Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion

Exposure To Best Practices In 2023, the Northwest Diversity Learning Series (NWDLS), in its 25th annual year, continued to offer substantial, insightful, and economical educational programming on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to managers and employees of organizations across various sectors including for-profit companies, governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and small businesses. In 2023, 751 people attended the six NWDLS sessions (an average of 125 people per session), however, 1013 people registered for the sessions (an average of 169 people per session) who had access to the webinar recording if they were not able to attend the live webinar. Participants at each session received a comprehensive learning workbook tailored to the session's topic. ISDI also posted a wide-range of resources on our website after each session, encouraging people to continue their learning.World-Class Presenters and WorkshopsThe 2023 NW Diversity Learning Series, focused by its theme, "Maximize your DEI impact: Practice equity and inclusion every day,"presented six compelling, 2.5 hour bi-monthly learning workshops with world-class presenters each contributing deep insights to accountability: * Jan. 27, 2023: Develop and Enhance Your Everyday Practices to Foster Equity. This session presented the phenomenal work of Dr. Bernardo Ferdman, author of the seminal book, Diversity at Work: The Practice of Inclusion (Wiley, 2014). This book was the first research-based understanding of inclusion-a state-of-the-art presentation about how to systematically create inclusion, foster it, and navigate its challenges-we recognize that inclusion is not without its challenges. This session focused on the framework, perspectives, and actions that each person can take every day to foster equity and inclusion. * March 23, 2023: Sharpen Your DEI Emotional Intelligence. The Session was presented by Dr. Helen Abdali Soosan Fagan, is a Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion scholar and practitioner. She holds multiple certifications in Diversity, Emotional Intelligence, and is a trained Executive Coach. Also, she is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, which she has used in developing thousands of leaders and healthcare providers. This session focused on emotions that arise because Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) addresses who we are-how we identify ourselves, the perspectives that we bring, and what we believe is important. Developing the capacity to understand and manage feelings and deal effectively with others, no matter how great the differences, is a critical competence in today's diverse workplace.* May 18, 2023: Engage People in Ways that Open Their Minds. The session was presented by David McRaney, author of the international bestseller, How Minds Change (Portfolio, 2022). This session focused on the psychology that explains how people modify and change their beliefs, attitudes and values, and how to apply that knowledge to whatever one believes needs changing, whether it's within one mind or a great many. Part of the work in developing one's practice of equity and inclusion is to be competent in having conversations with people who disagree with you. * June 29, 2023: Advance Equity in Your Organization: Tell Stories with a Systems Lens. Our presenter was Minal Bopaiah, author of the Book, Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives (Berrett-Koehler, 2021). She described equity as the outcome of fair and just systems and structures (think policies, practices and procedures), and depending on individual's positional power, they may or may not have the ability to change them. And yet, regardless of title or role, there are things each person can do to advance equity in their organization. One of those things is to be more mindful of how we talk about changes in the organization related to DEI through the stories we tell.* September 21, 2023: Learn Why Lived Experiences Matter. This session featured Dr. Marlon Gibson, Director of Community Engagement for Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity. With more than 10 years' experience leading complex and large projects, he creates presentations for a broad range of audiences, he facilitates varying levels of change management, and he serves as a subject matter expert on DE&I best practices, initiatives, and curriculum. This session explored the nature of lived experiences of people from marginalized and underrepresented groups-the lens, the backgrounds, the traditions, the cultures, and the perspectives they bring that are frequently not considered or listened to, particularly in white dominant organizations.* November 6, 2023: The Power of Us: Organizing Effective DEI Communities. Presenter for this session, Lily Zheng, is a dedicated DEI practitioner and advocate. Lily was named a Forbes D&I Trailblazer, 2021 DEI Influencer, and LinkedIn Top Voice on Racial Equity. She is the author of the book, DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing it Right (Berrett-Koehler, 2022). This session was a practical introduction on how to create, utilize, strategize about, and collaborate effectively with various kinds of DEI groups within one's organization.25th Anniversary Special EventsIn recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the NW Diversity Learning Series, three special events were offered for free to our sponsors, subscribers and the general public:* Barriers to Inclusion with Wade Henderson and Jennie Marie Durn (August 11, 2023). Over 299 people registered for this event, with an estimated 199 participating.* Anatomy of Hate with Mark Fowler at Tannenbaum (Oct. 5, 2023). Over 220 people registered for this event, with an estimated 137 participated.* Getting to Equal with Lauren Leader (December 7, 2023). Over 220 people registered for this event, with an estimated 158 participated.Engagement and NetworkingThe NWDLS facilitated networking among participant companies and organizations, serving as a vital link for sharing practices and building connections in DEI across Seattle and other regional areas. In 2023, 27 Sponsor and Subscriber companies and organizations participated along with additional individual participants from 28 other organizations. With sessions now being virtual, the geographic reach has extended beyond the Puget Sound region in Washington State to several other regions and states including Florida, Indiana and Missouri.

DEI Consulting ServicesIn 2023, ISDI experienced a notable decrease in consulting revenues, mirroring a broader trend affecting many organizations focused on DEI consulting. Despite this challenge, we continued to seek ways to expand our DEI programming and outreach. Our efforts continue to emphasize leadership development, board development, and organizational transformation, with the primary aim of facilitating developmental opportunities for senior leaders, board members, directors, and managers. These initiatives are designed to enhance their ability to lead efforts resulting in inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplaces and communities. However, we did provide services to three organizations. Looking ahead, we will be reassessing our strategy in 2024 and 2025 to explore alternative funding sources for our offerings, ensuring the continued sustainability and impact of our work.