Women Lead conference

Certificate in Women’s Leadership

Develop skills and practices to empower women leaders

The Certificate in Women’s Leadership is a 3-month course designed for professionals who wish to advance women in the workplace and work towards gender equity. The course exposes 51Թs to research and studies regarding women in the workplace, as well as current readings and materials on the subject. Additionally, the course offers practical skills for overcoming common barriers facing women in the workplace.

Topics covered

  • Leadership and identity
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Gender and communication
  • Overcoming the confidence gap
  • Work-life integration
  • Compensation and negotiation
 
“The program provided immeasurable benefits to my career and had a significant personal impact on my life… I now have an action plan to implement my full leadership potential to be a positive change in the world.” Karen Cash (’22) Natural Gas Manager, Avista Utilities

What you'll learn

  • Gain tools and skills to navigate the unique dilemmas that working women face, such as “double-binds” and “unconscious bias.”
  • Understand your individual, unique leadership identity and how it surfaces in teams.
  • Enhance your emotional intelligence for greater effectiveness in leadership roles.
  • Develop skills to communicate and negotiate authentically and confidently in various situations.
  • Identify practices and attitudes that contribute to healthy, fulfilling work-life integration.
Women Lead conference

Details

  • Cost: $3,200 per person
  • Payment Options: Payment plans, discounts, and scholarships
  • Duration: 14 weeks (start in September or January)
  • Credits: 8 CE credits, transferable as 3 graduate credits to select master's programs
  • Format: There are two format options offered each session
    • Fully virtual: live, interactive Zoom classes held once a week.
    • Hybrid: combination of online learning and in-person classes, including two 2-day immersions in Spokane. 
  • Time Commitment: Students tell us they typically spend 3-5 hours per week.
  • Instructors: Julie Kelsey, MBA | Jane Billbe, MBA, PHR

Testimonials

Mike Gribner

Mike Gribner

Regional Administrator, WSDOT

"Gonzaga's Certificate in Women's Leadership program is a wonderful learning opportunity and not just for women leaders. As a male leader wanting to better understand what barriers and concerns women in our organization face, this training provided me the opportunity to spend some very personal time gaining understanding and texture around how best to become an ally in helping women succeed."

Mary Miller

Mary Miller

Director of Slot Operations, Northern Quest Casino

“I was hesitant to apply for this certificate class; the University’s prestige and list of alumni were intimidating. I was afraid of attending a class full of PhD and MBA educated women; although there may be few of those women in class, the diversity in education levels, generations, ethnic backgrounds and professions is incredible. I have learned so many strategies from the other women and the instructors. I feel like I’ve filled my tool bag and can get to work on my leadership skills.”

Tiffany Van Heel

Tiffany Van Heel

Marketing Coordinator, Highgate Senior Living

“From the start, the Women’s Leadership Certificate program, including the mind-blowing, on-campus immersion, has been one of the most powerful experiences that I have been through. I, along with my fellow colleagues, have been empowered with immediately usable tools, a strong network of support in like-minded-thinkers, and many “a-ha moments” that have resonated deeply. With high expectations after a stellar experience in Gonzaga’s Organizational Leadership graduate program, I can certainly say that Rachelle and Sherri have knocked this one out of the park. Our first cohort is already reveling in excitement for the next immersion!”