The DEI Certificate program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, implement, and sustain effective DEI strategies and policies. Although research has shown that diverse and inclusive workplaces lead to better business outcomes, many A/E/C professionals do not have a blueprint to successfully activate an internal DEI program within their firm. By developing a DEI Certificate program customized for the A/E/C industry, SMPS will offer members the tools and roadmap to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace.

To promote lifelong learning, SMPS will also require DEI certificate holders to earn DEUs, which are continuing education units specifically focused on diversity. This ongoing education allows participants to have access to resources that help them navigate the everchanging environment of workplace diversity. This certificate program aligns with our strategic priority to cultivate professionals with diverse expertise.

CEUs

Each 60-90 minute virtual program in this course is approved for 1 diversity education unit (DEU) .

Module 1: The Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion

In today's rapidly changing business environment, integrating Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) into your business practices is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. This course explores the evolving landscape of business, driven by shifting demographics, advancing technology, and globalization. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the importance of D&I, learn basic terminology, and discover how to leverage D&I to create a sustainable competitive advantage. Through practical insights and real-world examples, this course equips leaders and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to foster an inclusive workplace and thrive in a dynamic marketplace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Changes in Business: Learn about the significant external and internal factors that have transformed businesses in recent years, including changes in products, markets, competition, communication, and work environments.
2. Drivers of Change: Identify the primary drivers of current business trends, such as shifting workforce and consumer demographics, rapid technological advancements, globalization, and the growing gig economy.
3. Importance of D&I: Understand how integrating D&I into business practices can help organizations respond to new challenges, attract and retain diverse talent, and create a competitive edge.
4. Basic D&I Terminology: Gain familiarity with key terms such as diversity, inclusion, equality, equity, accessibility, and belonging, and learn how these concepts can be applied to business practices.
5. D&I Lens for Business: Discover how asking the right questions related to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, equity, and belonging can help organizations address both external and internal challenges, fostering a more inclusive and productive work environment.
6. Strategic Application: Learn practical strategies to implement D&I initiatives in your organization, focusing on creating a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute to their fullest potential.

About Amy Waninger

Amy C. Waninger is the Founder & CEO of Lead at Any Level, where she improves employee engagement and retention for companies that promote from within. Amy offers assessments, advisory services, and professional development programs on essential skills for inclusive leaders. She is the author of eight books, including Network Beyond Bias: Making Diversity a Competitive Advantage for Your Career.

Each 60-minute webinar in this course is approved for 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for the Certified Professional Services Marketer program. 

The DEI Certificate program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, implement, and sustain effective DEI strategies and policies. Although research has shown that diverse and inclusive workplaces lead to better business outcomes, many A/E/C professionals do not have a blueprint to successfully activate an internal DEI program within their firm. By developing a DEI Certificate program customized for the A/E/C industry, SMPS will offer members the tools and roadmap to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace.

To promote lifelong learning, SMPS will also require DEI certificate holders to earn DEUs, which are continuing education units specifically focused on diversity. This ongoing education allows participants to have access to resources that help them navigate the everchanging environment of workplace diversity. This certificate program aligns with our strategic priority to cultivate professionals with diverse expertise.

CEUs

Each 60-90 minute virtual program in this course is approved for 1 diversity education unit (DEU) .

