The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute™ Certified Diversity Practitioner Program

Become a Certified Diversity Practitioner

Diverse, inclusive companies and organizations outperform their competitors.

As a Certified Diversity Practitioner, you’ll be equipped to create and implement strategies that improve diversity, equity and inclusion in any industry. You will learn the strategies and develop the skills to lead change, impact organizational culture, and measure DEI effectiveness.

DEI Certification Overview

The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute™ Certified Diversity Practitioner Program prepares professionals to create and implement highly successful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion [DEI] strategies for organizational excellence and a competitive edge in today’s marketplace.

We currently offer our program in three formats:

Fully Online with online course content plus live Zoom lectures and discussions
Accelerated with online course content, lectures and discussions
Independent Study option with access to our online curriculum

The Fully Online and Accelerated In-person formats are intensive programs delivered through online content, live lectures, discussions, activities, case studies, group projects and guest presentations. Blending theory and practice, this course will give you the skills and confidence to lead diversity initiatives at your organization that can achieve trackable results.

With the Fully Online virtual format, you and your cohort will attend two and a half days of live instruction. You’ll also have the opportunity for ongoing professional development as you build your network with future certified diversity practitioners.

The Accelerated Certified Diversity Practitioner Program allows the same opportunity to connect with your cohort and expand your network of DEI professionals over 5 days of virtual classroom learning.

When you complete the program, you will be recognized as an IICDP™ (Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner). The knowledge you acquire will put you at the forefront of the diversity, equity and inclusion profession and position you to influence the attitudes, values, decisions and actions that impact people from different backgrounds, voices and experiences. You will be able to help corporations, organizations and individuals work more inclusively, creatively, productively and think, do and be better at what matters most.

Industry Recognized Certified Diversity Practitioner Program

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) expertise is more essential than ever. The Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner (IICDP) Program by The People Company Consulting Group is designed to position you as a leader in the DEI field—equipping you with the knowledge, strategies, and skills to drive meaningful change.

Rooted in research and best practices, IICDP is an intensive, immersive learning experience that has been empowering DEI practitioners across the U.S. and internationally since 2020. This program goes beyond theory, preparing you to influence attitudes, shape decisions, and create inclusive cultures where diverse perspectives thrive.

As an IICDP-certified professional, you’ll be equipped to help organizations foster greater inclusion, collaboration, and innovation—ensuring they think better, do better, and be better at what matters most.

The People Company LLC, d/b/a The People Company Consulting Group, is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

shrm-recertification-provider 400x400 02 23 2026

How Our DEI Certification Works

The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute™ Virtual Certified Diversity Practitioner Program includes two and a half days of virtual classroom curriculum, assigned readings, developing a DEI strategic plan for your organization, and a final exam.

The Accelerated Virtual Certified Diversity Practitioner Program includes 5 days of in-person classroom curriculum (delivered during one week plus an additional month to submit the final project), assigned readings, developing a DEI strategic plan for your organization, and a final exam.

Whether virtual or in-person, when you attend all sessions, complete the online curriculum, pass the exam and pass the final project, you will achieve the Inclusion Institute™ Certified Diversity Practitioner (IICDP) designation.

Depending on whether you choose our fully online program or accelerated program, live classroom curriculum will be held online via teleconferencing software.

Our live classes are where you’ll connect with experienced diversity practitioners and your fellow cohort. We’ll discuss what you learned in your assignments and readings and answer questions. During your independent learning time away from our classroom, you will collaborate with your DEI cohort and discuss best practices.

You’ll be expected to complete the online assignments through The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Learning Management System between virtual sessions.

The IICDP examination is administered at least 10 times throughout the year. You will need to sign up for an exam date no later than your last day of the course for which you are enrolled.

A final exam score of 80% or higher and demonstrated proficiency in the DEI strategic plan is required to receive the Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner designation.

Curriculum will be updated and additional content added in order to assure the course content reflects the latest research and developments in diversity, equity and inclusion practice.

