Ignite the Leader in You

Increasing women's representation in leadership roles has been slow, with women currently occupying only one in four managerial positions. Yet, empowering women in the workforce holds immense economic potential, with the capacity to contribute billions of dollars to the Canadian GDP.

That's why we created Woman Up!—a dynamic program designed to nurture confident, capable women leaders who achieve excellence personally, professionally, and organizationally.

Woman Up! specifically supports women navigating male-dominated industries. We equip participants with powerful skills and actionable strategies to lead authentically, influence effectively, and collaborate meaningfully with male allies to drive gender parity within their workplaces.

By joining Woman Up!, you'll craft a personalized life strategy through activities that enhance your self-awareness, spotlight your strengths, and pinpoint your opportunities for growth. You'll graduate equipped with practical tools to clarify your purpose, realize your vision, and confidently pursue measurable goals. Start your journey today—transform your leadership, ignite your potential, and create lasting impact. 

Download the full program outline.pdf today!

We think our program is great

But don't take our word for it...

Build a network of supportive peers

Joan MacMillan | Director Cammac Learning Evolution Inc.

I just completed the Woman Up! Ignite the Leader in You Program. Exceptionally valuable, not just for the learning and engagement provided, but also for those who are looking to build a network of supportive peers who are navigating similar waters! Johanna is incredibly knowledgeable and creates an ideal environment and space for personal growth and development!

Absolutely affirming and empowering!

Kellie Morgan | Superintendent Edmonton Police Service

This course has been extremely beneficial for me given my current work life and the many challenges I am faced with, completely and absolutely affirming and empowering for me. In fact I don't think I could have possibly taken the course at a better time for my own resilience, my mental fortitude and my overall emotional well-being, and I thank you for all of that!

Johanna is dedicated to her students

Abigail DiMartino | Owner Abby Marie Beauty Salon

This program has helped me start up my new business and become a leader for my employee’s. I catch myself referring back to some of the lessons almost 6 months later. I get compliments day to day from clients and my fellow coworkers of how proud they are of me and my leadership skills. This course really leaves an imprint in your mind and you will see yourself continuing to grow and develop those leadership skills you need to be the best version of yourself.

Stronger advocate for myself and fellow females in the workplace

Leila Andrews | Training Manager at ALERT

I had the privilege of being in the first cohort of the Woman Up! Program. This program exceeded my expectations in every way – the quality of the content, the authenticity of the instruction and the peer connections were more than I had imagined. During the program I saw myself grow, move out of my comfort zone and take steps to better understand my authentic leadership style and associated goals for my career. Since the program, I have found myself more confident in my job and a stronger advocate for myself and fellow females in the workplace. I strongly recommend this program to any woman, whether you are in a position of formal or informal leadership. The personal and professional growth as a result is outstanding!

I don't feel so alone anymore

Previous Participant

I now have the support needed to continue moving ahead in challenging times as I lead up and out. It was a truly incredible experience. I'm sad the program is over!

Take a deeper look into my leadership strengths

Lindsey Schellenberg | Issues Manager Alberta Corrections

I assumed it would be the typical ‘fluff’ leadership course, that would offer surface level information with little active participation required on my part…..I should have known that Dr. Pagonis would not waste anyone’s time with something like that! This course has allowed me to take a deeper look into what my leadership goals are, the type of leader I want to be and put a spotlight on my strengths, while also recognizing areas of improvement.

The importance of including male allies

Previous Participant

Having men participate can provide them with an opportunity to learn how they can be more inclusive and can open up great discussions with supportive male counterparts in the room.

More than a training program

Previous Participant

Woman Up! is so much more than a training program. It is a community and will be pivotal in working towards gender equality in the workplace

Advocate for myself

Previous Participant

This program helped my confidence so that I can better articulate my value and advocate for what I bring to the team.

Meet Your Instructors

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Johanna Pagonis

As the founder and CEO of Sinogap Solutions, Dr. Pagonis brings over 20 years of expertise in researching, evaluating, designing, and implementing organizational processes that enhance communication and collaboration. With a Master’s in Educational Psychology from McGill University and a PhD from the University of Alberta, her research and commitment focuses on improving the way employees engage with one another to achieve organizational goals. Dr. Pagonis is deeply committed to fostering psychological safety in workplaces, recognizing that mental well-being is a key component of overall health and safety. She is currently writing her second book, which is focused on psychological safety, and is based on the extensive research being conducted by Sinogap Solutions. This research aims to provide practical frameworks for creating "brave spaces" in which employees feel empowered to voice their thoughts and concerns openly, thereby enhancing organizational culture and performance. Her first book, Choose to Be a Leader Others Would Want to Follow, provides insights on leveraging organizational processes to design and implement meaningful supports that enhance informal learning for leaders and employees. Her forthcoming book will delve deeper into strategies that organizations can adopt to prioritize psychological safety as part of their health and safety excellence. Sinogap Solutions is committed to helping organizations create workplace cultures of psychological safety, trust, and innovation, ensuring that employees can thrive both mentally and professionally.

