2024 Webinars & Workshops

Frequently asked questions on equity, diversity, and inclusion certification

2024 DEIA Webinars and Workshops

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End of the Year: DEI 2024 Trends and Checklist

Speaker: Leah Smiley, CDE®

December 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM ET


Provide end of the year recap and upcoming events for Members, Designees, and guests. This webinar is free and open to the public.

The ABCs of the LGBTQ+ Community

Speaker: Lexi Bollis, CDP®

December 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM ET


In this webinar, we will delve into the fundamental aspects of understanding and supporting individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. This engaging session will provide a welcoming space for participants to explore the history, terminology, and cultural nuances within the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you are looking to enhance your knowledge, promote diversity in your workplace, or simply gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences, this webinar promises to be an enlightening journey through the ABCs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Faith and Autism Inclusion: Enhancing DEI in Faith-Based Organizations

Speaker: Janet-Jones Jordan, CDP®

October 23, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Janet recognizes the critical importance of addressing Autism and Inclusion within Faith-Based organizations, especially given that many of these institutions operate similarly to businesses. 


Understanding the intersectionality of faith and autism inclusion is essential for fostering inclusive environments that support diverse communities. 


Janet is eager to facilitate this important discussion and share insights that can benefit both faith-based and business sectors.

The Workplace Retention ATM™: The Intersections of DEI, Human-Centered Leadership, and Workforce Retention

Speaker: Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster, CDP®, CHES®, PMP®

October 18, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Often, when organizations discuss the causes of workforce turnover, they discuss it in terms of salary and benefit comparisons. However, research demonstrates that salaries and benefits are not the only reason people leave their jobs. Feeling heard, respected, valued, and a sense of belonging are critical elements in workforce engagement. Workforce engagement rests on a series of relational deposits and withdrawals. Like our bank accounts, our workplace relationships can become overdrawn or closed when our withdrawals outweigh our deposits. Please join this interactive session to learn about the Workplace Retention ATM™ and strategies you can implement to engage and retain top talent in your organization.

Lowering the Barrier to Diverse Talent Sourcing

Speaker: Jeff Nelson

October, 9 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


This webinar will provide actionable strategies for organizations to lower barriers and efficiently source diverse talent across all levels, from entry-level to executive roles. By tapping into Talent Infusion's vast network of diverse professionals, attendees will learn how to streamline the recruitment process and gain access to the multicultural talent pool their business needs to build an inclusive workforce. Proven best practices and, never shown, data points will be shared for identifying, attracting, and hiring underrepresented candidates quickly.

Inclusive Leadership: Fostering Psychological Safety for Building High-Performing Teams

Speaker: Melissa Castro, ACC, CDP®

September 25, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Discover the transformative impact of psychological safety for building inclusive and innovative teams. In this presentation, Melissa Castro will discuss how to optimize team communication and alignment by engaging leaders at all levels in co-creating team culture and outcomes.


Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of psychological safety, actionable team building and communication strategies, and tools for driving an inclusive and effective team environment

Caring Conversations: Navigating Sensitive Situations and Topics

Speaker: Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA, CDE®

September 20, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Engaging in clear and effective workplace conversations on sensitive topics is crucial for strengthening trust and fostering inclusion. While many acknowledge the importance of these uncomfortable discussions, the fear of using the wrong terminology, offending someone, or delving into personal feelings can be daunting. Addressing and understanding these concerns is essential, as it allows us to identify the root of our discomfort. In this session, we will discuss strategies to anticipate and plan for difficult conversations to help reduce anxiety, minimize avoidance, and feel more confident in sensitive situations and conversations at work.

Harmful Culture Trends: The Impact of Passive Allyship, Covering & Active Bystanders

Speaker: Dionne King

September 13, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Dionne M. King, a national cultural strategist, will provide practical best practices on how to identify harmful cultural trends that are causing high attrition, subpar leadership, and ineffective DEIA initiatives. "Harmful Culture Trends: The Impact of Passive Allyship, Covering & Active Bystanders" is sure to elevate your efforts for today’s successful DEIA initiatives.

