Faculty at the Center for Social Sector Leadership are active professionals and leaders in the social sector field.
All courses are cross-listed between the full-time and part-time MBA programs. In addition, space permitting, Cal graduate students in other schools can enroll in these courses during the add/drop period of each semester.
Learn more about our Fall 2025 classes here!
If you would like to learn more about the courses that CSSL is offering in Fall 2025, watch the recording from our info session where we cover all of the courses we are offering for Fall 2025! Hear from 2nd year MBAs about their experiences in our courses.
Fall 2025 Class Descriptions
The Conflict Lab is an experiential course aimed at empowering students to navigate difficult conversations in the workplace based on role playing real world examples of workplace conflict. The course was featured in the WSJ and London Times.
Professors:
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- Francesca LeBaron: Public Mediator, Inclusive Leadership Team
- Bree Jenkins: Senior Leadership Development Associate, Pixar
Course #: EW/MBA 292T (2 units)
This weekend course is for students interested in meeting other innovators and getting hands-on experience developing a new venture concept. The course pedagogy is based on the Startup Discovery Method, including Purpose-Driven Design, Lean Start-up Method, and other Entrepreneurship Tools.
Professor:
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- Jorge Calderon: Managing Director for Impact Investments at Hispanics in Philanthropy
Course #: MBA/EWMBA 292-1 (1 unit)
This course prepares students to work more effectively with nonprofit boards through understanding legal and fiduciary responsibilities, differences between for-profit and nonprofit boards, and key responsibilities of nonprofit board members.
Professor:
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- Lynne LaMarca Heinrich: Leading consultant with nonprofit organizations
Course #: EW/MBA 292B 1 (1 unit)
Spring 2026 Class Descriptions
Students explore the strengths and flaws underlying modern American capitalism and examine their assumptions about what it means to be a successful business leader, investor, entrepreneur or director.
Professor:
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- Gloria Lee: Serial education entrepreneur
Course #: MBA 292A (2 units)
This course provides students with a solid understanding of the role played by boards of directors in the nonprofit sector covering issues that are likely to emerge as boards seek to fulfill their responsibilities, and current matters facing nonprofit boards, including increasing DEI and improving governance.
Professor:
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- Paul Jansen: Founder of McKinsey Social Impact Practice
Course #: EW/MBA 292B (1 unit)
The Conflict Lab is an experiential course aimed at empowering students to navigate difficult conversations in the workplace based on role playing real world examples of workplace conflict. The course was featured in the WSJ and London Times.
Professor:
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- Francesca LeBaron: Public Mediator, Inclusive Leadership Team
Course #: EW/MBA 292T (2 units)
An effective leader must be able to analyze and act upon financial information as part of an overall approach to strategic decision making. This course focuses on the core financial management issues faced by board members and executive managers in nonprofit organizations.
Professor:
- Brent Copen: CFO at Lifelong Medical CareCourse #: EW/MBA 292F (1 unit)