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Member Testimonials
The Society for Diversity is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. We believe that everyone has something to offer, and we are proud to celebrate the diversity of our members and community.
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Nicole M. DuBois, CDE®
May 2024
The
Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® preparation course was such a deeply enriching experience. The content fed my curiosity for learning, and the virtual classroom community was a great complement to the material covered in each class. It was inspiring to hear from peers on their questions, motivations and, most certainly, on their respective goals for being agents of change on matters of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The whole experience helped me to find my purpose in this work. For example, this year, I was approached to participate as a facilitator or panelist on four separate sessions focused on leading and engaging a multigenerational workforce. I am clear that my experience in the CDE® preparation course helped me have the confidence in doing this. I highly recommend this course to all who may be considering it!
Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster, CDP®, CHES®, PMP®
April 2024
As a Member of The Society for Diversity, I have found community. A community of brilliant, passionate, and diverse individuals who are committed to making the world a better and equitable place for all individuals to access. A community full of expertise where I can share and gain new skills and resources. A community where there is no wrong door, and a solution is just an email or message away. A community where I can just be my authentic self. I am grateful for The Society for Diversity and all that it has brought into my life.
Heidi L. Barham, M.Div, CT, CDP®
April 2024
Obtaining my Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® through IDC® and joining the Society has been a phenomenal experience. The chance to network and engage with other professionals and the educational opportunities has truly been a benefit and a blessing. A group of us met online to study for the exam; the support we gave each other was invaluable. At that time, I was not in a DEI role and had reservations about applying for a new position within my organization. However, my study group members encouraged me – their vote of confidence was just what I needed! I believe having my CDP® was a key factor in the hiring process, helping distinguish me from other candidates. I got the promotion and the rest, as they say, is history! Thank you, Society for Diversity and IDC!
Sheri Bender, ACC, CDP®
April 2024
I feel so incredibly honored to have found The Society for Diversity and IDC®. Three years ago, I was looking to expand my professional knowledge in DEI and found this cutting-edge organization. There are many options out there, but there is no-doubt that Leah and the team stand out above the rest. I started with the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® course and felt well-prepared for the exam. After successfully passing the exam and networking with so many astute professionals through Membership, I was enthused to participate in the accreditation process with IDC for the update of the CDP®. After this I pursued the Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® certification, which expanded my knowledge even further. Today I feel that I stand out among others due to this preparation and the knowledge The Society for Diversity provides. And there is such a great network of professionals whenever I need to reach out. I am so grateful for Leah, Derwin, and the whole team for their patience every time I have a question.
If you're not a Member, you should join today and then start prepping for an exam. It will definitely set you apart from others in the field. I can't imagine not being affiliated with The Society for Diversity!
Keesha Hughes, CDP®
Being a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® and a Member of The Society for Diversity are truly gifts. The CDP® credential lets executives know that I take DEI seriously. It's an indication that I'm an equity and inclusion advocate and a student of the ever-evolving discipline. Also, Society Membership has created a community of like-minded DEI champions I can contact for advice or support at my job. I also appreciate the LinkedIn community, which allows members to share current DEI-related news, trends, resources, and job postings.
Kate Mielitz Ph.D., AFC®, CDP®
I recently (Fall 2023) completed my CDP® designation. While I am new to the designation, I spent the better portion of the year preparing work to submit for my project as well as studying for the exam. Through the practical application lessons with Dr. Lee, I made contacts (now friends) and we created a study group to prepare for the exam. I have twice now presented my Candidate Project. The second presentation was after I'd earned my credentials. There was an additional hum of interest in the room, and I received numerous requests for information regarding the CDP® and why I got it. The CDP® designation and membership in The Society for Diversity provide me with additional colleagues, support, resources, and credibility in the work I do.
Janine A. Schindler, MCC, CDP®
Credentials matter! The Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® credential I earned has been a key differentiator for me when I market my business services. The materials covered in the course took what I thought I already knew to a bigger, deeper level while raising my confidence with the subject matter. Leah Smiley, CDE® brings the content to life with her stories and warm gentle guidance. During the course, we were able to openly discuss top of mind concerns knowing we were supported and not judged. I love being able to sight a reference when I am coaching and/or facilitating and a DEI subject or question is raised. Data matters and I feel I am better grounded and prepared having received my CDP® and through my membership with the Society for Diversity.
Joy Fowler, MBA, CDE®
The roles we hold in DEI come with a great deal of responsibility, stress, and pressure. Since earning my CDP® in 2019 and advancing with my CDE® in 2022, The Society for Diversity’s Membership has been powerful. It has afforded me the opportunity to continually fine tune my knowledge, skills, and abilities through ongoing workshops, the numerous Community of Practice groups, and annual conferences. It has also empowered me to leverage my expertise to support my organization’s progress and growth. Membership is an asset to anyone in this field; it offers the care one needs as well as the support and, in many cases, the validation that we are on the right path and taking the appropriate measures for success.
Lastly, I love that Membership in The Society for Diversity and Certification through IDC® is ongoing. They are not one and done programs, so I know it will be a source of support and knowledge in perpetuity. When you commit to working in the DEI field, it is comforting to know membership and certification in an organization like The Society for Diversity is there to help you flourish.