Leveling Up Your ERG

Speaker: Hady Mendez

September 11, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Leveling Up Your ERG is designed to empower ERG leaders to drive meaningful impact within their organizations. Led by Hady Mendez, Founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking, this workshop will explore strategies for activating and engaging members, aligning ERG goals with business objectives, and fostering effective collaboration across ERGs. Participants will also gain insights into maximizing the support of executive sponsors and confidently stepping into their roles as organizational leaders, leaving them inspired and equipped to advance their ERG’s impact.

Addressing DEI Myths and Misinformation

Speaker: Brenda Clegg, CDE®, SHRM-CP

August 28, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


Join us for an insightful and engaging hour-long workshop designed specifically for DEI professionals, focusing on "Addressing DEI Myths and Misinformation." This session will delve into the emerging misconceptions surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, explore the detrimental impact of misinformation, and provide practical strategies for effectively debunking these myths and twisted information. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your DEI efforts with a thoughtful and respectful approach to addressing misinformation.

How to Build a DEI Strategy and Promote Authenticity in the Workplace​

Speaker: Victor Simmons, CDE®

August 23, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


This presentation will share with you how to build a DEI strategy from the ground up and how to provide a workplace environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. The presenter will share his real-life experiences and his best practices for success all while under the backdrop of the now infamous murder of George Floyd and so many others resulting in thousands of protests across the country. During this presentation, you will learn. 

  • How to ensure your senior leaders are all in
  • What should be included in a thorough company assessment
  • How to build a sustainable 2–3-year strategy
  • How to implement your strategy

The Intersectionality of Status Quo and Culture Shifting​

Speaker: Dr. Serelda Herbin, CDE® DBF MBA DSL

August 14, 2024 at 1:00-2:00 PM ET


In this webinar how to support Intersectionality at work, our expert panelists will explore: 

  • Unique perspectives and experiences on how identity impacts the employee experience 
  • Tactics to build more equitable and inclusive practices and policies and maintain high psychological safety for the most marginalized 
  • The benefits and outcomes of what having a well-supported, diverse team can do for you and your organization 

Addressing Language-Based Inequities in Publicly Funded Organizations​

Speaker: Cecily Peeples Rodriguez, MPA, CDE®

Date: July 24, 2024


This webinar will focus on language access services in public agencies to promote effective communication and inclusivity for individuals seeking services. This session will emphasize the importance of providing language assistance services to ensure that all individuals have equal access to government services and programs. During the webinar, participants will discuss various strategies and best practices for implementing language access policies in public agencies. They will explore different approaches to overcome language barriers, such as offering interpretation services, translating important documents, and training staff to be culturally competent. The presenters will share experiences and success stories from other agencies that have successfully implemented language access programs. It will highlight the impact these initiatives have on improving community engagement, access to justice, and public safety. Participants will learn about relevant legal requirements and regulations, such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin and ensures language access services. They gained insights into developing effective language access plans and conducting language needs assessments for their respective agencies. The webinar includes group discussions, allowing attendees to share their challenges, exchange ideas, and develop action plans tailored to their specific agency's needs. Participants will leave the workshop equipped with practical knowledge and resources that would enable them to enhance language access services and foster inclusivity within their organizations.

The Impact of Female Representation in Politics Within the Context Latin America

Speaker: Sam Santiago, CDE®

Date: July 12, 2024


This webinar explores the extensive impact of a new era in Mexican politics - the election of its female president in 2024. We'll explore what it means to Mexico and the world to elect its first female president and its ramifications across walks of life in the country and beyond.

10 Leadership Lessons for DEI Professionals

Speaker: Sharon Harrell, DDS, MPH, FAGD, FICD, FADI, CDE®

Date: July 10, 2024


This webinar outlines 10 best practices in leading DEI efforts.

Neurodiverse Educator

Speakers: Willie Cobb MDIV, D.MIN, CDP®

Date: June 26, 2024


Dr. Cobb will discuss being a neurodiverse educator and how his neurodiversity is an advantage in education and how he uses that to help students who are not only neurodiverse but how he helps other students understand their personal diversity and how that has helped them to be better students and understand other students around them.