Who Should Be Certified

Human Resource Professionals
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Professionals
Emerging leaders from any industry who want to help their companies grow in diversity and inclusion
Leaders who want to create vision, mission, and values that drive diversity
Executives who want to create a clear cultural shift in their organization by implementing new strategies, policies and procedures.
Professionals from any industry with an interest in the field.

What You’ll Learn

The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute™ Certification Program is practical and rigorous. You will learn theory and then you will practice implementing it.

Objectives

By completing this course, you will:

Understand the evolution of DEI
Recognize the significance of DEI in the workplace
Explore the practice of DEI
Learn about unconscious bias and microaggression
Learn keys to cultural competence
Discover how to measure DEI impact
Explore The People Company Consulting Group DEI Implementation Framework
Gain insights for inclusive recruiting
Learn the knowledge and skills to perform at a high level as DEI professionals and bring value to their organizations
Build relationships and establish a network with credible and equipped professionals to support continued growth as a diversity practitioner
Enhance your credibility with The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner designation

“Debbie is a wonderful resource and instructor. She came into my organization and ran multiple sessions for a broad audience. She is able to talk about complex and often sensitive topics in a way that makes everyone feel safe and able to contribute, whether they are completely new to the ideas of diversity and inclusion or they have been involved in the work for some time.”

—Erin Isaak, SHRM-CP
Leadership & Executive Coach | Organizational Culture Consultant
previously Director of Organizational Development
Forte Research Systems, Inc.

“I enrolled in the People Company inclusion Certified Diversity Practitioner Program to establish a strong base of knowledge and understanding regarding the history, strategy, and executional best practices for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion work. The program provided in depth learning experiences and tools that I was able use in practical application to help guide my company forward on our DEI efforts. Through these efforts we were able to complete an all-employee organizational assessment and develop and integrated multi-year strategy to launch and optimize our DEI plan with the goal of shifting our culture, policies, and community engagement. One aspect of the course I really enjoyed was the group projects, which gave me a chance to learn from and collaborate with professionals from different industries, backgrounds, and in some cases based internationally in different countries. Overall, I found the experience to be comprehensive, insightful, and rigorous in a way that was enjoyable and productive without being too overwhelming or redundant. I would recommend the People Company Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program to anyone looking for an efficient, effective, and comprehensive way to enhance their DEI competency in ways that can drive practical value for individuals and/or institutions and organizations.”

—Dwayne Maddox
AVP Marketing & Inclusion Experience
National Guardian Life Insurance Company

Course Requirements

Readings and activities will be assigned before the first session and in between subsequent sessions. Participants are expected to complete all assignments prior to each session and be prepared to actively engage in discussions and small group projects.

All participants will have access to The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute™ resource drive, which will house required readings and activities for their IICDP cohort.

Successful certification is dependent upon mastery of any pre-work, the online curriculum, completion of the DEI Strategic Final Project, and successful completion of the final exam.

Your success matters to us. We are available to answer your questions and help you understand the curriculum before your exam. If you do not score an 80% or higher on the final exam, you will have an opportunity to re-take the exam one time at no additional cost, but not sooner than 90 days after the formal program ends. Any subsequent exams incur an additional examination fee of $495.

Certification Requirements

Attendance and completion of all live classes (for Fully Online and Accelerated formats)
Completion of online curriculum
DEI Strategic Final Project
Passing multiple-choice and short-answer exam with a score of at least 80%. (In the event you do not pass the exam on the first attempt, you may retake the exam after 90 days at no additional cost. Subsequent attempts will incur additional fees.)

Inclusion Institute™ Certified Diversity Practitioner Program Curriculum

LESSON 1—The Progression of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Content will include the following subject matter:

Affirmative Action In The U.S.: A Law, A Policy & A Movement
Dimensions of Diversity
Systems of Inclusion
Equity at Work
Work: A Harassment-Free Zone

LESSON 2—The Significance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Content will include the following subject matter:

Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter
Navigating DEI Backlash
Diversity and Inclusion Trends

LESSON 3—The Practice of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Content will include the following subject matter:

Driving Innovation and Creativity through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion Practice
Key Characteristics of Diversity Practitioners
Inclusive Leadership: Trust and Decision-Making
The Double Bind: Trials of Women in Leadership
Strategic Diversity: Leading Through Change

LESSON 4—Cultural Competence

Content will include the following subject matter:

Culture, Identity, Intersectionality, Inclusion, Collaboration, Dignity and Respect
The Multigenerational Workforce
Disability & Special Needs Accommodations
Designing Programs for Veterans
Immigrant Groups in the Workplace
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

LESSON 5—Measuring DEI Success

Content will include the following subject matter:

Measuring the Impact of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
What and How to Measure DEI Success
Organizational Assessment
Diversity Scorecards and Dashboards
Key Performance Metrics
Accountability

LESSON 6—Unconscious Bias and Microaggression

Content will include the following subject matter:

Unconscious Bias
Understanding and Preventing Workplace Microaggression
Microinclusion: Building a Culture of Appreciation and Inclusion at Work
Religion, Beliefs and Authenticity
Diversity Exists Everywhere

LESSON 7—A DEI Implementation Framework

Content will include the following subject matter:

Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives – Where to Begin in Your Organization
Effective Diversity and Inclusion Training
Employee Resource Groups and Diversity Councils

LESSON 8—Intentional Inclusive Recruiting

Content will include the following subject matter:

Inclusive on Purpose
Inclusive Recruiting: Expanding Beyond Traditional Methods
Recruiting Best Practices

Registration Details

February 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

February 18; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
February 19; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
February 20; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on March 13, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before January 31, 2026
- $1,695 USD after January 31, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

March 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

March 18; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
March 19; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
March 20; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on April 17, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before February 28, 2026
- $1,695 USD after February 28, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

May 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

May 20; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
May 21; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
May 22; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on June 5, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before April 30, 2026
- $1,695 USD after April 30, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

June 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

June 17; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
June 18; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
June 19; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on July 10, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before May 31, 2026
- $1,695 USD after May 31, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

July 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

July 15; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
July 16; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
July 17; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on August 7, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before June 30, 2026
- $1,695 USD after June 30, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

August 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

August 19; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
August 20; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
August 21; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on September 11, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration – $1,995 USD

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

September 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

September 16; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
September 17; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
September 18; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on October 2, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before August 31, 2026
- $1,695 USD after August 31, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

October 2026 Virtual Program Dates

(Virtual session times are Central Daylight Time)

October 14; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
October 15; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
October 16; 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Live Online Sessions

All live content will be held via Zoom teleconferencing software.

Important:

Participants must attend all three (3) virtual sessions.
Participants are strongly encouraged to complete the online curriculum in preparation for the exam on November 6, 2026, 10 AM – 12 PM CDT.
The final project is within 30 days after the final day of classes.
Certification requires attendance all three (3) days of virtual training, online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration:
- $1,495 USD before September 30, 2026
- $1,695 USD after September 30, 2026

Your tuition includes:

3 virtual sessions
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

Independent Study Option

Important:

Participants must complete all modules of the online curriculum.
Participants must take and pass the exam with a minimum score of 80%.
Participants must complete and submit a final project within 30 days of completing the final exam.
Certification requires online course completion, passing the final exam and passing the final project.

Investment

Registration – $1,395 USD

Your tuition includes:

Access to IICDP online curriculum
Inclusion Institute™ Resources and Materials
IICDP Examination Fee (one exam retake after 90 days is included; subsequent retakes will cost an additional $495)

About The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute

The People Company Consulting Group LLC is a consulting, coaching, training and speaking firm. Established in 2016, as High Performance Development Solutions LLC, The People Company Consulting Group was renamed and rebranded in 2019 to more closely align with their most highly sought services. The People Company Consulting Group provides relevant advice, coaching, strategic perspective, and educational solutions for multiple industries, including healthcare, technology, higher education, insurance, manufacturing, service and non-profit organizations.

The People Company Consulting Group training—combined with diversity and inclusion coaching—ensures employees at all levels understand how diversity and inclusion factors into their work, decision-making, problem-solving, business opportunities and business growth.

The Inclusion Institute evolved from the need for certified DEI practitioners who can strategically and confidently advance organizational belonging and thriving in the workplace. Our goal is to prepare and train people to be a catalyst for inclusive, productive workplaces and communities.

The People Company Consulting Group provides thought partnership and strategic consulting on topics like:

Diversity and Inclusion Infrastructure
Strategy Review/Creation
Diversity and Inclusion Integration
Developing Measures (Based on client strategic and prioritized objectives)
Coaching (Diversity and Inclusion Champions, Executives, Leadership)
Individual Cultural Competence Development
Business and Employee Resource Group Consulting
Diversity and Inclusion Communications/Positioning
Diversity and Inclusion Interventions

Lead Instructor and Specialty Speakers

Deborah Biddle

Deborah is Lead Instructor for the Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program and runs The People Company Consulting Group LLC. She works with organizations that want to leverage the power of change to heighten development and performance for their people. As a diversity and inclusion consultant, trainer and speaker, Deborah designs and delivers thought-provoking and challenging experiences that help people think better, do better and be better at what matters most.

Deborah is a Certified Diversity Practitioner through The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute and a Certified Diversity Professional through the National Diversity Council. She also holds a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida.

With a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and more than 25 years of corporate, consulting, non-profit and small business experience, Deborah also has a proven track record in consulting and developing managers and executives in small businesses, universities, non-profits and corporations.

Tyrone Cratic Williams

Tyrone Cratic Williams is an Inclusion Institute DEI Specialty Speaker. He is CEO of Cratic Consulting LLC. As a workforce development specialist, financial literacy educator and law enforcement veteran in Madison, Wisconsin, Tyrone has led numerous training, workshops and keynotes on implicit racial bias and its effects on decision making, communication, outcomes and community relations. He excels at developing cultural schemas, conflict management, effective change management and strategic planning. Tyrone works to maximize client strengths by perceiving equity through intentional action, self-reflection and leadership.

Tyrone is a police officer in the City of Madison and a Certified Financial Education Instructor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a minor in Ethnic Studies and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Training. Tyrone is a Certified Diversity Practitioner through The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute.

Lloyd Biddle

Experience, Knowledge and Passion best describe the impact Lloyd Biddle brings to each client encounter. Lloyd is an expert in leadership development. He inspires individuals to make positive change that heightens productivity and engagement, so they can make a positive impact in life and business. For more than two decades, Lloyd has empowered audiences with high-impact strategies to: embrace change, engage teams, lead more effectively, increase sales, improve performance, attract and nurture customers, communicate on deeper levels, lead better lives, and achieve their highest potential. As a result of his guidance, people share how motivated, energized, and inspired they are to make the effort to be better at what matters most in their professional and personal life.

Lloyd is Lead Pastor at River Valley Community Church in Aurora, IL. His previous experience as a Fortune 500 sales executive, top-producing sales manager, and high-achieving sales professional bring depth and relevance to his dynamic and powerful leadership development programs.

An Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner through The People Company Consulting Group, Lloyd holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Business Administration degree from The Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Wheaton College.

Justin Rosen Smolen

Justin Rosen Smolen is an Inclusion Institute DEI Specialty Speaker. He is a consultant, educator, and facilitator committed to building equitable, inclusive, and just communities. Justin is founder and principal of Justin Rosen Smolen Consulting, providing nonprofits and mission-aligned businesses with a suite of training, facilitation, and research services to advance inclusion, equity, and justice through organizational culture, strategy, and change initiatives.

Justin is a Certified Diversity Practitioner through The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute and holds an MPA in nonprofit management and an MA in Jewish Studies. He lives in northern New Jersey with his partner and their two young children.

Lisa A. Koenecke

Lisa Koenecke is an Inclusion Institute DEI Specialty Speaker. As an experienced and energetic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional speaker and facilitator, Lisa specializes in counteracting unconscious bias and LGBTQ+ inclusion in business. Her impact is amplified through strengthening each person’s allyship. With a demonstrated history of working in secondary education and a passion toward community and social services, she is an expert in counseling, crisis intervention, educational leadership, and program development.

Lisa is a Certified Diversity Practitioner through The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute. After receiving her Diversity & Inclusion certificate from Cornell University, Lisa launched Inclusion Ally, LLC, her speaking and facilitation firm. Being an expert in LGBTQ+ issues has allowed her to present in 20 states and keynote numerous school counseling conferences.

We recommend it!

Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program

" I learned so much about DEI & most importantly, HOW to implement what I learned."

I enrolled in The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program because I wanted to learn more about DEI, as I have never really learned about it before this program. The program not only taught me all about DEI, but also how to immediately implement what we learned. I am able to take what I do as a Culture Consultant & use a DEI lens to add-on & enhance what we already do for our clients!

I found the experience to be one of huge growth for me! Through Debbie’s teachings, I learned so much about DEI & most importantly, HOW to implement what I learned. The final project was my favorite part of the course, as it really challenged me to think big & apply what I learned throughout the course. Thank you, Debbie! I know that the impact that will come from my IICDP is going to be huge!

Steph Richter, IICDP
Director of Operations
The Perk

"The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program helped me by providing me with tools and resources to continue to enhance diversity work within my organization."

The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program helped me by providing me with tools and resources to continue to enhance diversity work within my organization. The program allowed for me to implement the organizations first diversity employee resource group (set to launch Jan 2021), provided me with ample examples of ways for our organization to improve our external communication, and helped me to develop a framework for improving diverse alumni engagement that has been widely received and adapted within the organization.

Gia Gallimore, IICDP
Director of Diverse Alumni Engagement
Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association

"I strongly feel this workshop is essential for anyone who is seriously interested in improving DEI at their organization."

I am very happy I chose the People Company Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program for my DEI certification. This program above all others had the depth and breadth of topics I was interested in and was administered in a format that fit my needs and worked with my schedule. Debbie is an amazing instructor (and person) with a wealth of experience and wisdom and she created a truly inviting, open, judgment-free space for me and the rest of the group to explore these new and sometimes tricky ideas and concepts.

The program itself was highly interactive and kept me engaged throughout. I liked that is wasn’t completely theoretical but practical and realistic. There were a number of tools, strategies and best practices I could use and apply right away or adapt to fit my client’s needs. One of the best things about the session was the relationships I formed with the other people in the session. We really bonded over the course of the session as we shared our stories, challenges and successes. We have remained trusted resources for each other after our session too.

After participating in the session, I have a broader and deeper understanding of DEI topics and I feel much more confident consulting with leaders on DEI efforts. I strongly feel this workshop is essential for anyone who is seriously interested in improving DEI at their organization.

Allison Cooley, IICDP
Founder and CEO
Effectability LLC

"I appreciated the opportunity to learn about different perspectives, diversity and inclusion while interacting with people from different industries and work environments. We were all at different places in our DEI journey and I truly appreciated the real-life experience and conversations with the cohort group."

I feel this program has better prepared me to lead the DEI initiative at my organization. I have a greater understanding of more perspectives and will be more prepared and able to implement a comprehensive program as a result. I appreciate all of the information and feedback provided.

Bettina Golwitzer, IICDP
Director, Human Resources & Training
Community Trust Credit Union

"I have resources to reference, tools to use, and extraordinary content to pull from when talking to people in my company."

My organization enrolled me in The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program to help me become a more inclusive leader and gain confidence having conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion. I learned implementable strategies for creating more inclusive environments on engineering project teams with both internal and external partners, many times working together for the first time.

The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program helped me by providing a historical context to DEI work, clearly outlined a framework for organizational DEI benchmarking, explained current trends in DEI, and above all, brought me together with others serious about this work, creating a space where we could talk with each other about issues and ideas, share some about our own identities and experiences, what has worked, hasn’t worked, our aspirations, inspirations, and project ideas.

For me, the result was clearer focus in where I‘m headed now that the course is complete. Prior to the course, I felt overwhelmed, a bit lost in the wilderness. I felt called to act but didn’t know how. The People Company Consulting Group’s course helped steer me in the right direction and calm the deep waters, no matter how hard the wind is blowing. I have resources to reference, tools to use, and extraordinary content to pull from when talking to people in my company. We also now have each other to run ideas by and help each other through experiences. As graduates of the course, we share a common framework.

One thing I particularly liked was when we would have special guests come and share their identity stories, experiences, challenges and successes. I found these personal stories impactful and also appreciated having this type of authentic story-telling modeled.

Cedar Simmons, PE, IICDP
Senior Engineer

"I highly recommend the program to those who are looking to gain useful knowledge and resources in the area of DEI that they can put to work right away, as well as build connections with other professionals to create a supportive network."

I enrolled in The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program in an effort to become a better manager, professional, and person. I wanted to update and increase my understanding of current DEI issues, practices and terms in order to be a better leader as well as bring information to my workplace to create a more inclusive department and company overall. I found the experience to be incredibly informational, and the connections I made have been so rich and rewarding. The results I obtained from completing the program have gone far beyond my hopes and expectations, not only in my day to day work but also in my worldview as a person who wants to keep doing better for my community and humanity. Being a part of the People Company IICDP program in 2020 was a light in a sometimes dark year. I highly recommend the program to those who are looking to gain useful knowledge and resources in the area of DEI that they can put to work right away, as well as build connections with other professionals to create a supportive network.

Sara Camacho, MS, CHI™, IICDP
Community Care Manager
Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin

The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute™ Certified Diversity Practitioner Program

Become a Certified Diversity Practitioner

DEI Certification Overview

Industry Recognized Certified Diversity Practitioner Program

How Our DEI Certification Works

Who Should Be Certified

What You’ll Learn

Objectives

By completing this course, you will:

Course Requirements

Certification Requirements

Inclusion Institute™ Certified Diversity Practitioner Program Curriculum

LESSON 1—The Progression of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

LESSON 2—The Significance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

LESSON 3—The Practice of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

LESSON 4—Cultural Competence

LESSON 5—Measuring DEI Success

LESSON 6—Unconscious Bias and Microaggression

LESSON 7—A DEI Implementation Framework

LESSON 8—Intentional Inclusive Recruiting

Registration Details

February 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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March 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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May 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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June 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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July 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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August 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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September 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Investment

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October 2026 Virtual Program Dates

Live Online Sessions

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Independent Study Option

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Investment

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About The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute

Lead Instructor and Specialty Speakers

Deborah Biddle

Tyrone Cratic Williams

Lloyd Biddle

Justin Rosen Smolen

Lisa A. Koenecke

We recommend it!

Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program

" I learned so much about DEI & most importantly, HOW to implement what I learned."

"The People Company Consulting Group Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner Program helped me by providing me with tools and resources to continue to enhance diversity work within my organization."

"I strongly feel this workshop is essential for anyone who is seriously interested in improving DEI at their organization."

"I have resources to reference, tools to use, and extraordinary content to pull from when talking to people in my company."

"I highly recommend the program to those who are looking to gain useful knowledge and resources in the area of DEI that they can put to work right away, as well as build connections with other professionals to create a supportive network."

Don’t miss your opportunity, register now!