Adaptation Required: Diversity is Diverse
Culture-specific diversity dimensions in Inclusion & Belonging strategies
Dr. Karen Francis, Alison Cummings
What counts as diversity can vary dramatically across cultures: Age, religion, caste, language, and regional identity emerge as key diversity dimensions depending on context; gender dynamics, racial and ethnic categories, and concepts of heritage and belonging are understood and experienced differently around the world and even within one local community. The overlapping / intersectional nature of identity adds further complexity to these considerations.
This workshop challenges you to develop culturally-adaptive approaches to Belonging and Inclusion to balance the lived realities of today’s diverse communities alongside organizational and team goals.
Registration opens mid-June
In this course, you will learn how to help yourself and those you work with so that you/they can better:
- Identify which diversity dimensions are most relevant within different cultural contexts.
- Design inclusion strategies that account for culture-specific diversity priorities.
- Apply core strategies for navigating between global frameworks and local realities.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Participation listing 6 contact learning hours.
Karen Francis, PhD
Dr. Karen Francis is a Jamaican American researcher and DEI practitioner whose work promotes cultural competence and social equity. A Howard University graduate, she began as a youth counselor and advanced to lead national human service initiatives. Her expertise earned her the Diversity MBA’s Top 25 Leaders of Impact Award.
Currently the Director of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for American Friends Service Committee (Quaker Community), Karen advises global organizations on DEI strategy and helps lead a the GDEIB Practitioner Certification program for DEI professionals worldwide. Blending research with advocacy, she serves as an international speaker, volunteer, and local advisory board member.
Alison Cummings
Kingston, Canada-based Alison Cummings is the Principal, Diversity Coach, and Trainer at Difference Matters. With a non-linear career path spanning from studies in ancient Latin and Greek to over 20 years in faculty, staff and student development in the post-secondary education sector, Alison brings a unique perspective to human connection.
With an advanced degree in intercultural competence and modern theory, Alison’s specialty is helping individuals and teams navigate complex interpersonal dynamics by building self-awareness and communication skills. She delivers transformative trainings designed to help people work effectively, embrace complexity, and thrive together.
This course format is one that uses conceptual inputs, discussion, peer sharing, interactive exercises and demonstrations of different techniques.
This course is for you if
- You work in multicultural environments —whether domestic and / or international— and you would like to learn more about how culture shapes the way diversity is perceived and prioritized.
- You seek practical frameworks for adapting your inclusion strategies to local realities and supporting teams across multiple cultural contexts.
COURSE TYPE
Communication focused
DURATION/DATES
Tuesday, 27 Oct 2026
8:30am-4:15pm
AUDIENCE LEVELS
All levels
TUITION FEE
CAD775
includes certificate from the Institute
“They were amazing, patient and extremely supportive and I learned so much from their expertise.”
“If I could give you a 6 out of 5 [stars] I would! Fantastic.”
“High-performance, professional environment with endless support to develop knowledge, skills and abilities.”
