GCWL Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Women’s Leadership is divided into six sections:

Section 1: Leveraging Data Visualization to Communicate Across the Gender Gap

Examines the impact of gender, organizational and communication structures, culture, ethical practices and processes of information technology on communication. Teaches visual problem-solving tools like Ishikawa, SWOT, PEST/LE and others. Students will be able to process, analyze and visualize data to evaluate patterns and trends and learn ways to communicate more effectively regardless of the setting or the type of audience.

Section 2: Building Leadership Through Exceptional Self-Awareness

Using a variety of assessment tools (Gallup Strengths, Myers-Briggs, etc.), students will gain insight into their strengths and how they function best within the workplace. Once they better understand their own styles, we’ll discuss the concept of self-awareness, how to increase it in ourselves and inspire it in others. Participants will walk away knowing how to lean into their own tendencies and strengths to reinforce their leadership skills.

Section 3: Building a Supportive, Knowledgeable and Empowering Network

Explore a variety of contexts in which we interact with others in the workplace: mentors, advocates, gatekeepers, supervisors, eager contributors, etc. Understand how to earnestly get the most out of these relationships and avoid negative aspects of working environments, such as gossip and unnecessary politics.

Section 4: Understanding Diversity and Inclusion Beyond Skin -Deep Differences

Review models of diversity and inclusion that go deeper and far beyond the diversity we see from sex and race. Understand the positive impact of creating a truly diverse and inclusive environment. Discuss the nuance of leading in such an environment, including how to promote a culture of civility among team members.

Section 5: Owning the Room, Confidence, Negotiation and Self-Advocacy

Understand the various roles people play within a negotiation. Learn how to prepare prior to a negotiation taking place to ensure you are as satisfied as possible with the outcome. Explore reasons for low self-confidence and discuss strategies to build confidence back up. Understand what it means to be self-advocating and explore strategies to improve that skill.

Section 6: Current Women’s Issues in the Workplace

Students present a proposal backed by research to create a culminating experience that can be shared. Students will present their projects at a poster show.