Diversity education takes many forms at Indiana University. A new program to develop and support current and emerging leaders from private, public and nonprofit sectors aims to help organizations become more diverse, equitable and inclusive.
IU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certification Program consists of expert-led classes designed to help participants become better leaders, managers and allies for today’s workplace. The 10-week, five-unit program combines two in-person and seven online sessions, including industry leaders’ keynotes, interactive case studies, and thought-provoking assignments that prepare participants to work, lead and live in today’s diverse, multi-faceted world.
“This program provides an important learning and growth experience for participants,” explains James C. Wimbush, vice president for the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “It is ideal for experienced and developing professionals who want to examine, design and lead solutions that address organizational challenges and promote DEI.”
Shonda Nicole Gladden, DEI Leadership Certification Program participant, could not agree more. “I would describe my experience in this program as life-changing. It was an opportunity to dig so much deeper into my work as a change agent for justice. Even though I have more than 30 years of experience, there is much more to learn. And to be among a cohort of like-minded people who wanted to pull back the layers of ourselves, our institutions, and the communities around us to discern what diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice and belonging mean in the here and now was monumental,” Gladden says.
As part of the upcoming fall program, participants will explore diversity, equity, and inclusion through historical data, theoretical frameworks, and first-hand accounts of DEI thought leaders and practitioners. During the 10-week course, topics will focus on Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Recruitment, Retention and Development of a Diverse Workforce; Government Relations and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Philanthropy, Community Engagement and Social Change.
In addition, key analytical constructs (such as race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status) will be studied, focusing on how they impact instruction, assessment, and leadership.
At the core of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certification Program are five remarkable DEI leaders who will serve as the fall 2023 program keynote speakers. All have professional DEI leadership experience throughout higher education and other professional industries. In addition, they are nationally recognized as thought leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion.
These individuals include Alexander Jun, Ph.D., Global Researcher in Equity and Justice, Professor of Higher Education, Azusa Pacific University; Anne Mitchell, Senior Director of Strategic Operations/Initiatives, Indiana University Human Resources; Vicky Hidalgo, Head of Early in Career Talent at Nordstrom; Karrah Herring, J.D., Indiana's Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer, Indiana Governor’s Office; and David Humphrey, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado Boulder.
“In addition to our amazing keynote speakers, we have dynamic program faculty that guide our participants through 10 weeks of timely exploration and assist them in expanding their acumen as DEI-informed leaders in their industries,“ said Monica Johnson, associate vice president for the Office of Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Upon completing the program, participants will receive an official Indiana University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certificate and a digital/sharable certificate at a special ceremony.
The fall 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Certification Program begins on Sept. 8 and ends on Nov. 10. The cost is $2,500, with a reduced rate of $1,000 for IU faculty and staff. The class size is limited to 15 individuals.
To learn more, visit deicertification.iu.edu.