INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program

Some were meant to lead. You were meant to INSPIRE.

Inspirational leaders were not just born that way. They benefited from training and opportunities to gain experience for effective leadership in their communities and chosen careers. The INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program gives students the chance to begin that training now.

FAQs

What is INSPIRE Leadership?

We help students learn about leadership and become tomorrow’s leaders.

At Corpus Christi- St. Mark’s College, you can challenge yourself and reach your potential to be a leader in all that you do. One of our core strengths is offering opportunities for you to learn concrete leadership skills, and how to apply these skills to be more effective in your studies, community volunteering, and future career.

What is the INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Program?

It is a non-credit program available to all students at the College. Get hands-on leadership training, access key resources, and take an active role in a leadership activity of your choosing – all in a supportive environment. Scholarship funding for the program is available.

What you will gain?

  • A deeper understanding of ethics and a strong sense of social responsibility
  • Concrete leadership skills
  • Decision-making, conflict-resolution, and professional communication abilities
  • Capacity to develop a mission and vision and to establish goals
  • Unique leadership style discovered through self-assessment tools

How INSPIRE Leadership Works

Over the course of weekly seminars, the INSPIRE Leadership program is delivered using a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, guest presentations, student presentations, readings, reflection papers, structured small group activities, research, and a leadership service project.

In this specialized course, you will:

  • Develop leadership qualities and skills, and explore the role leadership plays both locally and globally.
  • Explore the connection between leadership and community involvement through volunteerism, community service, active leadership, and social change.
  • Formulate, grow and sustain leadership skills while developing a personal leadership project

INSPIRE Stories

An Alumna's Perspective

As you view the collage of the program spanning a year, Erica shares her story.

“We all desire to make change, whether it be in the world or simply in our own lives. This program provides the tools and motivation needed to do both. I first began the course with no concrete ideas about what I wanted to pursue as a career and where, along with how, I could become a bold, impactful leader. Since then, I have been able to recognize what both my personal and career goals are, and in doing so, have been introduced to a number of volunteer and employment opportunities. I highly recommend Corpus Christi’s leadership program to anyone aspiring to make positive change, reach their goals, and become strong leaders in their community.”

Erica Apacible
INSPIRE Leadership Alumna

From Point A to
Point B(e) Becoming

Keisha & her father along with fellow student Carolina share their experience.

Choosing
Powerful
Words

Nathan, Samrath, & Isabel share how the program has transformed them and their ONE WORD.

International
Students
Welcomed

Chiho from Japan shares about her journey and why she chose Corpus Christi College and the INSPIRE Leadership program to help her achieve her goals.

Why INSPIRE Leadership?

Ana and Mason, share about their recommendations for the program.

PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
Starting Today
and BE-yond

INSPIRE Leadership Certification

“I recently received both an offer of employment and an internship opportunity. Both employers showed specific interest in the leadership program, and I have no doubt that it played a key role in my employment. I am truly thankful and excited to have had the opportunity to partake in this program, and would recommend it to all future Corpus Christi students, who like myself, feel the desire to become strong leaders in their communities.”

 

Gabrielle Mustapich
INSPIRE alumna

Leadership Project Highlights

 

  • Prison Pen Pal program creates vibrant fellowship between volunteer writers and prison inmates
  • Mental Health Awareness Week supporting jack.org, a national charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health
  • Refugee Tutoring program connecting university students with local Syrian refugee families for Math, English, and technology support
  • Community Garden growing food for student events and College outreach initiatives on the Downtown Eastside
  • “Water Walk” highlights the worldwide lack of access to clean water and the experience of women and children who travel hours each day just to get water

IMPACT Leadership

For 2nd Year Students

IMPACT Leadership

Open to 2nd Year
Returning Students
No Prerequisites Required

In a world that’s constantly changing, college students are challenged not just to excel academically but to prepare for a future filled with uncertainty.

This course, crafted for second-year students, is designed to inspire and empower you with the essential principles and skills needed to lead yourself and others with purpose and confidence.

Here, you will discover that leadership is not a fixed trait, but a skill that can be nurtured and refined.

Through a blend of powerful insights and hands-on experiences, you’ll cultivate a leader’s mindset—one that sees leadership as an opportunity to serve others and harness your unique strengths.

You’ll explore the deep connection between leadership and community engagement, diving into transformative concepts like

  • philanthropy
  • volunteerism,
  • civic responsibility, and
  • social change.

