This new series integrates discussion and advice on navigating the unique challenges workers who are Black, Indigenous and people of color face in their careers.
The professional business community is no stranger to the conversation about the importance of recognizing and responding to the specific needs of a diverse workforce. Research shows that employees, including those from Black and brown communities, are more likely to leave organizations when they feel less supported.
But despite past growth in C-suite roles focused on strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, recent economic factors are causing some organizations to hit pause and re-evaluate their resources.
“As some efforts fall off, the need for employees from a historically underrepresented background to focus on and fight for their own professional development has become more important and the Center for Executive Education is here to help,” says Gregory Maughan, associate director of business development for the center at Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
Among the offerings of professional development learning opportunities for individuals and organizations is the BIPOC Leadership Series. It is designed to fill the need for an effective leadership development program that centers on BIPOC employees’ experiences and unique challenges in the workplace.
“This series really focuses on those important, career-driving skills such as leadership, communication, negotiation, finance and management,” he says. “High-performing employees who are seeking to advance in their careers will benefit from the experience and expertise of our facilitators, many of whom are Temple faculty. They can share the latest research on what is happening today in our business communities. That is a huge benefit to our participants.”
In addition to faculty, the center draws on the insight of external industry professionals who are making real-world decisions about how businesses and their staff operate every day.
The three-day, six-topic series moves participants through a progression of half-day modules targeting high-impact skills and discussions necessary for leadership and business growth.
Participants will leave the series having had opportunities to fine-tune skills most needed in today’s work world. In addition, the unique opportunity to regularly network with other professionals will help leverage participants’ potential for career advancement.
“For our participants, the ability to network among peers who are navigating the same challenges is a unique opportunity that is not necessarily available to them at work,” Maughan says. “It is one of main reasons attendees and their employers have found these trainings extremely beneficial – not only in building skills but also in retaining future leaders.”
For more information and to enroll in the BIPOC Leadership Series, click here.