DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN DEVELOP YOURSELF THIS OCTOBER
Join us for a 45-minute info session —plus post-session networking time— with the IDD’s 2026 North American Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Event expert faculty members — all leading courses at our inaugural networking, advanced training and community event this 25-27 October 2026.
Learn about their courses and how you can benefit from them, then join us in Toronto, Canada for an exceptional professional development and community experience with colleagues from around the world.
Join us for a 45-minute info session —plus post-session networking time— with the IDD’s 2026 North American Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Event expert faculty members — all leading courses at our inaugural networking, advanced training and community event this 25-27 October 2026.
Learn about their courses and how you can benefit from them, then join us in Toronto, Canada for an exceptional professional development and community experience with colleagues from around the world.
Missed the session or want to revisit the highlights? Watch the RECORDING. 🎬
NAGESH RAO is an accomplished DEI trainer, coach, consultant and professor who uses intercultural competence, cultural humility, storytelling and intercultural listening to develop leaders in healthcare/medicine, education and business, working with organizations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Nagesh leads the CULTURALLY ADAPTIVE METHODS course.
NADINE BINDER is a psychologist, lecturer, trainer, researcher and certified coach who specializes in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, psychological safety, intercultural communication and global leadership, and mental health awareness. Nadine leads the PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES course.
NENE MOLEFI is a South Africa-based DEI expert and co-author of the Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB). She is known for helping corporations and government entities around the world transform their organisational culture, successfully diversifying their senior leadership and promoting greater equity and inclusion. Nene leads the BUILDING & APPLYING DEI STRATEGIES courses.
ALISON CUMMINGS is the Principal, Diversity Coach, and Trainer at Difference Matters. Having spent over 20 years in faculty, staff and student development in the post-secondary education sector, Alison brings a unique perspective to human connection. Canada-based Alison supports the ADAPTATION REQUIRED: DIVERSITY IS DIVERSE course.
GAMIEL YAFAI is an award-winning diversity and inclusion strategist. Born in the UK and partially raised in Yemen, for over 20 years, he has steered major corporations, universities, and charities past legal compliance toward deep cultural transformation. Gamiel leads the GDEIB JUMPSTART: INTENSIVE INTRODUCTION course.
HOST
MELISSA LILES is Founding Director of the Institute for Developing Across Differences (IDD). For over two decades, she has enjoyed working closely with those who help bridge differences —including education authorities, nonprofit and corporate practitioners, as well as trainers and academic experts— in 60+ countries. She leads the organisation of the inaugural North American DAD.
KAREN FRANCIS is a Jamaican American researcher and DEI practitioner whose work promotes cultural competence and social equity. Currently the Director of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for American Friends Service Committee (Quaker Community), Karen also helps lead a the GDEIB Practitioner Certification program for DEI professionals worldwide. Karen leads the ADAPTATION REQUIRED: DIVERSITY IS DIVERSE course.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Still deciding which courses might be right for you this October in the Toronto?
Learn more about the 2026 North American Developing Across Differences Learning Lab & Community Event (25-27 October).