Candidate Testimonials

Nicole M. DuBois, CDE®

May 2024

The Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® preparation course was such a deeply enriching experience. The content fed my curiosity for learning, and the virtual classroom community was a great complement to the material covered in each class. It was inspiring to hear from peers on their questions, motivations and, most certainly, on their respective goals for being agents of change on matters of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The whole experience helped me to find my purpose in this work. For example, this year, I was approached to participate as a facilitator or panelist on four separate sessions focused on leading and engaging a multigenerational workforce. I am clear that my experience in the CDE® preparation course helped me have the confidence in doing this. I highly recommend this course to all who may be considering it!

Dr. Tonicia Freeman-Foster, CDP®, CHES®, PMP®

April 2024

As a Member of The Society for Diversity, I have found community. A community of brilliant, passionate, and diverse individuals who are committed to making the world a better and equitable place for all individuals to access. A community full of expertise where I can share and gain new skills and resources. A community where there is no wrong door, and a solution is just an email or message away. A community where I can just be my authentic self. I am grateful for The Society for Diversity and all that it has brought into my life.

Heidi L. Barham, M.Div, CT, CDP®

April 2024



Obtaining my Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® through IDC® and joining the Society has been a phenomenal experience. The chance to network and engage with other professionals and the educational opportunities has truly been a benefit and a blessing. A group of us met online to study for the exam; the support we gave each other was invaluable. At that time, I was not in a DEI role and had reservations about applying for a new position within my organization. However, my study group members encouraged me – their vote of confidence was just what I needed! I believe having my CDP® was a key factor in the hiring process, helping distinguish me from other candidates. I got the promotion and the rest, as they say, is history! Thank you, Society for Diversity and IDC!

Sheri Bender, ACC, CDP®

April 2024

I feel so incredibly honored to have found The Society for Diversity and IDC®. Three years ago, I was looking to expand my professional knowledge in DEI and found this cutting-edge organization. There are many options out there, but there is no-doubt that Leah and the team stand out above the rest. I started with the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® course and felt well-prepared for the exam. After successfully passing the exam and networking with so many astute professionals through Membership, I was enthused to participate in the accreditation process with IDC for the update of the CDP®. After this I pursued the Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® certification, which expanded my knowledge even further. Today I feel that I stand out among others due to this preparation and the knowledge The Society for Diversity provides. And there is such a great network of professionals whenever I need to reach out. I am so grateful for Leah, Derwin, and the whole team for their patience every time I have a question.

If you're not a Member, you should join today and then start prepping for an exam. It will definitely set you apart from others in the field. I can't imagine not being affiliated with The Society for Diversity!

Keesha Hughes, CDP®

March 2024

Being a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® and a Member of The Society for Diversity are truly gifts. The CDP® credential lets executives know that I take DEI seriously. It's an indication that I'm an equity and inclusion advocate and a student of the ever-evolving discipline. Also, Society Membership has created a community of like-minded DEI champions I can contact for advice or support at my job. I also appreciate the LinkedIn community, which allows members to share current DEI-related news, trends, resources, and job postings.

Kate Mielitz Ph.D., AFC®, CDP®

March 2024

I recently (Fall 2023) completed my CDP® designation. While I am new to the designation, I spent the better portion of the year preparing work to submit for my project as well as studying for the exam. Through the practical application lessons with Dr. Lee, I made contacts (now friends) and we created a study group to prepare for the exam. I have twice now presented my Candidate Project. The second presentation was after I'd earned my credentials. There was an additional hum of interest in the room, and I received numerous requests for information regarding the CDP® and why I got it. The CDP® designation and membership in The Society for Diversity provide me with additional colleagues, support, resources, and credibility in the work I do.

Janine A. Schindler, MCC, CDP®

February 2024

Credentials matter! The Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® credential I earned has been a key differentiator for me when I market my business services. The materials covered in the course took what I thought I already knew to a bigger, deeper level while raising my confidence with the subject matter. Leah Smiley, CDE® brings the content to life with her stories and warm gentle guidance. During the course, we were able to openly discuss top of mind concerns knowing we were supported and not judged. I love being able to sight a reference when I am coaching and/or facilitating and a DEI subject or question is raised. Data matters and I feel I am better grounded and prepared having received my CDP® and through my membership with the Society for Diversity.

Charlotte Morris, HCS, CDP®

January 2024

I love that Membership in The Society for Diversity and Certification through IDC® is ongoing. They are not one and done programs, so I know it will be a source of support and knowledge in perpetuity. When you commit to working in the DEI field, it is comforting to know membership and certification in an organization like The Society for Diversity is there to help you flourish.

Sonya Ferreira, CDP®

2023

I typically do not provide testimonials or endorsements because rarely do I find products or services worthy of it but that is NOT the case with The Society for Diversity. After completing the Certified Diversity Professional course through the Institute for Diversity (IDC), I believe this is an organization that delivers on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training. The certification course is meticulously organized and shows IDC masterfully cultivated the art of teaching DEI education and technical skills training into a thought-provoking and safe learning environment. I completed other DEI certificate programs, but the IDC certification is on another level.

