What is the DEI Propel Course?
DEI Propel™ is a one-day face-to-face experiential course designed to help diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals and organizations jumpstart and sustain their DEI efforts.
This course isn’t about quick fixes. You still have to put in the work. But the big question is always – HOW? This course provides you with a research-based change management framework and practical strategies that will help you develop a strategic roadmap and propel your DEI work forward.
This course aims to assist participants in creating a substantial and enduring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Roadmap through the lens of change management. Key learning objectives include understanding the connection between DEI and Change Management, utilizing an evidence-based change management framework for crafting a data-driven DEI Strategic Roadmap, measuring behavior and systems change, comprehending the impact of Cultural Intelligence on behavior change, and implementing practical strategies for operationalizing DEI. The course emphasizes practicality, offering evidence-based strategies and tools, culminating in participants developing a tailored DEI Strategic Roadmap for their organization. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing results, focusing on outcomes rather than outputs, and fostering interactivity and collaboration through activities that encourage reflection and engagement with other DEI Allies and leaders. The content is rooted in best practices and research, ensuring participants receive a comprehensive understanding, supported by a Certificate of Completion.
This training takes place at the Frontline Training Solutions training center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Who is it for?
What You Will Learn
This program consists of one 7-hour session that takes place in person. In this session you will cover:
- The relationship between DEI and Change Management
- How to use an evidence-based change management framework to develop a data and outcome driven DEI Strategic Roadmap
- Ways to measure behavior and systems change
- How Cultural Intelligence influences behavior change
- Practical Strategies for operationalizing DEI and making it last
In this course, participants will learn:
- How to assess where your organization is on the DEI journey
- Research-based change management strategies critical to any DEI Strategic Plan or Initiative
- Practical strategies for operationalizing the work
This course is brought to you in partnership with Dr. Sandra Upton of Upton Consulting Group.
Dr. Sandra Upton is Founder and Chief DEI Strategist with Upton Consulting Group (UCG), an innovative team of strategists who work with DEI professionals, leaders, and organizations around the globe. Using a research-based change management framework and culturally intelligent strategies, UCG supports organization’s efforts to create behaviors and implement systems that support diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments.
Prior to launching UCG. Dr. Upton was Vice President, Global Diversity Practice with the Cultural Intelligence Center and was responsible for providing strategic leadership and expertise on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matters for numerous clients across the globe. She led the organization’s response to the growing demand from global and Fortune 500 companies to Ivy-League universities such as Starbucks, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amway, McDonalds, Perrigo, Harvard, Stanford, MIT and University of Michigan.
She is a frequent speaker, has written numerous articles and blogs on DEI and has been featured on several podcasts. Her new book “Make It Last: A Roadmap and Practical Strategies for How to Do DEI” will be released February 2024. More information on UCG can be found at www.uptonconsultinggroup.com.
- Strategies and tools for measuring progress and impact
- Practices to protect your mental health
Benefits of DEI Propel Course
There are many benefits to bringing DEI Propel Course into your workplace, such as:
Gain lasting results: Many organizations doing DEI work don’t have a strategy. Most are engaged in activities that lack focus or substance. To experience positive and long-term results, you must have a solid strategy that is based on outcomes and not just outputs. When you finish this course, you will walk away with a DEI Strategic Roadmap built on the DEI Propel™ Framework that you can begin to implement immediately.
Interactive and Collaborative: The course activities are designed to help you reflect on and assess where your organization is on the DEI journey and what strategies you need to move the work forward. As part of this process, you will be given the opportunity to engage with and seek input from other DEI Allies and leaders in your organization.
Learn Best Practices: The course content is grounded in solid evidence-based research. In addition, we’ve curated a list of first-class supplemental resources on leading practices and the latest DEI research. You will also receive a Certificate of Completion.
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HRCI
This training offers 6 credits
SHRM
This training offers 6 credits
For multiple session training events, only the session start date will appear while registering. Check Upcoming Sessions for all session dates.
In-Person Training
In Person Training Program Details
This training takes place at the Frontline Training Solutions training center in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Class sizes are limited to 10–20 participants so that interaction and learning are maximized.
DEI Propel Course in person training includes:
- 7 hours of direct leadership training and application
- DEI Propel™ Participant Guide
- A signed copy of Dr. Upton’s book, Make It Last: A Roadmap and Practical Strategies for How to Do DEI
- Curated List of Additional Tools & Resources
- Certificate of Completion
Format: One 7-hour session delivered in person.
Location: 1760 44th Street SW, Suite 10, Grand Rapids, MI 49519
If you have any questions, need help registering, or would like to be invoiced for this event, please contact: Alec McGuire, Training & Event Coordinator at (616) 608-9684 or Alec.McGuire@ExpressPros.com.
2024 Sessions
February 15th | Thursday | 9:00am – 4:00pm (EST)
Training Reviews
So glad I recently attended the DEI Propel workshop facilitated by Dr. Sandra Upton. It was by far one of the best learning opportunities I have participated in regarding DEI Strategic planning.
Carrie Davis, Former Diversity Outreach Manager
NASA
Dr. Sandra Upton you have given me some fantastic strategies and ideas to take forward in my role as EDI champion. What a fantastic course!
Kathy Nelson, Head of Cancer Network
NHS
The DEI Propel™ course with Dr. Sandra Upton is a MUST for leaders and practitioners wanting to jump start DEI in a sustainable way and make it stick. # 1 Priority: Strategies and an action plan to protect your mental health. Leaders don't often acknowledge, let alone plan in advance for how to protect mental health and avoid burnout as we start a strategy or project. You will leave this course with a DEI roadmap of achievable action steps rooted in research-based change management strategies and a toolkit of resources! Whether you are brand new to DEI or have 15+ years of experience as a practitioner, you will find value in the course.
Jane Newton, Associate VP of People and Culture
Creative Dining Services
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