Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice – 100% Online Program

The MA in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice at NDNU is an interdisciplinary program designed to train effective, informed, and agile leaders who understand the complex terrain of bias and social justice by preparing them how to lead organizational change and transformation. The program focuses on leadership competencies, deep knowledge in the field, and applied social justice experiences.

The program combines theory, practice, and social justice engagement opportunities to enable our graduates to design and deploy sustainable social justice strategies that lead to institutional and organizational change.

The program culminates in a capstone project that allows students the opportunity to lead social justice efforts to resolve real needs across multiple sectors including community-based organizations, education, research and policy, business, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, and communities.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Welcome to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Notre Dame de Namur University. Rooted in the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community, our program is designed to educate for a life of leadership, justice, and compassion.

The mission of Interdisciplinary Studies is to foster integrative learning that empowers students to think critically across disciplines, engage ethically with the world, and lead transformative change in their communities. This mission reflects our deep commitment to Hallmark Four—“We commit ourselves to community service”—and Hallmark Seven—“We develop holistic learning communities which educate for life.”

It is in this spirit that we are proud to launch our first degree, the new Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice. This graduate program prepares students to lead with integrity, advance social equity, and apply strategic thinking to the complex challenges of the modern world. Inspired by the Sisters of Notre Dame’s legacy, this program equips a new generation of leaders to serve a world in need of both vision and compassion and as agents of change.

Greg Zubacz, PhD
Dean, Interdisciplinary Studies

Distinctions of the MA Strategic Leadership and Social Justice Program

Candidates in this program engage with theory, practice, and social justice opportunities that enable them to design and deploy sustainable leadership strategies that enable institutional and organizational change.
The program culminates in a capstone project that allows students the opportunity to lead efforts to resolve social justice issues across multiple sectors including community-based organizations, education, research and policy, business, non-profits, nongovernmental organizations, and communities.
Asynchronous classes, attend anytime, on-demand.

Download MA Strategic Leadership and Social Justice Program Flyer

Earn a Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Engage knowledgeably with Strategic Leadership and Social Justice concepts and recognize underlying assumptions.
Audit and assess the Strategic Leadership and Social Justice needs of an organization.
Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external audiences in support of Strategic Leadership and Social Justice interventions and initiatives.
Design, lead, and implement a Strategic Leadership and Social Justice initiative.

CORE COURSES (30 Units)

SLSJ 4401 Foundations of Strategic Leadership and Social Justice (3)
SLSJ 4402 Race and Ethnicity (3)
SLSJ 4403 Identity Safety (3)
SLSJ 4404 Interpersonal Communication (3)
SLSJ 4405 Policy and Law (3)
SLSJ 4406 Change Management and Intervention (3)
SLSJ 4407 Strategic Leadership and Social Justice Practicum (3)
SLSJ 4408 Strategic Leadership and Social Justice Capstone (3)
BUS 4522 Cultural Competencies in Public Administration (3)
EDU 4706 Social Justice, Diversity, and Equity (3)

Streamlined Admissions
See how simple it is to get started

Fully admitted students will need to meet the following requirements:

A four- year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better
Two academic and/or professional recommendations
A personal interview with the Program Director is required.
International students refer to admission requirements in the current catalog.

When you are ready to take that next step in advancing your career, contact us to learn how we can be the catalyst to make it happen sooner. Accepting applications year-round.

Gregory Zubacz, PhD
Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies

Dr. Gregory Zubacz brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, legal scholarship, and interdisciplinary program development. Most recently, he served as Assistant Vice President for Institutional Assessment, Effectiveness, and Research at California Health Sciences University (CHSU). He previously held senior academic roles at Fresno Pacific University (FPU), including Associate Provost and Professor of Business Law, where he led successful accreditation processes and strategic online learning initiatives.

Holding doctorates in both Law and Canon Law, Dr. Zubacz has wide-ranging interests in legal and ethical issues in healthcare, mediation, and applied data science, including machine learning and AI. A graduate of the WSCUC Assessment Leadership Academy, he currently serves on WSCUC’s Substantive Change Committee and will participate in upcoming accreditation review teams.

At Notre Dame de Namur University, Dr. Zubacz oversees interdisciplinary academic programs and leads the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He is also the Very Reverend Dr. Gregory Zubacz, a Ukrainian Catholic and bi-ritual Roman Catholic priest serving in the Diocese of Fresno.

Susan H. Charles, Ed.D
Program Director
(650) 508-3473
scharles@ndnu.edu

Dr. Susan Charles has over 30 years experience as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in K-12 education and more than 20 years in higher education. Originally from the island of Dominica, in the West Indies, where she began her teaching career, at the Convent High School and Convent Prep School. She has lived with her family in the Bay Area since 1975 and worked with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) for 28 years. She served in numerous roles in her nearly three decades with the PAUSD, working as the Human Relations Specialist, Counselor, Director of Special Services, Dean of Students, Head of Guidance, and Principal. She is a trainer with the 6Seconds organization in emotional intelligence and teaching to the social and emotional well being of children and adults. She works with schools in India, China, the Bay Area, and has worked in the Caribbean and Africa.

In 2002, then an adjunct instructor, Susan began a successful partnership between the PAUSD and Santa Clara University, in Santa Clara, California, by starting a cohort for training new administrators, in the Palo Alto Unified School District. This partnership was extended to other neighboring districts and private schools. Susan, in 2009, became the Director of Educational Leadership/ Administrative Services programs at Santa Clara University. Presently, she is the Director of the M.A in Administration/Preliminary Administrative Services program, also Director of the M.A. in Education and Curriculum, and the Director of the M.A./Strategic Leadership and Social Justice, at Notre Dame de Namur University, in Belmont, California.

Susan sits on various boards in the community. She has been on the Advisory Board of Palo Alto YWCA; Free the Children, Canada; Synapse Elementary School; Girls Middle School; Palo Alto Child Care Cooperation (PACC); Supporting Our Sons; DreamCatchers; and Benetech.

Dr. Charles received her B.A, M.A/P.P.S. in Counseling; Professional /Clear Administrative Services Credential from Santa Clara University; Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from U.C. Berkeley; and her Ed.D. at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California.

In her spare time, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends, gardening, and cooking. She hopes to find more time to lie on the beach in the Caribbean and to be able to research, write, and publish.

Her Noble Goal is to teach and influence educators to make a difference in the lives of children!

State Authorization for Online Programs

The Department of Education requires that institutions offering online or distance learning programs outside of their home states must seek authorization to operate from regulatory bodies in those states. Each state has a different set of requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state colleges and universities to offer online degree programs to its residents.

State Authorization for Online Programs

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist.

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.