The course was a crucible for professional development provoking further exploration of knowledge and growth through exposure to the vast experiences of participants. It is one of the most practical training courses I have pursued, and I was able to immediately apply the principles to my professional, academic, and personal life. The course material is timely and relevant to current workplace trends. Globally, we need leaders who understand how DEI strategies empower organizations to tap into greater innovation and transform them into places of success through achieving mission/business objectives, strengthening recruitment/retention strategies, and realizing new growth markets and financial opportunities. IDC training provides the essentials, and it is a must for executives, managers, and DEI professionals. With DEI training, organizations can produce strategic thought leaders and managers across a spectrum of professions allowing businesses to leverage the power, purpose, and impact of DEI principles in the workplace and community.

Additionally, I appreciated the IDC instructors. They did not seek consensus or teach with an agenda; instead, they invited healthy discussions on tough subjects by permitting respectful exchanges and sharing of dissenting views to broaden participants’ knowledge. This approach turned the learning process into its own DEI experience. The instructors also valued listening to understand, and each person was treated with the highest regard so participants could evaluate the DEI principles taught then make their own decisions on how to apply them. The IDC staff are consummate professionals with a high DEI technical competency. They are welcoming, responsive, and gracious. Most importantly, they are passionate about true DEI work and there is no doubt they are walking in their calling. My training was a wonderful, introspective learning experience. I recommend The Society for Diversity certification to enhance the skills of current and future leaders in any organization.

Shaneequa Parker, JD, MPA, MSW, CDE®

2023

I went through both the Certified Diversity Professional (CDP® and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® 3-day intensive courses. Being new to the field of DEI when I began the CDP® course, I felt well prepared for my responsibilities in developing my organization’s DEI efforts. Not only was the information presented relevant, but realistic. A year later, the CDE® course expanded my knowledge and contributed to the development of my leadership skills beyond DEI. I also appreciate the community of practitioners, their support of each other is inspiring.

Lee Hodge, CDP®

2023

Great energy from facilitators - lots of information (so much... so much) and good platform for support from peers. Appreciate also how accessible staff are whenever needed and how quickly I have gotten responses to any question that I might have.

Linda Haft, SPHR, CDP®, CCP, LDCP

2023

Great resources. Helpful staff. I’ve learned a great deal more about how to help my organization with DEI initiatives!

Kassie Little, CDP®

2022

I learned so much from this program. I was challenged professionally and personally. In addition, the staff was always so helpful any time I had questions or concerns.

Dr. Mary (MJ) McConner, CDE®

2022

I am the owner and principal consultant of Inclusive Excellence Consulting, LLC - management consultancy that enables organizations to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the core of organizational functioning. Becoming a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® is one of the best decisions I have made. The CDE® course and content is informative, engaging, and extremely relevant to what I do as a DEI practitioner and consultant. If you are an experienced DEI professional looking to grow in your DEI knowledge, I highly recommend participating in the CDE® certification program.

Teddy D Kemirembe, CDE®

2022

Hi, my name is Teddy Dianah Kemirembe; my Pronouns are She/Her/Her. My administration selected me to take the CDP® class in 2019. I took it and passed the exam. It was a joy going through the process. I'm happy to report that using all the knowledge and skills I have been able to excel in Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion (EDAI) work with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), I'm happy to report that I recently got promoted as their EDAI Administrator. I will continue advocating for more employees to get certified, especially our Leadership.

Michael Hurt, CDE®

2022

I became a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® in 2021. The learning process exceeded principles and perceptions I had long held regarding the far-reaching impact of diversity, equity and inclusion. My certification has increased my capital as a subject matter expert on diversity and earned me the respect of skeptical coworkers and community partners.

Clare Delong, CDE®

2022

The facilitators were incredibly skilled and knowledgeable. The conversation with the other participants was rich. I especially love all the resources that were provided. I'm so grateful to have taken this training!

Nalanda Roy, M. Phil, PhD, ACUE, CDE®

2022

It was a great experience working with The Society for Diversity Inc., while I was working to receive my Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® certification. It was a wonderful experience to expand your network and get connected with people who are working tirelessly to make an impact. I highly recommend The Society for Diversity Inc.

Felicia Johnson, MBA, CDE®

2016

My experience with The Society for Diversity as well as my pursuit of my Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)® credentials were nothing short of superb. I found the coursework to be challenging, relevant and applicable with regard to today's workplace focus on diversity and inclusion. Even while studying for the exam, I was able to apply the knowledge I was gaining on my job and in my day-to-day responsibilities. 

I found the exam to be comprehensive, thought-provoking and provided an all-encompassing review of the competencies I learned. This experience was worth the investment and I would highly recommend this course to current and future diversity practitioners.

George Braxton, JD, CDE®

2014

The CDE® certification aligned with where I am in my career and offered the proper level of challenge for a chief diversity officer. The courses were well organized and informative but most importantly AVAILABLE for review if your schedule did not allow you to make the meeting. The review session was comprehensive, yet quite taxing. My highest praise is directed to the Study Guide. I dare say it is one of the most complete treatises of D&I competencies ever. I have never seen so much D&I information in one place.