Certificate Program for Leading Equity & Inclusion in Business (CLEIB)

Workshop 1: Developing DEI Strategies for Businesses
DEI initiatives must reflect company values and be implemented in authentic efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion, not as actions necessary for public image or legal compliance. Companies don’t have to be perfect at this, but they must be honest about their DEI goals. DEI strategies must consider different stakeholders in the organization, and multiple aspects of company performance should be included in the goals. This session will address the process of identifying DEI values of a company, what stakeholders should be considered, and suggest policies and practices might be measured to determine if the DEI goals are being achieved. 

Workshop 1 will be taught by Dr. Jannifer David

Workshop 2: Innovating for Inclusion: Rethinking Recruiting, Staffing, and Retention Strategies to Enhance DEI
This immersive session will shift your thinking on how to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will dive deep into the complexities of recruiting, staffing, and retention to understand their interconnectedness and impact on DEI. Through a blend of principles, strategic frameworks, and interactive exercises, you will gain new perspectives and practical tools to innovate and overcome today's labor market challenges. Participants will leverage their collective experience and explore best practices and case studies that illuminate pathways to DEI excellence, drawing from both successes and failures in DEI initiatives. The session also dedicates a portion of time to discussing Duluth/regional-specific challenges. You will come away with actionable insights, practical strategies, and a toolkit to innovate in your own DEI recruitment, staffing, and retention efforts. 

Workshop 2 will be taught by Dr. Ormonde Cragun

Workshop 3: Business, Not Bias: Using Inclusive Language in Professional Contexts
Language both shapes and is shaped by culture. This cycle of influence holds true for a company’s culture as well as in society.

Less-than-inclusive language and offensive terms that remain in use—in workplace meetings and conversations as well as in written documents and digital content—are artifacts of a time when equity and inclusion were not understood as mission critical for business. Continued use of these same terms hinders DEI efforts, sours workplace climate, and negatively impacts an organization’s brand.

In this workshop, we will discuss general principles of bias-free, inclusive language. Participants will explore preferred and problematic terms related to disability, gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status.

The format of this workshop will include interactive presentations of content and facilitated small-group discussion of workplace scenarios. Participants will have the opportunity to draft a plan for updating company materials.

Workshop 3 will be taught by Dr. Ruby Nancy

Workshop 4: Navigating the Legal Landscape of DEI in Organizations
At a minimal level, legal DEI compliance means adhering to anti-discrimination laws such as Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the like. More deeply, companies often question if their DEI efforts have gone too far and violate these laws in unexpected ways. Further, recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have companies questioning what they can and cannot do with respect to DEI initiatives. This session is designed to answer some of these questions and provide some guidance on how to craft DEI initiatives that maintain legal compliance while simultaneously creating inclusive cultures for employees and other organizational stakeholders.

Workshop 4 will be taught by Dr. Jannifer David

Workshop 5: DEI and the Marketing Mix: Understanding How DEI-Driven Marketing Strategies Influence Consumer Preferences
This workshop will examine how DEI influences marketing practices and consumer preferences. First, DEI influences how companies reevaluate their hiring and recruitment processes to promote diversity within their marketing teams. A diverse workforce brings varied perspectives and ideas to the table and helps craft innovative marketing strategies that appeal to a wider range of consumers. Additionally, DEI-driven marketing reduces consumer vulnerability in the workplace through inclusive and diverse targeting, segmenting, and positioning strategies. Second, more consumers demand that brands stand for social justice and equality; they expect companies to be responsible corporate citizens, not just profit-driven entities, and they want to support brands that share their social and ethical concerns. Moreover, consumers are more likely to engage with marketing campaigns that are inclusive and diverse. DEI also influences consumers in their purchasing decisions, with consumers preferring products and services from companies that actively support DEI. Through case studies, active discussion, and interactive exercises, you will gain insights into how DEI can better position marketers to connect with a broader, more diverse, and socially conscious audience, fostering greater brand loyalty and trust.

Workshop 5 will be taught by Dr. Matthew Lunde

Workshop 6: Intersection of Finance and DEI: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Triple Bottom Line
This workshop will explore how fostering DEI and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can enhance a company's resilience, innovation, and long-term growth, ultimately influencing its valuation. Through engaging case studies and insightful group discussions, we will uncover the science and art of aligning financial goals with socially responsible and inclusive practices. Together, we will explore the profound impact of this synergy on a company’s valuation. Join us to decode how a commitment to DEI and CSR is not merely a moral imperative but a wise and forward-thinking financial strategy.

Workshop 6 will be taught by Dr. Wei Huang

Workshop 7: Me, Biased? No Way! Overcoming Unconscious Biases in Managerial Decision-Making
Bridging the world of behavioral insights with DEI, this interesting workshop is designed to help you decode the hidden biases and cognitive heuristics that impact our everyday decisions, interactions, and attitudes. You will gain valuable insights into how psychological biases affect workplace dynamics, organizational culture, and the pursuit of true diversity and inclusion. You will walk away with practical tips on how to use this knowledge as a powerful tool to create meaningful change, foster belonging, and drive innovation in your workplace.

Workshop 7 will be taught by Dr. Praveen Aggarwal

Workshop 8: Transforming Business Culture: Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Success
In today’s diverse and rapidly evolving workplace landscape, creating an inclusive workplace culture is not just a buzzword; it’s a strategic imperative. In this illuminating workshop, we will delve deep into the art and science of fostering inclusivity within your organization. Participants will explore the significance of an inclusive workplace culture in driving productivity and innovation, practical steps for promoting inclusive culture at all levels of your organization, and the building blocks of a culture of empathy, respect, and open communication. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and role-playing, you will gain actionable insights and tools to implement immediately. 

Workshop 8 will be taught by Dr. Lin Xiu

Workshop 9: Leveraging AI and Data Analytics to Keep Your DEI Efforts on Track
Successful DEI initiatives can be critical to an organization’s growth in the current dynamic business environment. AI and data analytics can help you ensure your DEI efforts are not just sincere but also effective. This workshop will introduce you to innovative ways these tools can provide actionable insights, measure progress, and ensure the tangible results of your DEI initiatives.

AI and data analytics have revolutionized industries by providing precise decision-making capabilities. In the realm of DEI, these technologies can pinpoint areas that require attention, forecast potential challenges, and create data-driven strategies that foster a truly inclusive environment. 

By the end of this workshop, you will have a robust understanding of how to employ AI and data analytics for DEI purposes. You’ll be equipped with practical tools and strategies to elevate your DEI initiatives, making them more than just a checklist but an integral part of your organization’s DNA.

Workshop 9 will be taught by Steve Sharkey, MBA

Workshop 10: Wellbeing at Work and Why it’s Important to Your DEI Efforts
Organizations that demonstrate they care about employee wellbeing perform better on a number of metrics, including customer engagement, productivity, and lower turnover. Learn how to create a culture of wellbeing and democratize access to tools to keep employees well.  Strategize on how to identify and empower wellness champions who already work for you, measure employee wellness, and embed wellness practices into your workflows. 

Through interactive exercises, case studies, and role-playing, you will gain actionable insights and tools to implement immediately. 

Workshop 10 will be taught by Dr. Kim Dauner