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Leaderverse Initiative

Empowering all workers, especially women, at pivotal career stages through innovative programs.

About

The Leaderverse Initiative offers innovative programs that drive change, foster leadership, and unlocks potential. Our programs are open to everyone at any career stage, from those seeking to re-enter the workforce to potential C-suite executives. Select programs may also offer additional professional development events to their participants.

Leaderverse Logo

Contact

For questions, please email leaderverse@unlv.edu or complete our interest form.

Portrait of Tricia Catalino
“WomenUp is a powerful program that equips women to step confidently into c-suite roles. It provides the strategic skills needed to lead in today’s complex environments and the mentorship and support to thrive in high-level positions. I’ve seen how WomenUp empowers women to unlock their potential and make a lasting impact in their organizations, communities, and beyond.”
Tricia Catalino, PT, DSC, Hawaii Pacific University, Dean of Graduate College of Health Sciences, Professor of Physical Therapy

Current Programs

If you are interested in learning more about any of the following programs, please complete our interest form.

WomenUp Program

WomenUp logo

As featured in the Las Vegas Review-Journal and News 3 Las Vegas, this six-month program is for established women who aspire to advance into senior executive roles, C-suite positions, and serve on boards. To provide a unique and personalized experience, the program offers:

  • 360 feedback
  • Executive coaching
  • Virtual and in-person learning sessions
  • Small group mentoring circles
  • Post-program training reinforcement via a mobile coach

Success@Work Program

Success @ Work logo

This program caters to those desiring to further develop skills, whether employed, underemployed, or unemployed. Participants can enroll into three different modules, each consisting of six classes.

Module List

Note that each module costs $60 and includes six classes.

The Management Acceleration Program (MAP)

Management Acceleration Program logo

This program is curated for and driven by employers, for employees transitioning to or already in management roles. It offers a range of classes that can be programmed to meet specific needs. Topics include:

  • Organizational planning
  • Effective leadership and communication
  • Workplace dynamics
  • Team building and collaboration
  • Conflict resolution

“WomenUp has been a transformative experience. The program elevated my career via strong networks with women leaders. The insights from dynamic speakers, a phenomenal executive coach, and hands-on training make me a more confident leader. The support is invaluable for my personal and professional growth. I recommend WomenUp to any woman looking to unlock her potential and make a lasting impact!”

Amber Lopez-Lasater, Ph.D., Chief of Staff and Strategy, Nevada State University

Our Team

Jan Jones Blackhurst

Executive Director, Leaderverse Initiative
Portrait of Jan Jones Blackhurst
Jan Jones Blackhurst is a long-time political and business leader who spent most of the 1990s as the first woman mayor of Las Vegas – one of the most popular mayors in the city’s history. She then joined Caesars Entertainment, where she and her teams developed the industry’s first responsible gaming practices, advanced environmental stewardship, and advocated for important social issues. Jan…

Becky Harris

Distinguished Fellow in Gaming and Leadership, Office of Economic Development
Becky Harris photo
Becky Harris is the Distinguished Fellow in Gaming and Leadership at the Office of Economic Development and is on the faculty at the International Center of Gaming Regulation at University Nevada, Las Vegas. Harris, an internationally recognized expert on gambling policy, regulation, and legislative affairs, works with regulators, operators, academics, and other stakeholders on a host of gambling…

Craig Ferreira

Program Manager, Leadership Initiative
Headshot of Craig Ferreira
Craig Ferreira is the program manager for the UNLV Black Fire Leadership Initiative, where he leads efforts to develop and deliver impactful educational content that advances diversity, economic development, and the global gaming industry. A summa cum laude graduate in mass communications from California State University, Hayward, Craig also holds an MBA from Aspen University in Colorado. With…