Moving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with New Rules

Speaker: JenDina Bowers, MPA

Date: June 14, 2024


Why are DEI initiatives often stifled? Some may say it invokes fear, it's one-sided, or leaders are not serious about the mission. We will learn the different perspectives of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that often result in slowing and stifling the work and how to replace them with strategies that will propel DEI in your workplaces, businesses, group environments, etc.

Winning on Purpose

Speaker: Melinda Gillispie MSN, CDE®

Date: June 12, 2024


Effectively manage and optimize your Business Resource Groups/Employee Resource Groups or a DEI roadmap and playbook that gets the C-Suite attention.

Allyship: Generations in the Workplace

Speakers: Cristina Hancock and Leesa Hill

Date: May 29, 2024


In today's diverse and multigenerational workforce, understanding and practicing allyship is essential for fostering a harmonious and inclusive workplace environment. This workshop aims to empower participants to bridge generational gaps and create a culture of allyship where individuals of all ages can thrive together. Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will gain insights into the unique challenges faced by different generations, explore the value of allyship, and develop practical strategies to promote intergenerational cooperation and collaboration.

Excellence in Product Management

Speaker: Larry Nelson-Guillen, CDE®, MBA, MDiv, SHRM-CP

Date: May 22, 2024


In today's dynamic business landscape, understanding and embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not just a moral imperative; it's a strategic advantage. Our "Inclusive Excellence in Product Management" seminar is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to foster a culture of inclusivity in product development. By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to lead the charge in inclusive product management, fostering innovation, enhancing the quality of your product offerings, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within your organizations. Join us on this transformative journey towards inclusive product development.

Inclusion Ignites Innovation: Driving Success Through DEI Transformation

Speaker: Mary J. McConner, PhD, CDE®

Date: May 8, 2024


Many organizations and individuals recognize that innovation can lead to breakthrough solutions and give organizations a competitive edge. However, many organizations have yet to fully harness the inventive potential that inclusive diversity offers. In an evolving workforce where innovation stands as the cornerstone of progress and excellence, the link between inclusion, innovation, and organizational success has never been more apparent. Join us in our enlightening session as we explore the transformative impact of DEI and its power to spark innovation and organizational success.

C-Suite Allyship

Speaker: Hope LeNoir, CDE®

Date: April 24, 2024


Catalyst defines allyship as actively supporting people from marginalized groups. Advocacy, however, is taking action and building relationships within and across groups to drive positive, structural change on a systemic issue.

Allyship: Showing Up for the Neurodivergent Community

Speakers: Christina Hancock and Adina Mencer

Date: April 10, 2024


Neurodiversity represents a shift from a “medical/mental health” definition that focuses on disorders and impairments to a “social” definition about accepting the whole person and attempting to tap into the unique capabilities/talents of neurodivergent employees. This shift in perspective can have a positive impact on how neurodivergent employees feel supported and valued at work and in how they are seen by their neurotypical peers.

The Value of DEI Certification

Speakers: D. I. Lee, PhD, CDE® and Francesca Zinkovitch

Date: March 22, 2024


Join us for a dynamic and FREE webinar led by Dr. Lee and Francesca! They'll dive deep into the often-asked question: "Aren't all DEI certification programs alike?"

The Power of You: Executive Coaching and Your Professional Development in DEI

Speaker: Iris Drayton-Spann, M.A., PHR, CDE®, SHRM-CP

Date: March 13, 2024


Did you know that organizations with diverse and inclusive leadership are 50% more likely to outperform their competitors in key metrices, including financial performance, innovation, and employee engagement (Source: McKinsey & Company, 2020)? In a world where innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, executive coaching is the secret weapon for creating an inclusive work environment. Iris reveals how executive coaching unlocks the full potential of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across organizations and offers practical guidance for maximizing the impact of your coaching experience.

Trust: The DEI Sustainability Factor

Speaker: Linda Bing, PhD, CDE®, CRS

Date: March 4, 2024


Cultures that score low on employee trust do not typically achieve and maintain their DEI goals. Why? Because trust is an important sustainability factor for DEI. We will explore the role that trust plays in sustaining the positive effects of diversity and inclusion, Covey’s 5 waves of trust, and the 4 cores of credibility. Attendees will gain new insight on the relationship between trust and DEI and ways to positively impact them both.