Module 2: Overcoming Unconscious Bias to Foster an Inclusive Workplace

Unconscious bias is an inherent aspect of human cognition, influenced by our backgrounds, experiences, and societal norms. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of unconscious bias, its types, and its impact on workplace inclusivity. Participants will learn practical strategies to recognize, address, and mitigate unconscious biases in their professional environments. Through engaging discussions and actionable insights, this course aims to empower individuals and organizations to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Unconscious Bias: Learn what unconscious bias is, how it develops, and why it is unavoidable due to the immense amount of information we process daily.
2. Types of Unconscious Bias: Gain knowledge about various types of unconscious biases such as affinity bias, beauty bias, confirmation bias, gender bias, the halo/horns effect, name bias, and weight bias, and how they manifest in the workplace.
3. Addressing Unconscious Bias: Discover the power of asking good questions to uncover and address biases. Learn techniques to identify commonalities, create contrast, and ask questions that promote inclusion and innovation.
4. Bias in the Hiring Process: Identify how bias influences hiring decisions and learn strategies to mitigate it, including:
   • Exaggeration: Reviewing job postings to ensure qualifications are necessary and inclusive.
   • Consistency: Using standardized questions and evaluation criteria during interviews.
   • Involvement: Increasing diversity in decision-making processes by involving multiple people with specific roles.
5. Practical Implementation: Understand the importance of continuous improvement and the impact of addressing unconscious bias on creating a better workplace for current and future employees.
6. Resources for Further Learning: Access additional resources such as Project Implicit and articles on the connection between unconscious bias and brain function, and examples of unconscious bias in the workplace.

About Kat Kibben

Kat Kibben is an award-winning writer and renowned keynote speaker known for helping hiring teams write inclusive, unbiased job postings that help them hire the right person faster. 

Before founding Three Ears Media, Kat was a CMO, Technical Copywriter, and Managing Editor for leading companies like Monster.com, Care.com, and Randstad Worldwide. Today, they are frequently featured as an HR and recruiting expert in publications like The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Forbes. 

Kat travels the country in their RV while dividing time between North Carolina, Colorado, and the dogs behind the name Three Ears Media.

Each 60-minute webinar in this course is approved for 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for the Certified Professional Services Marketer program. 

The DEI Certificate program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, implement, and sustain effective DEI strategies and policies. Although research has shown that diverse and inclusive workplaces lead to better business outcomes, many A/E/C professionals do not have a blueprint to successfully activate an internal DEI program within their firm. By developing a DEI Certificate program customized for the A/E/C industry, SMPS will offer members the tools and roadmap to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace.

To promote lifelong learning, SMPS will also require DEI certificate holders to earn DEUs, which are continuing education units specifically focused on diversity. This ongoing education allows participants to have access to resources that help them navigate the everchanging environment of workplace diversity. This certificate program aligns with our strategic priority to cultivate professionals with diverse expertise.

CEUs

Each 60-90 minute virtual program in this course is approved for 1 diversity education unit (DEU) .

Module 3: Inclusive Leadership

The evolving workplace requires leaders to not only drive performance but also to cultivate inclusive, equitable, and accessible environments where team members feel valued and empowered. This course delves into the principles of inclusive leadership, offering practical strategies to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and respected. Participants will learn to navigate the complexities of modern leadership, develop essential skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and vulnerability, and implement actionable steps to create a more inclusive workplace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Inclusive Leadership: Learn the core concepts and importance of inclusive leadership, which goes beyond traditional management to create equitable environments.
2. Essential Skills for Inclusive Leaders: Develop key skills including self-awareness, curiosity, vulnerability, courage, and empathy to better support and lead diverse teams.
3. Three-Step Framework: Implement a straightforward framework to lead by example, mitigate bias intentionally, and redesign outdated practices for modern, inclusive leadership.
4. Practical Implementation: Discover easy-to-implement strategies such as designing safe spaces, promoting accessibility, and prioritizing team well-being without waiting for organizational initiatives.
5. Challenges and Opportunities: Understand the challenges of inclusive leadership and the significant positive impact it can have on talent attraction, retention, and overall organizational culture.
6. Resources for Further Learning: Access additional resources and educational materials to continue developing inclusive leadership skills and understanding implicit biases.

About Dani Herrera

Dani is a bilingual, certified, award-winning DEI and Talent Professional with 17 years of global experience in Talent Operations, DEI, and Leadership.

Among many other things, Dani is a Talent and DEI Consultant, Trainer, and Speaker. She’s also the Awareness & Advocacy Founding Partner at Allies in Recruiting, a volunteer DEI Expert for the NASA IDEA Practitioners Database, a Career Mentor, and a Content creator.

