Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort

Co-hosted by the GradFUTURES and Access, Diversity, and Inclusion teams of the Graduate School, this series offers several unique sessions with the primary goal of preparing you with inclusive leadership skills as a way to combat systemic racism. Leaders with this skillset can help build and sustain inclusive cultures at every level within our institutions, organizations, and communities. Guest speakers will share personal stories, practical strategies, and ways they promote individual and collective action. The sessions are open to all. Graduate students interested in earning the co-curricular certificate will find the requirements and assignments on the Canvas site. We look forward to these important conversations and to learning together!

Learning Objectives

  • Increase your knowledge of DEI best practices within academic institutions and organizations across a variety of industries (e.g., information, concepts, definitions, strategies, etc.)
  • Learn how to apply knowledge of inclusive leadership and DEI best practices to current teaching / research / community activities and in future professional settings within or beyond academia
  • Leave with increased self-awareness of your identity, perspective, privilege, values, and strengths and those of others
  • Create an action plan to address a challenge or issue related to DEI with a clearly articulated problem statement, interventions, solutions, and assessment

Upcoming Events

Check Back Soon!

Jordan West
"I deeply believe that we have the power to imagine a world, and then create it into existence, where people from historically marginalized and excluded communities feel liberated and free.  This will take all of us learning, unlearning, and relearning our histories, stories, and truths, and making sure we live by our values every single day...even when it's hard to do or may come with consequences."

Jordan S. West, Associate Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, The George Washington University

Current & Former Speakers

Rodney D. Priestley
Dean of the Graduate School
Pomeroy and Betty Perry Smith Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Clio Hall Award Recipient
Shauna Clark
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
Tamika Curry Smith
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
Mary Harris
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
Eugenia Liakaris
Head of Client Success, Americas at Cappfinity
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
Shawn Maxam
Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker & Professional Development Working Group Member
Clio Hall Award Recipient
Manu Platt
Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
Lauren Scarlett
Strengths Profile Consultant and Master Strengths Coach, Cappfinity
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
GradFUTURES Forum Speaker
Jordan S. West
Associate Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, The George Washington University
Alveda Williams
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker
Deborah S. Willis
Senior Program Lead, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Certificate program, Program Manager for Professional and Academic Development, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan
Inclusive Leadership Learning Cohort Speaker

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GradFUTURES Learning Cohort Interest Form

About GradFUTURES Learning Cohorts

GradFUTURES Star

GradFUTURES’ interdisciplinary learning cohorts build community among and between graduate students and reinforce each student’s graduate training while drawing on their content knowledge to inform the cohort’s investigation of the topic. As part of the cohort, students will read and discuss books, articles, and case studies. Learning cohorts typically also include at least one experiential component such as an immersive project, a site visit, conference presentation, or fellowship/internship opportunities. Interdisciplinary discussions, reflection, synthesis, community building, and immersive experiences are integral components of each learning cohort experience.