Course Description
As more leaders commit to EDIA, there is an increasing demand for the skills and competencies necessary to support this work. Organizations are seeking individuals with the expertise to address evolving EDIA challenges in a complex social climate. Considering a collective awakening to systemic racism and anti-Black racism, professionals in this field must be equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with the confidence, cultural competence, and lived experience to respond meaningfully to racial and structural inequities.
This course will introduce learners to the foundational concepts and frameworks needed to strategically integrate EDIA into organizational systems. It will provide practical tools for aligning EDIA with business goals to achieve sustainable and transformational change. A particular focus will be placed on addressing systemic and anti-Black racism as essential components of effective EDIA work.
Course Outline
- Module 1: EDIA Contextual Framework
- Module 2: Strategies for Building EDIA into Workplace Cultures
- Module 3: Best Practices for Achieving Sustainable Results
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Analyze the historical development and context of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA).
- Define and clarify key terminology associated with EDIA.
- Articulate the business case for diversity and inclusion programs in addressing contemporary workplace challenges.
- Identify common challenges and pitfalls in implementing EDIA initiatives.
- Outline essential steps for integrating EDIA into organizational culture effectively.
- Apply course concepts to real-world contexts, transferring learning into actionable practice.
Microcredential
This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment related. Dalhousie microcredentials are developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and/or organizations that relate to the content. A microcredential can be displayed on social media pages, digital resumes, personal webpages, and in email signatures. To earn the microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.
Notes
For assistance or more information, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Prerequisites
By enrolling in this course, you will be automatically enrolled in the Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Students must successfully complete one of the following courses before registering for Strategies for Implementing EDI Initiatives:
- OLCD-IDEA0001 - Understanding EDI: An Organization Imperative
- OLCD-IDEA0002 - Inclusive Communications in the Workplace
- OLCD-IDEA0003 - Optimizing Diverse Team Performance
Testimonials
I would highly recommend this course to others, especially as a part of the Certificate in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program. This course pulled together the learnings from the first three courses in this certificate program and allowed us the opportunity to consider our learnings and how they apply to our personal and professional lives.
It provided us the opportunity to self-reflect and take our learnings and move forward with them. This course has provided me with a great shift in my thinking, awareness and actions and I look forward to continuing my learning in the EDI space.
~ Genevieve MacIntyre,
Manager, Communications, Marketing and Student Engagement
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dalhousie University
I'm so pleased with this certificate program; it has ignited a lifelong journey to becoming a better person in my interactions with other people. I have more confidence in having the hard conversations intelligently and prepared for heard work.
~ Erin Nauss, Bank of Montreal
"An amazing course that really ties together the first three courses in the certificate. A great course to outline how EDI initiatives can be implemented within a larger system and cultural change."
~ Rany El-Hawary
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, IWK
"This course provides a holistic view of EDI principles, allowing learners to understand the context, challenges, and opportunities associated with implementing EDI initiatives in various environments. It's not just about policies; it's about fostering a culture of inclusion. Expect to engage with real-world case studies and practical scenarios that will enable you to apply theoretical concepts in tangible ways. This hands-on approach will enhance your ability to implement effective EDI strategies in your workplace or community. The course also offers opportunities to connect with fellow learners, including professionals from diverse backgrounds. This networking aspect can lead to valuable collaborations and exchanges of ideas, enriching your learning experience. The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development typically consists of knowledgeable instructors with extensive experience in EDI."
~ Colin Jones
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion : Required courses
Shakira Weatherdon is an experienced leader of complex and institution wide initiatives, ensuring genuine and intentional collaboration, and responsiveness to organizational needs; particularly those that meet current and future needs of equity-deserving persons. She is a skilled change manager who strategically and collaboratively leads organizations towards evidence-based policy decision making to ensure equitable and inclusive public service. She is the founder of Black Girls Gather, a non-profit with a mission to equip young, Black women entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies and networks they need to build and scale up successful ventures and attaching new Black women graduates to meaningful employment opportunities. Her passions include supporting organizations to create safer, more welcoming, and inclusive environments and cultivating Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy. Shakira received her MA in Gender and Peacebuilding from the United Nations mandated University for Peace and her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies from the University of Toronto.