Iris Drayton‑Spann, CDE®
Member since January 2022
It was a true pleasure for me to host a webinar on
Being Your Authentic Self as a BIPOC Professional for The Society for Diversity. I am always happy to share knowledge, information, tools, and tips to others that can help them personally and professionally, so that they can be who they are, wherever they are and embrace their uniqueness. The team at The Society for Diversity, is truly wonderful! They are professional, engaging, and committed to the work of ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are aways front of mind, unapologetically stalwarts, and champions of all individuals. I am proud to be a member of The Society of Diversity and to be a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® through their rigorous program. In the mighty words of the late great Maya Angelou, "If you're always trying to be normal, you'll never know how amazing you can be.”
Anita Nahal, PhD, CDP®
Member since August 2019
I secured my CDP® from the Institute of Diversity Certification some years back. Since then, I have offered to teach some of the courses and conduct webinars as my way of giving back. The Institute of Diversity Certification and the Society’s webinars are very well structured with a wide gamut of diverse topics that relate and respond to the needs of diversity and inclusion. I congratulate Mrs. Leah Smiley for her leadership in this direction. I also congratulate her team, especially Ms. Amber Martin, for making the process of webinar presentations smooth and extremely professional for the presenters. I had nothing but an amazing experience whenever I was the presenter. Such a level of professionalism in managing presentation protocols is not easy and I commend Mrs. Smiley and her team!
Harold D. Lewis, Sr., PsyD, CDP®
Member since September 2021
I am Dr. Harold D. Lewis, Sr. and I am serving as the Vice-President of Biblical Diversity for the organization, Converge which is located in Orlando, Florida. I am celebrating four years in this role and even though I have been engaging in DEI work for twenty plus years, connecting with the Society for Diversity has been an invaluable blessing, influence, and encouragement to me as I continue to do this work. Joining the Society for Diversity family has given be a safe space to keep it real about my frustrations, aggravations, and challenges in my role as a diversity professional and ambassador.
The human language is too limited to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the many resources such as the Sharing Circle, Train the Trainers, and the webinars that are offered through the Society that keep me connected with other DEI cohorts, informed about changes and challenges in the DEI world as well as remind me how important and imperative this work is. Finally, I would like to salute each of the leadership team members in the Society that I have engaged thus far. You all are the best!
Julia Méndez Achée, PHR, SHRM-CP, CAAP, CELS, CDP®, CDR
Member since September 2013
I feel honored to have been chosen to present at this year’s conference. The Society for Diversity is my go-to source for meeting other professionals that share my passion for helping organizations building an atmosphere where we can all feel safe to bring our true selves to work and where our differences are celebrated. I also have learned a lot through the various presenters who have a wealth of valuable insight to moving the needing from diversity to belonging. I was happy to share my personal experience helping launch several Employee Resource Group and appreciated the wonderful comments and questions regarding this topic.
Devon Peterika, CDE®
Member since December 2022
Being a part of the Society for Diversity has been incredibly beneficial. The ongoing development opportunities, networking, and so much more. As a DEI professional, it can get lonely, so having a network to share best practices, experiences, or just some of the hang-ups in the DEI journey is valuable to have. I encourage everyone that is not a member to become one.
Dr. Nevien Shaabneh, CDE®
Member since December 2022
Being a member of the Society for Diversity has been an integral part of my career in DEI. It provides networking opportunities with other DEI professionals across the country and fosters a supportive community for people embarking on this work.
Keona Williams, CDP®
Member since October 2022
I was skeptical about joining The Society for Diversity because I’ve joined other diversity organizations only to find that they offered very little. The Society for Diversity has been far more than I anticipated. The resources provided via webinars and readings are beneficial for my career as a Supplier Diversity Manager. Membership has also required me to shift my approach and mindset, specifically
around addressing unconscious bias and advancing my understanding of inclusion. I have been able to coach my corporate DEI Council members, ERGs leaders, colleagues, and executive-level leaders with insights from my learnings. With a great measure of confidence, I am better equipped to address concerns of belonging in my service/social organizations. Joining The Society for Diversity has been one of the best investments to support my professional growth in the DEI field.
Greg DeShields, CDE®
Member since August 2022
As Executive Director of Tourism Diversity Matters, I am often invited to present the Fundamentals of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to the Tourism Industry. The industry has evolved to invoke a long-term strategic approach to DEI, and access to credentialed, experienced DEI professionals is paramount.
The education, networking, and relationship with other DEI professionals I received from the Society for Diversity have been priceless to ensure I am prepared and qualified to advise leaders to strategically position an organization, remove systemic barriers to inclusion, lead culture change, and transform their brand.
Joseph Brame, MBA, PHR, CDE®
Member since October 2021
Being part of an amazing network of professionals has broadened my knowledge on DEIB. As an HR professional and a Certified Diversity Professional, I am a change agent for my department. DEI and HR complement each other so well that I can speak to it daily. As a member of the Society for Diversity, I am provided with informative and applicable webinars. I am so grateful to be a part of this great community.
Brandi Baker, CDP®
Member since May 2021
The Society for Diversity is an amazing organization to learn, grow and challenge yourself. The online educational resources designed for its members are structured with diverse learners and leaders in mind regardless of the phase or stage they maybe in their development. The educational content, curriculum and network resources provides you with the skills, tools and credentials needed to lead workforce innovation and excel at making an impact in the community. My experience as a member of the Society for Diversity has been nothing short of amazing. The network is plentiful, and the personal, professional and educational rigor is unmatched. Derwin and the Society for Diversity team are kind, supportive and are constantly driving innovative ways to ensure members maximize their learning and growth potential. If you are looking for a professional organization to help you advocate for change, lead transformation and further develop as an authentic leader that makes a long-term impact, this is it! I am so proud, humbled and thankful to be a part of the Society for Diversity network.