About the Interpersonal Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication Program
Applications for Fall 2025 are due by August 27, 2025
Companies are seeking candidates with strong power skills—such as communication, self-awareness, time management, and teamwork—to complement their technical expertise. The Interpersonal Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication certificate is designed for early-career professionals to build and apply these critical skills through team-based projects aligned with industry needs. Participants gain practical experience, engage with external organizations and leading experts, while expanding their professional networks.
Fall 2025 Schedule
Course Dates: September 10 - March 12, 2025
Format: Mix of In-person, Live-Online, and Asynchronous
* Live Classes will take place on Wednesday's, 4:00-7:30 pm (PCT)
Some weeks will be fully asynchronous. If you anticipate a schedule conflict with the in person or live sessions, please contact the program manager.
Overview
- Develop and Present Project to Showcase Knowledge and Expertise
- Applied Learning in collaborative Group Work and Team Building Activities
- Improved Business Opportunities Through Relationship Building
- Real-World Insight and Interactive Discussions from industry leaders such as
- Meta
- Continuum Global Solutions
- Microsoft
- High Level Assessments and Personalized Feedback
- Myers Briggs - Type Indicator
- Assessment Center (Stress and Time Management)
- Emotional Intelligence
- Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
Program Topics
Phase 1
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Phase 2
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Phase 3
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Phase 4
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ROI for Organizations
- High Return on Investment (ROI): Businesses could gain $4.15 for every $1 invested in leadership training with 29% ROI as early as 3 months and an annualized ROI of 415% (Management Consulted).
- Increased engagement: 85% of leaders who participated in leadership development programs reported increased team member engagement. 89% of their direct reports felt more engaged in their roles, and 82% noted heightened team productivity (DDI).
- Increased performance: Leadership training programs can lead to 20% increase in overall job performance and a 25% increase in organizational outcomes (Research Gate).
- Improved Employee Retention: Companies with effective leadership development programs experience significantly lower turnover rates. One organization reduced salaried turnover by 80% and hourly turnover by 25% after implementing leadership training (DDI).
Objectives
- Understand your strengths, preferences, styles, and areas for development to improve your leadership capacity
- Discover best approaches to make teams work together and how to improve their dynamics
- Enhance presentation skills by developing effective messaging and perfecting delivery according to the audience
- Develop an appreciation for individuals with different roles and responsibilities in interdisciplinary projects
- Learn to communicate effectively and efficiently with fellow team members, direct reports, and stakeholders, who may have different backgrounds and areas of expertise
- Gain an understanding of Project Management tools and techniques
- Practice your newly acquired skills and build your resume while making an impact through a real life project
Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions or need further information, please feel comfortable reaching out. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your education.
Contact Your Program Manager
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Grace Sheehy
grsheehy@ucsd.edu
📅 Schedule a Phone Appointment
In-Person, Online, Hybrid, Live Online
6 Months
Students will complete the full program in two quarters.
$4,500
Plus a $125, non-refundable, certificate fee. Vouchers not accepted.
Payment Options
No Interest Payment Plan
Our no-interest payment plan divides tuition into manageable monthly payments. An initial payment is required for registration processing, with subsequent payments due on the 15th of each month.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many companies sponsor employees to participate in leadership programs as a key component of their management development strategy. The skills and insights gained through these courses empower people to make more impactful contributions to the company's success. We encourage you to consider discussing the opportunity for sponsorship with your employer, as it could be a valuable investment in both your professional growth and the organization’s long-term success.Benefits for Veterans and Dependants
You may be able to use VA benefits for this program. Please click here for more information.
Instructors
Keep scrolling down to meet the instructors!
Interpersonal Leadership, Teamwork, and Communication
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
CertGroup
Instructors
Lead Instructor
Parish Jefferson
Parish D. Jefferson, Ph.D., is the lead instructor for ELM and is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience driving impact across Fortune 500 companies and educational institutions through DEI strategy, leadership development, and program management. A recognized thought leader and speaker, he empowers organizations to build inclusive cultures and high-performing teams. Dr. Jefferson holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Leadership with a focus on Diversity and Inclusion, along with advanced degrees in education, social work, and economics.