Dani is radically and unapologetically committed to helping organizations analyze and deconstruct biased and inequitable systems. She works (very!) intentionally to nurture cultures that attract and retain talent from historically excluded communities, design processes that minimize biases, and build strategies and systems that foster inclusion, equity, and belonging. She’s also a fierce advocate for the Latine and Immigrant Communities in the United States. 

Dani’s had the privilege of speaking at local and international events, including SXSW, Disrupt HR, Hacking HR, and Manifest Equity. Her POV has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc. Magazine, the BBC, and Refinery 29, among many others!

Each 60-minute webinar in this course is approved for 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for the Certified Professional Services Marketer program. 

The DEI Certificate program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to develop, implement, and sustain effective DEI strategies and policies. Although research has shown that diverse and inclusive workplaces lead to better business outcomes, many A/E/C professionals do not have a blueprint to successfully activate an internal DEI program within their firm. By developing a DEI Certificate program customized for the A/E/C industry, SMPS will offer members the tools and roadmap to create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace.

To promote lifelong learning, SMPS will also require DEI certificate holders to earn DEUs, which are continuing education units specifically focused on diversity. This ongoing education allows participants to have access to resources that help them navigate the everchanging environment of workplace diversity. This certificate program aligns with our strategic priority to cultivate professionals with diverse expertise.

CEUs

Each 60-90 minute virtual program in this course is approved for 1 diversity education unit (DEU) .

Module 4: Building a DEI Program for Your Firm

Creating an effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program requires a clear understanding of your organization’s current state, a strong foundational “why,” and actionable strategies driven by data. This course provides a comprehensive guide to developing, assessing, and implementing a DEI program tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Participants will learn how to collect and analyze relevant data, set realistic goals, and create sustainable practices that promote diversity and inclusion. Through practical examples and expert insights, this course aims to equip leaders and HR professionals with the tools necessary to foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

1. Assessing Current State: Understand the importance of an honest assessment of your current workplace environment as the first step in building a DEI program.
2. Establishing a Strong “Why”: Learn how to define the purpose and goals of your DEI program, ensuring they align with your organization’s broader objectives.
3. Data Collection and Audits: Identify the types of data you need, including demographic information and metrics related to hiring, attrition, and performance, to create an accurate picture of your workplace.
4. Reporting and Analysis: Understand how to generate and analyze reports that highlight patterns and inform your DEI strategy. Learn the importance of regular data refresh cycles and how to act on the findings.
5. Using Data to Drive Change: Discover how to use collected data to support the “why” of your DEI program, maintaining momentum and purpose. Learn strategies for communicating your goals and progress to stakeholders.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Recognize the value of involving stakeholders, such as executives and employee resource groups, in the DEI journey to ensure accountability and broad-based support.
7. Practical Examples: Gain insights from examples of successful DEI initiatives, such as leadership development programs, learning and development enhancements, and salary audits for parity.
8. Resources and Tools: Access a curated list of resources and tools to further develop and refine your DEI efforts.

About T. Tara Turk-Haynes

T. Tara Turk-Haynes is a passionate advocate and operator for workplaces that are inclusive, equitable and foster belonging for diverse communities. She is the Founder of Equity Activations – a company committed to helping small and midsize companies embed DEIB practices into their day to day operations for impactful results. In her role at Leaf Group, she spearheaded the company’s DEI journey, introducing customized effective programs and resources for individual and group learning. In addition to leading DEI Champion committees, ERGs, and creating DEI auditing processes, she expanded global awareness of issues affecting underrepresented communities across the company’s digital media and marketplace brands. T. Tara also chaired Graham Holdings Company’s DEI Council and has been recognized as a trusted leader offering results driven consulting, creative approaches to challenges, and leadership coaching. She has made significant contributions through virtual events, panel discussions, and featured appearances at prominent conferences and publications.

Each 60-minute webinar in this course is approved for 1 continuing education unit (CEU) for the Certified Professional Services Marketer program.