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Brushes on a palette showing a variety of paint colours. The palette is over a canvas of an impressionistic painting of multi-coloured brush strokes.

Painting a unified vision one brushstroke at a time

An inclusive leader is like an artist working on a painting. Beyond selecting diverse elements (people and resources), the artist must honour each unique hue and texture while ensuring they complement and balance one another (equity and inclusion). This program addresses the complexities of modern leadership, equipping you with the skills and strategies to overcome barriers to equity, foster inclusion and leverage the strengths of a diverse workforce. By developing your expertise, knowledge and empathy, you will become an effective leader ready to guide a team of talented professionals toward a unified vision.

Bring together the unique contributions of your team today to drive meaningful change tomorrow.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Questions?

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Program at a glance

Program description

The Inclusive Leadership Strategies micro-certificate program is designed to empower both emerging and established leaders with essential competencies to effectively navigate and lead within diverse workplace environments. This comprehensive program includes three in-depth courses that blend foundational leadership principles with actionable insights, emphasizing intercultural awareness and effective engagement with different populations. You will gain practical skills to lead with empathy, authenticity and a commitment to equity, while becoming change agents who foster positive organizational cultures where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Recognizing the strategic importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) principles, this program prepares leaders for success in both public and private sectors. Effective leaders understand that intercultural communication and the ability to work across differences are crucial for recruiting, retaining and managing a diverse workforce. Additionally, these skills are vital for developing programs and services that meet the needs and expectations of varied audiences, customers and clients. By completing this micro-credential program, you will be equipped to drive meaningful change and create inclusive environments that support organizational success.

Program highlights

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Online Flexibility
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a Micro-certificate.
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Manageable
Our Inclusive Leadership Strategies program is designed with a busy lifestyle in mind. Learn at your own pace, set personal deadlines and propel your career journey forward.
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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.
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Networking Opportunities
Collaborate with, learn from and find support in a network of professional colleagues who are as passionate about adult education and lifelong learning as you are.

Program outcomes

After completing the Micro-certificate in Inclusive Leadership Strategies, you will be able to:

  • develop skills focused on resilience, adaptation, strategic thinking and change management to effectively lead in a complex and constantly changing environment
  • recognize biases and learn to approach leadership with empathy and cultural understanding
  • make informed decisions that consider the needs and experiences of diverse employee groups, clients, partners and other collaborators
  • enhance your active listening, conflict resolution, cross-cultural communication and adaptability skills to facilitate open dialogue and bridge gaps between different groups and communication styles to accommodate diverse audiences and promote mutual understanding
  • develop practical tools such as inclusive hiring practices, diversity training programs or bias mitigation strategies for creating inclusive policies, practices and processes within organizations
  • recognize the impact of diversity and inclusion on team dynamics and organizational culture

Who is this program for?

This program will appeal to professionals who are interested in inclusive leadership, or currently in a leadership role, and are motivated to advance their careers by acquiring new skills and credentials.

If you see yourself reflected in any of the following, this program could be a good match:

  • you have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and value empathy, authenticity and ethical leadership
  • you are open to learning and personal growth, and proactive about addressing biases and fostering inclusive environments
  • you are passionate about social justice, organizational culture and human resources, and interested in intercultural communication and leadership development
  • you seek practical tools to handle conflicts and improve team dynamics

The program may also appeal to Continuing Studies at UVic students who:

  • have completed one or two of the required courses within a program, but have not registered in a program
  • are interested in receiving an additional micro-certificate parallel to the Fundamental Leadership Skills program
  • are currently enrolled in the CBA, DBA or EDI programs
  • are CBA/DBA alumni who have completed one to two required courses
  • have started the CBA/DBA but have not finished

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  1. Employment, Equity and Diversity Officer
  2. Human Resources Professional
  3. Non-profit Program Director
  4. Community Outreach Coordinator
  5. Organizational Development Consultant
  6. Training and Development Specialist

Instructors

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Courses and fees

Learners must complete a total of 3 courses. Depending on existing skill sets, learners can choose to focus more heavily on leadership or intercultural skills. The combination of courses below provides a holistic view for leading within diverse environments.

Once you complete your third course, your certificate will be automatically issued and sent to you. Certificates will be sent approximately one month after the completion of your third course.

Note: We are unable to retroactively issue a micro-certificate. Students must purchase the $20 program fee prior to the last day of the last course in the program.

Select 1-2 of the following:

  1. BMBA 410 Strategic Leadership
  2. BMBA 480 Leadership Skills Development

Select 1-2 of the following:

  1. ISP 102 Organizational Diversity and Inclusion
  2. ISP 110 Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
  3. ISP 101 Introduction to Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Course 1 $605.00
Course 2 $605.00
Course 3 $605.00
Program fee $20.00
Estimated Total $1,835.00*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application information

How to apply

No application is necessary. Simply select any of the three courses required for the micro-certificate and register for them independently. When registering, you will have the option to purchase the micro-credential in Inclusive Leadership Strategies fee at an additional cost of $20. You are only required to select this when registering for one of the three courses.

Questions?

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 Tel {{ data.responsibleStaffPhone || '250-472-4747' }}

RELATED TOPICS: Leadership and ManagementEquity, Diversity and InclusionBusiness and Career EssentialsEntrepreneurship and Business DevelopmentHuman Resources

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