An aerial view of College Hall on the Gonzaga campus, where the Certificate for Foundation Leadership meets.

Certificate in Foundational Leadership

Accelerate your effectiveness as a leader

The Certificate in Foundational Leadership (CFL) is a 9-month individual leadership program designed to accelerate your leadership skills through practical learning, mentorship and assessments. In a small cohort of people from a variety of industries and fields, you'll develop new techniques and knowledge to refresh and enhance how you lead individuals and teams. Take a look at why so many CFL graduates refer to the program as "transformational"...

What you'll learn

  • Increase your self-awareness of your leadership strengths and development areas.
  • Develop strategies to lead and and influence teams, particularly through change.
  • Enhance your ability to work effectively with people of diverse identities, personalities and abilities.
  • Improve your interpersonal communication skills, particularly in high-stakes situations.
  • Cultivate professional relationships through networking and mentorship.
 
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“The program helped refine many of the leadership tools that I had and gave me a framework that allowed me to share those with other professionals developing as young leaders.” Steve Lee (’13) Director of Information Technology, Integrus Architecture

Concrete steps, transformative results

  • Enjoy both flexibility and connection with others through a combination of in-person and Zoom classes.
  • Deepen your self-awareness and growth through highly personalized assessments.
  • Complete practical assignments to apply new knowledge and skills directly to your life.
  • Learn from a variety of engaging, seasoned leaders in their professions.
  • Match with an experienced leader who'll serve as your mentor throughout the program.
A speaker meets with students in the Certificate for Foundational Leadership program.

Details

  • Cost: $8,500
  • Payment Options: Payment plans, discounts, and scholarships available
  • Duration: 9 months (September - May)
  • Credits: 15 CE credits, transferable as 3 graduate credits to select master's programs
  • Format: Combination of in-person and live, interactive Zoom classes. Includes assessments with certified practitioners, a two-day retreat and on-campus cohort meetings.
  • Time Commitment: Students tell us they spend 8-10 hours per month, in addition to in-person & virtual sessions. 
  • Instructor: Jill Yashinsky-Wortman, MA, CPCC, PCC
Program Details
View Program Schedule

Testimonials

A headshot of Moya.

Moya Shatz Dolby ('22)

Executive Director, Idaho Wine Commission

“I can't speak highly enough about the Certificate in Foundational Leadership. It made me think more deeply about various topics, and the personal assessments were really eye-opening. I made great friends and enjoyed getting to know the people in my cohort. I encourage anyone who has a growth mindset and wants to continue to better themselves to take this program.”

A headshot of Joe.

Joe Hoeing

Airport Duty Manager, Spokane International Airport

"This program has had a profound impact on my leadership skills. The skills we worked on in the program were easily applied in the workforce. This has been a really valuable experience for both my personal and professional life."

A headshot of Andrea.

Andrea Hougen

Associate/Structural Engineer, Integrus Architecture

"The Certificate in Foundational Leadership is an amazing awakening of your leadership spirit fundamentally, while providing practical tools for assessment of leadership strengths, growth opportunities, self-leadership, emotional intelligence, employee engagement, courageous communication and change management."