Program Overview
Certified Diversity Inclusion Professional is a mid-level certification that builds on the expertise gained in the Certified Diversity Professional program. This certification is ideal for individuals with several years of experience in the CDEI role and seeking to have greater influence in organizations. Graduates earn the CDIP designation. Earning the CDIP credential requires completing four courses that include assignments and assessments.
Rationale
The chief diversity officer and diversity executive roles have become increasingly critical in organizations due to the growing recognition of the importance of cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion (CDE&I) in the workplace. Companies are realizing that diverse and inclusive environments lead to better business outcomes, improved innovation, and increased employee engagement.
However, the role and responsibilities are poorly defined and understood. The result is high expectations, under-resourcing, and hires with little expert experience or credentials. This has led to high turnover rates in the profession and ineffective implementation of DE&I initiatives. The CDIP was designed and developed to fill the professional training gaps as well as arm graduates with the competencies and tools to get results.
Goals and Objectives
- Enhancing CDEI Leadership Skills: The training program aims to develop the essential competencies and behaviors required for effective CDOs. Participants will learn from experienced DE&I leaders, scholars, and practitioners to improve their understanding of DE&I best practices.
- Transitioning to the Leadership Role: The program assists professionals who have recently transitioned to the CDEI leadership role or are planning to do so within the next three years. It provides strategies and approaches to navigate the unique challenges and expectations associated with the position.
- Developing Comprehensive CDEI Strategies: The training program focuses on helping professionals develop and implement comprehensive CDEI strategies and think like change agents. It provides insights into expanding DE&I initiatives, including innovation, aligning organizational commitment with action, managing large-scale projects, and measuring meaningful DE&I metrics.
- Building Effective CDEI Relationships: The program emphasizes the importance of building relationships that add value to DE&I efforts. Participants will learn a process for identifying key relationships and partnerships to lead culture change within their organizations.
- Managing Resistance to DE&I Change: Participants will acquire effective practices for managing resistance to DE&I change among senior leaders. The program addresses the challenges associated with driving change and offers strategies to overcome organizational resistance. The program emphasizes the importance of identifying barriers to change, onboarding resisters to change, managing pushback, and other competencies that add value to CDEI efforts.
- Collaborative Learning Opportunities: The training program facilitates networking among CDOs and senior executives responsible for DE&I at other organizations. This networking opportunity allows participants to exchange insights, share experiences, and broaden their professional network.
- Utilizing Practitioner Expertise: The program leverages practitioner-instructors’ expertise to help participants define specific solutions for their organizations. Participants can delve deeply into their organization’s practices and challenges, accessing a network of scholars for guidance and support.
Upon successfully completing the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Diversity Executive Leadership Academy, a subsidiary of Diversity Training University International (DTUI.com).
The CDIP training program aims to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to drive meaningful CDEI change within their organizations. By addressing the challenges and expectations associated with the CDEI professional role and providing a comprehensive understanding of CDEI strategies and tools, the program seeks to improve professional effectiveness in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.