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CADIA Accelerator
DEI Certification Program for ​Automotive Industry Professionals

New for fall 2023 - CADIA is integrating more global DEI content and perspectives, more current event content and case studies, and additional focus on cultural competence. We have also created more content to appeal to diverse learning styles.

CADIA's DEI Certification Program is a resounding success!

“The CADIA DEI Accelerator Program and Capstone Project with this amazing cohort reinforced my passion for this work and provided a strong foundation, which I can build upon to support my company’s inclusion, diversity, and sustainability efforts.”

Marilyn McGrone-Conley, Honda

 

"DEI involvement is a personal responsibility and requires efforts by all to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. The CADIA Accelerator program helped tremendously in seeing the need for a balanced approach to DEI efforts in order to achieve outcomes that are effective and sustainable.”

Kayce Shepard, Founder, NaciMai

 

 

"I am excited that I have the tools, courage and knowledge to catapult my organization into the next phase of DEI activity."

LaDonna Chatman, AAM

This program was founded on our belief that DEI champions are stronger together.

To further our commitment to diversifying the automotive industry, the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA) is proud to introduce the 13-week Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Certification course. This program offers a structured opportunity for automotive industry professionals to learn DEI best practices, solve complex organizational challenges, and build a DEI professional network.

Information, program benefits, investment, and application below.

Participants​

CADIA invites all formal – and informal – DEI practitioners to participate. People leaders, or those about to lead teams, are encouraged to apply. Participants completing the program will receive DEI Certification from CADIA.

Program Objectives

During the 12-week program, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the fundamentals of DEI, how to mitigate bias in talent systems and what it means to be an inclusive leader.
  • Build and implement a DEI strategic plan.
  • Gain an understanding of what DEI looks like for global organizations
  • Identify best practices to advance DEI in organizations.
  • Analyze and assess complex industry and organization DEI challenges.
  • Co-create innovative DEI solutions and approaches.
  • Build meaningful connections with DEI practitioners and subject matter experts.

Program Structure

CADIA DEI Cohorts meet for 90 minutes once a week for
12 consecutive weeks. Participants will be expected to do some self-directed study and small group work (no more than 3 hours/week) in between sessions.  Groups will be organized according to DEI experience and current job function. This is not a passive course; homework and participation is required.

Each Cohort will have no more than 25 participants to ensure the integrity of the experience. Sessions are uniquely designed to fit the needs of participants and are facilitated by experienced DEI professionals.

Attendees may self-nominate or be nominated to participate by their employer. A short application is required.

There are two sessions to choose from:

Friday noon - 1:30 pm ET with optional "office hours" from 1:30 - 2 pm ET.

Thursday 9 - 10:30 am ET with optional "office hours" from 10:30 - 11 am ET.

**Participants must choose only one day/time.

 

Program Benefits

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A DEI Community of Practice

An instant and dynamic DEI professional network in the automotive industry.

Access to online collaboration spaces to continue conversations and share resources between sessions and after the program ends.

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Practical DEI Knowledge

Structured live sessions to collectively process content through interactive activities, exercises and discussions.

Experienced facilitation by DEI professionals to ensure psychological safety and productive dialogue.

Exclusive access to all CADIA Academy’s video content which includes, but is not limited to the list below.

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Professional Development

Real-time constructive feedback from peers and experienced DEI professionals.

Practical industry thought leadership and advice from seasoned DEI guest speakers.

The opportunity to work as a team to solve real DEI organizational challenges, culminating in a final presentation to the CADIA DEI Roundtable series and/or the CEO Coalition for Change.

DEI Foundations

  • The Basics
  • The Business Case
  • Success Factors

Retooling Talent System

  • Systemic Approach to Talent Acquisition
  • Growth and Development for All
  • Every Leader Has a Role to Play

Strategy Development

  • Getting Started
  • The Essentials
  • Tools

Inclusive Leader Tools

  • Developing Inclusive Leadership Behaviors
  • Courageous Conversations
  • Shared Learning Communities

Program Timeline

Exact dates are TBD but usually starting the 3rd week of September and concluding the first week of December.

Ongoing

Sept. 2023

Dec. 2023

Accepting Applications for Fall 2023

Program Kick Off /Orientation

Final Session

Program Investment

12 Week Program: Instruction, Cohort Community, All Materials
CADIA Corporate or Diamond Level Members: $3500.00
CADIA Roundtable/Council Only and Non Members: $4000.00

CADIA offers scholarships to ensure financial access. If cost is a barrier to participate, please apply for a scholarship before submitting an application.
 
Questions? Email info@automotivediversity.org