

With love and deep gratitude, 

 The Homeward Bound Board