The Catalyst Series
In a world defined by rapid change, staying relevant requires more than keeping up—it requires curiosity, exploration, and a willingness to engage with new ideas. The Catalyst Series is a collection of immersive, expert-led workshops designed to help professionals discover emerging trends, deepen their understanding of critical topics, and explore new pathways for personal and professional growth.
Hosted on the UC Irvine campus, each three-hour workshop provides direct access to accomplished practitioners, industry experts, and thought leaders who bring real-world experience and practical insight into the learning experience. Topics span business, technology, engineering, leadership, and professional development, creating opportunities for learners to engage with the ideas and innovations shaping the future.
More than traditional training, The Catalyst Series is designed to spark discovery. Participants gain exposure to new concepts, strengthen their understanding of emerging fields, and build meaningful connections with experts and peers. Whether exploring artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, leadership skills, or industry-specific topics, each workshop is intentionally designed to be interactive, thought-provoking, and immediately relevant.
The Catalyst Series reflects the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education's commitment to academic excellence, instructional quality, and lifelong learning while providing accessible opportunities for individuals to explore what is possible and discover where their interests may lead next.
Every workshop is an invitation to learn something new. Every experience is a catalyst for what comes next.
Fall 2026 Workshops
Workshop
Approximate Tuition
$250Format
In-PersonDuration
3 hoursHave Questions?
Talk to an enrollment coach
Call: (949) 824-5414
Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm (Pacific)
Course Schedule
Start this program today! Enroll & pay for classes at your own space. Complete all required classes to earn your certificate.
Fall 2026
Presentation Skills with Bri McWhorter
Whether you’re leading a meeting, presenting to clients, or delivering a keynote, the ability to communicate with confidence can shape how your ideas are received. This interactive workshop introduces proven techniques drawn from the world of professional acting to help participants create presentations that are clear, engaging, and memorable.
Through hands-on exercises and guided practice, participants will learn how to organize content, manage presentation anxiety, strengthen vocal delivery, use body language effectively, and build stronger connections with their audience. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools to communicate with greater confidence, presence, and impact.
Presentation Skills
MISC 929.10
Date:
Time: –
Fee: $250.00
Location: UC Irvine Campus
Check back later to register.
Meet the Catalyst:
Bri McWhorter
Communication Expert | Performer | Facilitator
Bri is a communication coach, performer, and facilitator who helps professionals become more confident, authentic, and engaging communicators. Drawing on techniques from the performing arts, she equips leaders with practical strategies to strengthen presentations, tell compelling stories, and build meaningful connections with any audience. Her interactive workshops blend creativity, hands-on practice, and real-world application to help participants communicate with greater impact.
Fall 2026
Leading Through Storytelling with Bri McWhorter
The most effective leaders don’t just communicate information—they tell stories that inspire action, build trust, and create lasting connections. This interactive workshop explores how storytelling can become one of your most valuable leadership tools, helping you communicate with authenticity and influence.
Participants will discover the essential elements of compelling storytelling, learn how to craft narratives that resonate with different audiences, and practice techniques for using stories to motivate teams, strengthen relationships, and communicate ideas with greater impact. By the end of the session, participants will have a practical framework for using storytelling to become more confident and influential communicators.
Leading Through Storytelling
MISC 929.11
Date:
Time: –
Fee: $250.00
Location: UC Irvine Campus
Check back later to register.
Meet the Catalyst:
Bri McWhorter
Communication Expert | Performer | Facilitator
Bri is a communication coach, performer, and facilitator who helps professionals become more confident, authentic, and engaging communicators. Drawing on techniques from the performing arts, she equips leaders with practical strategies to strengthen presentations, tell compelling stories, and build meaningful connections with any audience. Her interactive workshops blend creativity, hands-on practice, and real-world application to help participants communicate with greater impact.
Fall 2026
Emotional Resilience with Art Markman
Many people experience stress at work, even though job satisfaction is a key contributor to overall well-being and happiness. In this workshop, participants will explore the motivational roots of stress and learn practical strategies to build emotional resilience, foster positive workplace relationships, and create a more supportive and satisfying work environment.
After this workshop, attendees will be able to:
- Identify the motivational states associated with stress and satisfaction
- Engage strategies for harnessing motivational energy associated with stress
- Reframe stressful events to promote a focus on positive outcomes
- Promote strategies to create a resilient workplace environment
Emotional Resilience
MISC 929.12
Date:
Time: –
Fee: $250.00
Location: UC Irvine Campus
Check back later to register.
Meet the Catalyst:
Art Markman, Ph.D.
Cognitive Scientist | Author | Professor
Art is a cognitive scientist, bestselling author, and internationally recognized expert in human behavior, learning, and decision-making. As a professor at The University of Texas at Austin, his research explores how people think, learn, and thrive in complex environments. Through engaging, evidence-based workshops, Dr. Markman helps professionals build resilience, strengthen performance, and apply the science of psychology to everyday work and life.
Career Advancement Network
DCE is proud to offer our learners, candidates and graduates valuable career resources, including personalized career coaching, mentorship, online technology tools, live webinars, and more.
Corporate Education
Partner with UC Irvine Continuing Education to bring this program to your team. Our Corporate Education team can help your employees gain the skills that matter most to your organization.