Surviving the Labor Crisis: The Urgent Case for Inclusive Leadership

Speaker: Amy C. Waninger

Date: February 16, 2024


US companies are facing an existential threat: the combination of an aging workforce and a rapidly-changing talent landscape. To make matters worse, there is a severe worker shortage that shows no signs of letting up. Employers need not only to attract new talent, but also keep them, and keep them engaged. It's essential for every manager to understand and leverage the data and skills that will help them deliver on the employer's brand promise. This session will help you understand the current labor crisis and what you can do to survive and thrive in the new talent landscape


✅ Data-informed research: Unveiling the real causes of the labor shortage

✅ Five hidden costs of turnover you can't afford to ignore

✅ The seven essential skills for inclusive leaders

✅ Recommendations for improving employee engagement, productivity, and retention in your organization

✅ Leveraging internal and external data for insights into retention, recruiting, and next-generation workforce development

Marketing Strategies to Attract Neurodiverse Talent

Speaker: Kelly Green

Date: February 14, 2024


  • Foundational meaning of Neurodiversity
  • Benefits of employing neurodiverse talent in your organization
  • Ways to market to, recruit, and retain neurodiverse talent
  • Strategies for cultivating a neurodiverse workplace culture that benefits everyone

Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Dysphoria: What Are They and How Do They Differ?

Speaker: Willie Cobb MDIV, D.MIN, CDP®

Date: January 31, 2024


This workshop will explain what dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dysphoria are and how Dr. Cobb has succeeded in life with having all four of these learning differences.

Unlocking Potential: Interculturalism in Coaching and Leadership

Speaker: Kristine Berry, MSEC, CDE®

Date: January 24, 2024


In this session, we will explore a perspective beyond cultural stereotypes. You will explore a vibrant and inclusive interpretation of culture. Discover how Coaching Across Cultures/Intercultural Coaching fosters more effective collaboration across diverse backgrounds, not limited to an international context, and represents a more innovative and comprehensive approach to coaching. This approach challenges our preconceived notions about culture and pushes us past our previous boundaries. 


You will gain insights into the range of attitudes we can adopt when encountering cultural differences, as outlined in Bennett-Rosinski 7-stage model, ultimately leading to utilizing these differences. Additionally, you become acquainted with the Cultural Orientations Framework (COF), a guide to navigating the cultural landscape and developing an awareness of significant cultural traits applicable to individuals, teams, and organizations.

Certificate Versus Certification

Speakers: D. I. Lee, PhD, CDE® and Francesca Zinkovitch

Date: January 12, 2024


In today's competitive job market, it's more important than ever to have the skills and credentials that employers look for. A certificate course or certification program can be a great way to improve your skills and knowledge while making yourself more marketable to potential employers. Both can be valuable tools for advancing your career, however, there are key differences between the two.


So what are the differences between certificate and certification programs? And which is right for you?


This webinar was open to the public.

Supporting a Multi-Generational Workforce

Speakers: Eugene Mack, CDE® and Rugina Castillo

Date: January 10, 2024


As workforce demographics shift with retiring employees and the turnover of critical roles, we must help prepare leaders how to ensure employees effectively transfer critical knowledge to minimize its loss.

ESG Lunch and Learn Series - Global ESG And DEIA Risk Management: The Future of Work

Speakers: Leah Smiley, CDE® and D. I. Lee, PhD, CDE®

Date: January 5, 2024


From global ESG compliance requirements to rising costs associated with environmental disasters, organizations must proactively plan to manage their risks. Explore what this means to the future of your organization.


  • The Business of ESG & DEIA 
  • The Evolution of Management 
  • Aligning the Culture with ESG Goals 
  • The Environmental Impact on Mental Health & Wellbeing 
  • What the Different Generations Want 
  • ESG's Impact on the Global Supply Chain & Philanthropy 
  • Using AI to Predict Environmental Bias and Risk 
  • The New Era of Responsible Marketing 
  • The Path to Sustainability: Measuring for Success 

Ready to Lead DEIA in Your Organization?

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