The Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Program
The Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Program
Natalie Aaron | 2019
Abstract
We live in a world where we like to believe that everyone is given a fair chance. A fair chance at education, family prospects, careers, and any other opportunities an individual desires. A world where human beings, regardless of physical features or where people are from or what they may think or believe, have limitless opportunities because most nations believe in such values as equality, freedom, peace, and unity. However, while the promotion of equal opportunity and diversity is significantly higher than in past decades, research exposes an unequal reality in organizations across the globe. While leaders recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizations, real knowledge of diversity and inclusion and implementation are unsuccessful.
Trudy Bourgeois, President and CEO of The Center for Workforce Excellence, served as an inspiration for this DSL Final Project with herHuffington Post article “The Role of Education in Advancing a Diversity and Inclusion Breakthrough” (2018)where shediscusses how diversity and inclusion initiatives need to be infused into schools at all levels, from elementary through higher education, if we want inclusive leaders and to build inclusive cultures in the workforce.Upon further research, there are quite a few diversity and inclusion certification programs and modules for seasoned management and executive leaders, but very few courses or programs for universities. This prompted me to create The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Leadership Program.The D&I Leadership Program consists of four, eight-week, online courses that build upon each other and intended for students at the doctoral stage. The courses prepare leaders to be at the forefront of D&I conversations and initiatives on the individual, interpersonal, departmental, and organizational levels.