Inclusive Excellence in the Workplace Certificate

Program Overview

This program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to foster inclusive workplace environments. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of equity, inclusion, and belonging while exploring how to embed these principles into organizational culture, leadership, and everyday workplace interactions.

Who Should Enroll?

This program is intended for those seeking to expand their knowledge about equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace and apply the information to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment where all feel welcome.

Program Scope and Schedule

The Inclusive Excellence in the Workplace Certificate is a 15-hour program delivered live via Zoom, consisting of five modules. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their expertise in inclusive workplace practices.

Spring 2025 Schedule:

• Module 1: Foundations of Inclusive Excellence
  This module sets the stage for the program by providing participants with a baseline understanding of equity, inclusion, belonging  and workplace culture. Participants will explore foundational concepts, reflect on personal experiences, and examine the impact of inclusivity on organizational success.
   
• Module 2: Addressing Bias and Building an Equitable Workplace
  Implicit bias, microaggressions, and systemic inequities shape workplace experiences. In this module, participants will learn how to recognize, address, and mitigate biases that influence decision-making, hiring, performance evaluations, and workplace culture. Tools for fostering equity-centered leadership and workplace policies will be explored.
   
• Module 3: Intersectionality in the Workplace
  Beyond race and gender, workplace diversity includes factors such as ability, age, LGBTQIA+ identity, religion, socioeconomic background, and more. This session will examine how overlapping social identities impact workplace experiences and how organizations can move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” approach to create equitable policies and inclusive cultures.
   
• Module 4: Inclusive Leadership and Communication
  Effective leaders foster an inclusive culture through intentional communication, psychological safety, and cultural competency. This module will focus on inclusive communication strategies, navigating difficult conversations, and understanding how leadership decisions impact workplace belonging and employee engagement.
   
• Module 5: Allyship, Advocacy, and Sustainable Inclusion
  Creating an inclusive workplace requires ongoing commitment and action. In this module, participants will explore what it means to be an effective ally and advocate, how to champion inclusivity at all levels, and how to develop sustainable, organization-wide strategies that lead to meaningful change.

Meet the Instructor

Lula Abera truly believes that we all thrive when we belong. Immigrating to the US at a young age, her background fuels her dedication to ensuring that the voices of Black and Brown individuals are integral in shaping organizational culture, fostering honest connections, and driving meaningful conversations. With over 15 years of experience, Lula's unique approach to coaching, consulting, and facilitation helps leaders and communities build trust and organizational growth.

Her innovative frameworks—developed through her roles as a connector, convener, builder, learner, and thought partner—address and overcome the complexities of human and organizational behavior, create sustainable solutions for cultural clashes, and foster working harmony.

Lula's extensive personal experience is underpinned by her academic achievements, which include a BA in Social Work, an MS in Organization Development and Leadership, certifications in Social Impact Strategy, conflict resolution and mediation, and an ICF PCC certified coach. These qualifications attest to her expertise, making her a force of insight driven by empathetic and solution-oriented communication. By prioritizing well-being and nurturing relationships, Lula helps organizations achieve stability and make a significant, positive impact on their members, enabling everyone to contribute to a thriving workplace.

Lula Abera is an ideal partner for companies seeking to enhance intersectional efficiency. Her extensive expertise and dedication to inclusive leadership make her an invaluable asset in promoting diversity and driving meaningful organizational change. Her work exemplifies the transformative power of inclusive leadership and the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices. Drawing on her personal experiences and professional expertise, Lula offers a holistic approach to coaching and consulting, simplifying the complexities of intersectionality.