Instructor
Instructor
Amber Anaya is a skilled writer, editor, and content strategist with over a decade of experience in professional and technical communication, specializing in brand-building, UX/UI, and content strategy. She holds a Master’s in Technical and Professional Writing from San Diego State University, where she also teaches business and professional writing. Based in Point Loma, Amber combines her love of clear, persuasive communication with a passion for education and creative content development.
Instructor
Andrew Whitson
Andrew, a native of Webster, NY, is the CEO and Founder of Person First Consulting, providing career coaching, leadership development, and DEI consulting. He holds degrees in Music Education, Psychology, and Organizational Leadership, and is completing a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology focused on the onboarding experiences of transgender employees in tech. Driven by a passion for inclusion and personal growth, Andrew helps individuals and organizations navigate transition and foster belonging.
Instructor
Lisa Gordon
Lisa Gordon, M.S., is the CEO of Lisa Inspires and a dynamic speaker, trainer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience in communications, facilitation, and strategic outreach across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. An award-winning communications executive, she specializes in engaging diverse audiences, building consensus, and guiding organizations through change, leadership development, and inclusive dialogue. Lisa holds degrees in Communication and Organizational Leadership and was named a 2023 “Top 50 Woman of Influence” by the San Diego Business Journal.
Instructor
Instructor
Dr. Philippe Honore is an experienced Project Manager with over 20 years of international work in architecture, construction, and business management across seven countries. After moving to the U.S. in 2011, he transitioned into finance and consulting, specializing in change management and cultural diversity. He currently serves as a Project Manager at AVID, teaches at UCSD Extension, and runs a private leadership coaching practice in San Diego.
Instructor
Peter Thurman
Pete Thurman is the Manager of Practice Development at UCSD Health, with over two decades of experience in marketing, project management, and product development in the tech and healthcare sectors. He has held leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente and SAS Institute, and currently teaches project management and organizational behavior at Point Loma Nazarene University. Pete holds an MBA and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and is passionate about mentoring, teaching, and applying practical tools to drive real-world impact.
Instructor
Richard Mayhew
Rich Mayhew is a leadership consultant with a background in banking and over two decades of experience supporting leaders across industries—including tech, entertainment, pharma, and government—through executive coaching and development programs. A long-time faculty member at UCSD Extended Studies, he is known for helping clients unlock bold insights and lasting impact. Outside of work, Rich finds balance in nature, music, and tennis, drawing on a lifelong passion for the outdoors and personal growth.
Instructor
Wendy Hunter Barker
Wendy Hunter Barker is a higher education leader with 25 years of experience in strategic planning, operations, and institutional advancement. As Assistant Dean at the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego, she oversees key areas including strategic planning, external relations, executive education, and diversity initiatives. Known for mission-driven leadership and cross-campus collaboration, Wendy has held impactful roles across UC San Diego and is currently completing her MBA at Rady.
Instructor
Zach Herman
Zach Herman has over 20 years of experience in Project and Program Management. Currently, he is the Associate Director of the Information Services Project Management Office at UC San Diego Health. He has overseen large scale programs in Healthcare for over 10 years with a focus on Process Improvement and Implementation Best Practices. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) and holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB).
FAQs
This program is designed for early professionals. There are no pre-requisits required.
The application deadline for the Spring 2025 cohort is April 25th. Applicants will hear back by May 2.
Students will complete the full program in six months over two quarters.
Please contact the program manager at grsheehy@ucsd.edu for more information.
Advisory Board
Kim Barrett
Dean of Graduate Division and Professor of Medicine
UC San Diego
Nathalie Becker
Talent Acquisition Partner
Illumina
Kevin McCoy
Director of Human Resources
Booz Allen Hamilton
Tyler Moore
Sr. Director, Talent Acquisition
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Micah Parzen
Chief Executive Officer
Museum of Man
Stacy Silverthorn
Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence
General Atomics
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