By the end of this journey, you’ll be ready to lead with impact, both among your peers and within your chosen field. You’ll be empowered to shape your environment, amplify your self-belief, and contribute meaningfully as a responsible global citizen.

 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be transformed—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to lead with vision and integrity in your academic life and beyond. You’ll grasp the profound impact that leadership can have in shaping your life and the lives of those around you, both locally and globally. With this newfound understanding, you will be ready to:

  1. Lead with Confidence: Apply leadership principles to real-world challenges, stepping forward with courage and a sense of purpose.
  2. Unleash Your Potential: Recognize and leverage your natural leadership abilities to inspire and drive positive change in your community.
  3. Engage with Purpose: Participate in community service and civic activities, guided by a strong sense of responsibility and the desire to make a difference.
  4. Impact the World: Step into your role as a responsible global citizen and emerging leader, prepared to leave a lasting, positive impact on society.

This course is not just about learning leadership—it’s about becoming the leader you were meant to be.

HOW?

Each class will use a seminar/workshop format and will meet for a minimum of 1.5hrs per week

Meet Raisa Jose

  • 2018-219 INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Recipient
  • 2019-2020 IMPACT Leadership Certificate Year 2 Recipient
  • 2024 Corpus Christi College Associate of Arts and President’s Academic Award Recipient
    Circle of Fellow Award Recipient
    Little Flower Academy Alumna

“I got to see my ‘IMPACT’ come to fruition with my project expanding and reaching high school and elementary school involvement.  My non-profit organisation THE GIVING TRUCK continues to thrive an make a difference.  

 

 There were so many opportunities to network with people and be mentored in my 2nd year at Corpus through this program.

 

As part of IMPACT, I was one of the first Corpus Christi College students who were top finalists from Canada and finalists for Map the System Globally at Oxford in 2020.  Sadly due to Covid, we had to compete online.  We are one of the top finalists in Oxford.    

 

I had the privilege to become a coach, mentor, and chaperone in the summer of 2023 for the award-winning Corpus Christi College team.  I travelled with them to London and Oxford for the global finals and was able to meet fellow Map the System Alumni.  What a gift!”

 

Raisa
IMPACT alumna

Map the System

Award-Winning Systems Thinking Co-Curricular Program
Opening up to 1st and 2nd Year Students
In 2023, we were awarded the OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE award TOP 17 teams internationally among the 800+ teams participating internationally.

Corpus Christi College has competed in Map the System Canadian finals six times,  and was ranked Top 4 – three times to represent Canada in the Global Map the Systems Finals.   

ABOVE:  View Corpus Christi College in Calgary (2024) sharing about what SYSTEM THINKING is about and at Oxford Awards Ceremony (20230 and comments from Map the System Canada’s James Stauch.

Jessica shares about her time at the college, Map the Systems, and also being one of our Circle of Fellow Scholarship Award winners.

View the winning presentation Beyond the Bedside: The Nursing Shortage in British Columbia”at the Canadian Finals.See our reactions on winning Top 4 in Canada.

Meet Jessica Sangalang

  • 2022-23 INSPIRE Leadership Certificate Recipient
  • 2023-24 IMPACT Leadership Certificate Year 2 Recipient
  • 2024 Valedictorian & Corpus Christi College Associate of Arts
    Circle of Fellow Award Recipient
    St. Thomas More Collegiate Alumna

Message from the Dean

This is the invitation to our college students to join the INSPIRE program:

Welcome to college, a new chapter filled with endless possibilities! As you embark on this exciting journey, we invite you to seize the opportunity to make a difference right from the very beginning. Your first year presents a unique chance for growth, learning, and leaving a positive impact that will shape your entire college experience.

Why wait for the perfect moment or the right circumstances to arise? Now is the time to take charge, create change, and contribute to your community. By embracing this challenge, you’ll discover that your potential knows no bounds, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you can achieve.

Remember, every remarkable journey begins with a single step. Your first year is that starting point—a transformative adventure that will mold your future. Embrace the chance to make a difference, seizing the opportunities that come your way. Prepare to be amazed by the profound impact you can have on the world.

So why prioritize your first year? Why Not? –  Because it’s the perfect time to shine, grow, and leave a lasting impression. Embrace this unparalleled opportunity and embark on a journey that will exceed all your expectations.

We can’t wait to witness the incredible impact you’ll make during your first year and beyond.

 

Gabriel Pillay

Dean of Students 

Executive Director, Strategy and Planning & Part Time Studies/Continuing Education

E:  gpillay@corpuschristi.ca