Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace

Make DEI Training Foundational in Your Organization

When done well, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training creates space for courageous conversations that acknowledge hard truths around systemic inequities and explores topics that touch on people’s vulnerabilities in all facets of their lives. For those of you who do this work, there has not been a clear path to follow for making progress. As a DEI trainer, you have forged your own way and learned as you went.

With Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace, the need for DEI trainers to go at it alone comes to an end. Expert facilitator Maria Morukian provides the guidance you need to develop the knowledge and skills required for DEI training. Morukian covers the historical underpinnings and rationale for DEI work; takes you through the process of organizational assessment, design, and delivery; and offers strategies for embedding DEI and promoting sustainability through collaborative practices and dialogues, allowing you to develop and understand your own identity lenses and biases. Reflection questions and worksheets are included in every chapter.

Maria Morukian is a recognized organizational development practitioner specializing in training, coaching, and facilitation with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Maria is the president of MSM Global Consulting and an adjunct faculty member at American University’s School of International Service. She previously served in leadership and organizational development positions at the US Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Executive Institute and the US Department of State. She has also served in leadership positions at Management Concepts and the National MultiCultural Institute.

Maria has trained and coached thousands of individuals around the world to build practices for better communication, foster competent and respectful workplaces, and navigate conflict for meaningful culture change. She has worked with such diverse clients as PBS Distribution, the National Park Service, National Institutes of Health, the World Bank, and the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement.

Maria is a sought-after speaker and has presented at numerous events, including TEDx, the Forum on Workplace Inclusion, the Association for Talent Development, Blacks in Government, and Ellevate Women’s Network. Her work has been published in Forbes and the Association for Talent Development’s Public Manager, and she is the co-author of Designing & Implementing Diversity Initiatives: A Guide for Organizational Culture Change.

Maria is host of the podcast Culture Stew, which focuses on the multidimensionality of identity and best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Maria earned a dual bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Organizational Studies and Spanish, and a master’s degree from American University in International Communication. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and two daughters. She is an avid runner, dancer, reader, traveler, and lover of theatre.