Chief Operating Officer Katie Allan, M.Ed

Katie Allan is a dynamic and people-centered leader dedicated to creating spaces where individuals feel heard, valued, and empowered. As Chief Operating Officer at Sinogap Solutions, she blends strategic vision with a deep commitment to leadership development, guiding organizations through research-backed insights, training programs, and coaching sessions that foster real transformation. Katie has expanded Sinogap Solutions’ organizational consulting services, helping organizations operate more effectively through organizational reviews, competency frameworks, culture assessments, change management, strategic planning, and research methodologies such as surveys and focus groups to inform direction and priorities. With a Master’s in Education from the University of Alberta, Katie’s expertise in mentorship, organizational change, and leadership learning is rooted in both research and lived experience. She brings over a decade of formal leadership experience in higher education, specializing in volunteer and staff management, student mental health, curriculum development, program assessment, stakeholder engagement, and relationship building. Whether leading high-impact research initiatives, facilitating leadership workshops, or amplifying meaningful conversations through the Tackle Tuesday podcast, Katie is passionate about fostering brave spaces where people can learn, grow, and lead authentically.

Some of the organizations that have invested in the Woman Up! Program

Why Invest in Woman Up?

We conducted an evaluation to assess the impact of the Woman Up! program. Through the evaluation we discovered that the program was truly meaningful and empowering for its participants. We encourage you to download our infographic that provides evidence regarding the ROI for participants and organizations who make the intentional choice to invest in women.
Download the infographic

FAQ

  • What is included in the program?

    You will get access to a workbook that will guide your learning through the entire program. You will complete self-assessments and a 360° survey to assess your strengths and areas of growth regarding your leadership and communication skills. In addition, your instructors will provide guided support as you apply your new skills. Each participant will also receive Dr. Pagonis' e-book, Choose to be a Leader Others Would Follow: How to Lead with Heart and Purpose.

  • What makes this program different from other leadership workshops?

    Our method provides opportunities for you to move between the program and your workplace, to work collaboratively on assignments with other women, and use the program as an opportunity to reflect on your everyday workplace practices. This method is vastly different than what most individuals receive through training, which is why most people forget 90% of what they have learned. You will also become part of a community in which similarly positioned women can discuss their feedback, compare notes, and emotionally support one another’s learning.

  • What are the program outcomes

    You will discover your unique purpose for leading others and you will uncover the competencies required in developing your own authentic leadership style. Most importantly, you will develop a resilient mindset and communication skills to lead yourself and others through any circumstance life throws at you. By the end of this course, you will develop into a leader who engages, empowers, and inspires others in developing an inner sense of well-being and resilience.

  • Are you offering a discount if I register early?

    We encourage you to take advantage of our early bird discount. Enrol prior to March 7, 2025 to receive a 15% discount. Use code Womanup15.

  • How can I register as an organization?

    If you are interested in registering a group from your organization, please contact us at [email protected] for bulk enrollment.

Program Resources

Participants will gain access to course modules and materials through an online learning platform.

  • Learner Assessments

    You will complete one self-assessment and one 360° assessments that will uncover your strengths and blind spots as a leader and your communication skills. As you progress through the program you will create a learning and development plan that will help you achieve your ideal vision of an authentic leader.

  • Resources

    You will receive Dr. Pagonis’ e-book, Choose to be a Leader Others Would Want to Follow: How to Lead with Heart and Purpose, along with a workbook that will guide your learning through the entire program.

  • Community of Empowerment

    The women in the program are professionals and experts in their own industries and can be a great resource to use along your learning journey. This program was designed to support you in applying you new skills with the support of your success circle.

Course curriculum

    1. A Message from Your Facilitator

    2. A Walkthrough of the Thinkific Learning Management System

    3. Vision and Outcomes

    4. Program Structure

    5. Meet Your Facilitators

    6. Pre-Engagement: Introduce yourself using the Woman Up online community!

    7. Get the Most from Your Online Community

    8. Dr. Pagonis' Book

    1. Orientation Workshop #1

    2. Workbook

    3. Recording

    1. Getting Ready for Your Coaching Session

    1. How to Navigate Through the Online Course

    2. Online Course #1

    1. Online Course #2

    1. Getting Ready

About this course

  • $2,100.00
  • 26 lessons