WASHINGTON – This spring, 13 members of the Georgetown University Athletics Department took part in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate Program, put on by the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. The six-week program, which took place via seven two-hour online modules from March 24 through May 5, was developed by USF faculty members with support from leaders from program sponsors Jabil and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
 
Participants learned how building and growing a workforce that includes differing races, religions, ages, genders and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities can not only improve broad society issues but can also help companies develop novel business practices, increase revenue, and improve performance.
 
SEVEN MODULES
The program consisted of weekly two-hour live modules, featuring topics discussed by various guest speakers. The archived modules are listed below.  
 
Session 1: Emotional Intelligence
Session 2: Stereotypes & Biases
Session 3: Understand Your Organization
Session 4: Future of Your Org Through Diversity & Inclusion
Session 5: Recruitment & Retention
Session 6: Community Outreach
Session 7: Sustainable Business Model
 
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
"This program helped me develop ideas into tangible action items we as a department can put into effect. I feel inspired to continue analyzing and evaluating our current status in order to take steps forward. It made the experience even more enjoyable to collaborate weekly with others across athletics sharing our viewpoints and takeaways." - Jessica Fornieri, Assistant Athletic Trainer
 
"The certificate program offered me an opportunity to re-evaluate the "scripts" that play in my head, to consider my role in creating a diverse, welcoming, dynamic environment for colleagues and students where we can all be our authentic selves without fear of exclusion or reprisal." – Dr. Shelly Habel, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Services
 
"The DEI certificate program through the University of South Florida Muma School of Business was a fantastic opportunity that created space for reflection, education and discussion surrounding best practices in DEI today. Leaving each of the seven modules with actionable items, the certificate program and knowledge gained will assist us in growing Georgetown Athletics and our mission to achieve diversity, equity and inclusion. I feel a great sense of gratitude to have had the opportunity to participate in this certificate program." - Kendall Mulligan, Women's Rowing Head Coach
 
"The DEI certification program underscored for me the spirit of Georgetown values of Cura Personalis, community in diversity, faith that does justice and the call to be people for and with others." - Tony Mazurkiewicz, Chaplain to Athletics
 
"Over the past seven weeks, I was challenged to look within myself as well as organizations I represent. The seven modules provided a pathway to examine the practices of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. It invited me to reflect on who and what we are as well as question how to break through the ceiling to open up more opportunities for all. This program was much more than a certificate for me. I was able to continue to learn and educate myself to be a better person as well as a colleague for my peers." - Charlotte Rath, Business Manager
 
"Participating in the DEI Certificate program was overall very impactful. The content each week provided me with information and left me with questions on how I can apply this to Georgetown. However, the debrief discussions with the cohort of individuals from our department who were also participating made the biggest impact on me. I love knowing that people in our department are not only committed to learning more about diversity, equity and inclusion but are dedicated to taking action as well." - Marissa Robinson, Executive Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion