Meet Lenoir-Rhyne’s Equity and Diversity Institute

An instructor and students sit around a conference table in discussion

LREDI offers courses taught by DEI leaders | Photo provided by Lenoir-Rhyne University

As more leaders + educators make DEI — that’s diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority, Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Diversity and Equity Institute (aka LREDI) in Asheville has stepped up to offer virtual courses and full certifications in DEI. Today, we’re exploring the way LREDI prepares its participants to maximize impact in their DEI efforts. Bonus: Their spring courses start the week of Feb. 2, and registration is open now.

An offering of Lenoir-Rhyne’s graduate program, LREDI was developed by Aisha Adams, entrepreneur and founder of Aisha Adams Media Group and Equity Over Everything. Participants choose courses from four core areas: Foundational Leadership, Education, Technology, and Business. Many of the courses count towards continuing professional education in several fields, like human resources, law, and healthcare.

You can sign up for courses individually ($399 each), or you can complete the entire program ($2,793) to get your Equitable Leadership Certificate.

Want to complete the full certification in DEI? Here’s what you need to know:

  • You’ll need to sign up for all four Foundational Leadership courses (The Courage Principle; Equity Over Everything; Foundations of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion; and Starting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conversations).
  • Then, you’ll select three courses tailored to your professional concentration area (Education, Technology, or Business). Courses are four hours each and are offered multiple times a year, so you can make them work for your schedule.
  • After you complete your coursework, you’ll attend a Folding Chair session: a capstone course where new graduates are challenged to participate in public, socially complex conversations around DEI.

6AM City’s own Culture and Team Development Leader, Ali McGhee, will be starting certification courses this February. Want to join her? We’re working with LREDI to offer our readers 10% off of the total cost of certification. To grab this deal, input “6amCity” when you register here.*

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