Fred Taylor “Roll Away the Stone” Leadership Certificate Program

The Fred Taylor “Roll Away the Stone” Leadership Certificate Program, developed by the Howard University School of Social Work, is a professional development experience designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of professionals in the nonprofit and public service sectors.

This certificate program equips human services leaders to more effectively meet the needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities by grounding leadership development in the six core principles of the Howard University School of Social Work’s Black Perspective: affirmation, strengths, diversity, vivification, social justice, and internationalization.

Program Overview

This 5-month certificate program equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to lead organizations with vision, empathy, and cultural intelligence. Designed specifically for current and aspiring leaders in nonprofit, community-based, and government settings, this program fosters innovation while remaining grounded in the lived realities of the people these organizations serve.

With a unique emphasis on cultural responsiveness, client-centered engagement, and strategic leadership, the program empowers leaders to reimagine service delivery and promote equitable outcomes for historically marginalized communities.

This program is designed for:

Directors, managers, and supervisors in nonprofit and public agencies
Emerging leaders seeking to step into leadership roles
Human service professionals with a passion for community transformation
Alumni of social work or related human services graduate programs

Dates: August 13, 2025 – February 4, 2026

Format: 100% Online via Zoom

Live Sessions: Wednesdays, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

CEUs Awarded: 50 Continuing Education Units

Tuition: $2,500

HUSSW Alumni Discount: 50%
Early Bird Discount: 20% off general registration by July 31

Tailored Leadership Development

Address real-world leadership challenges in human service organizations through evidence-based strategies.

Strategic Thinking & Innovation

Learn to navigate complexity and uncertainty with visionary thinking and adaptive planning.

Cultural Intelligence & Competency

Strengthen your ability to lead across difference and design services that reflect the values and needs of diverse populations.

Human-Centered Change Management

Explore the emotional dimensions of leadership, resistance to change, and psychological safety in team dynamics.

Interpersonal Communication & Influence

Build emotional intelligence and communication skills to foster collaboration, trust, and team performance.

Networked Learning Community

Engage with an interdisciplinary cohort of leaders and connect with a national network of changemakers.

This program offers more than leadership training—it’s a transformative learning experience. Our facilitators, in collaboration with KUSI Global, bring deep expertise in psychology, organizational behavior, equity, and systems change. Modules are crafted to help participants confront internal barriers, address bias, and engage in reflective leadership practice—while honoring the value of the knowledge they already bring. You’ll leave with renewed purpose, enhanced skill sets, and a practical roadmap for creating impact in your organization and community.

Join us in rolling away the stone—helping human service leaders in removing barriers, building leaders, and uplifting communities

A completed application will include:

Online Application Form
Statement of Purpose (300-500 words) and resume should be emailed to kathelon.toliver@howard.edu by August 8, 2025.

Admission prerequisites:

An approved application is required before enrolling in this course.
Applicants should have (or be able to obtain) access to a computer, along with a webcam and reliable internet service.
Applicants should have access to Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
All students must be willing to comply with Howard University School of Social Work polices for online instruction.

School of Social Work

Fred Taylor “Roll Away the Stone” Leadership Certificate Program