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A March 17 webinar from University of Phoenix featured a number of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) experts discussing the topic of “Addressing Emotional & Structural Barriers.” The webinar was part of a series of free public information sessions called the Educational Equity Webinar Series. The series is designed to provide education and discussion around strategies for promoting greater inclusivity in educational spaces and is aimed at an audience of DEI practitioners, education leaders, nonprofits and others including the broader University of Phoenix community.
“Emotional and structural barriers to equity, inclusion and belonging are entrenched and systemic, and our panel of experts have applied strategies to revealing, addressing, and breaking down these barriers,” said Tondra Richardson, MBA/HRM, director, student diversity and inclusion at University of Phoenix.
Bringing Together DEI Experts to Share Strategies
The recent webinar featured a number of diversity experts who shared their insights about how to remove the barriers that prevent DEI initiatives from being effective in fostering real community and belonging within businesses and organizations. They discussed racial equity programming and when it should be implemented; how to conduct climate evaluations to better understand an organization’s existing culture; examination of privilege and how to become allies; how to attract diverse talent; and how to give members of underrepresented groups a seat at the table.
Experts included Dr. Kent Blumberg, Ph.D., PCC, a national account manager at University of Phoenix. Dr. Blumberg is a psychology instructor affiliated with the University’s Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research, which serves as the research home for scholars invested in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging research so that they can share findings across disciplines and advance the national conversation. Dr. Blumberg has written about DEI and social equity in higher education for the Journal of Leadership Studies, arguing that higher education has much to gain from diversifying its leadership. He has also written a series of blogs for Psychology Today on topics around anger impulse, rage, stress and loss.
Other speakers featured in the webinar included Shakir Cannon-Moye, associate director of Jobs For the Future, a national nonprofit dedicated to changing the American workforce and education systems so that everyone can achieve economic advancement. Cannon-Moye works with businesses on implementing practices that help their employees succeed and is skilled in organizational structure, design thinking, strategy development and stakeholder engagement.
The webinar also included Dr. Mautra Jones, president of Oklahoma City Community College, who received her MBA from the University of Phoenix as well as a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University. Jones is very active in both civic and charitable organizations and serves as the executive director of the Langston University Foundation as well as on the Board of Directors for BancFirst. She was also named 2020 Woman of the Year by the Journal Record.
Debbie Esparza, chief executive officer of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix also participated in the webinar. Esparza is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women in her work. She wrote in her LinkedIn bio: “I feel compelled to get up and do the work of the YWCA until injustice is rooted out, until institutions are transformed, until the world sees women, girls and people of color the way [I do]: equal, powerful, unstoppable.”
Numerous DEI Initiatives Underway at University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix’s Educational Equity Webinar Series is one of several initiatives designed to create space for important conversations around DEI topics and to provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experience with other leaders to advance real change. The series has featured a number of timely topics including fostering unity while addressing inequalities; DEI challenges; helping women to climb the corporate ladder; code switching; LatinX leadership; and leading inclusively in times of crisis.
The Office of Educational Equity at University of Phoenix supports the series and partners with local and national organizations to bring these DEI conversations to a broader audience beyond traditional academia. The office also offers professional development for the University community and partners with Diversity Leadership Alliance, a nationwide diversity education organization.
Other DEI measures instituted by the University include the Cultural Competence Task Force, which convened 22 stakeholders to design a framework for best serving students of diverse backgrounds as well as the Inclusive Café, a virtual space for those in the broader University community to discuss their differences and build awareness.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. The University offers a range of online degree options including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs as well as industry certifications all designed to align with the career goals of adult learners. University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies offers degrees in a number of high-growth career areas including healthcare, business and education. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time. Flexible schedules, relevant courses and interactive learning help University students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.