Customized Training

Customized Educational Sessions, Workshops, & Trainings

We will help you and your team, unit, or organization move beyond using "diversity" as a buzzword to create a more inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.

Our programs will help you/your group:

Reduce intimidation
Encourage empathy
Effectively communicate
Offer concrete strategies for creating inclusive environments

Customized workshops are available if the requests are within our capacity.

Contact the Center for Inclusion & Diversity at ccid2009@caltech.edu to set up an initial consultation. We will customize an experience for you and your team.

Previous Topics of interest may include:

Structural Change: Managing Bias, Updating Policies & Processes

Unconscious Bias in Hiring (Staff and Faculty)Everyone has unconscious/implicit biases that affect how we view, assess, and select candidates. Mitigating the effects of these biases begins with reviewing one's own experiences, tendencies, and prejudices. We will also discuss the nuances of the admission process and areas where these biases show up the most. We will share best practices and tools to read and review for inclusion that can improve your admissions process. Unconscious Bias in AdmissionsEveryone has unconscious/implicit biases that affect how we view, assess, and select candidates. Mitigating the effects of these biases begins with a review of one's own experiences, tendencies, and prejudices. We will also discuss the nuances of the hiring process and areas where these biases show up the most. We will share best practices and tools to improve your hiring process and help diversify your applicant pool. Best Practices in Diversifying Graduate AdmissionsWe will share data-driven strategies to diversify your graduate admissions pool- from attracting diverse candidates to selection, admission, and yield. We can help your committees mitigate implicit biases and cultivate a class that reflects the diversity of your field.

Navigating Conversations about Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

Facilitator TrainingLearn the basics, including the importance of community guidelines, building a room that is engaged in dialogue, skills for reading your room, giving feedback, asking important questions (clarifying, gathering more information, exploring their intentions, and asking them to reflect), and important keys to guiding a more inclusive space to share.True ColorsThis is a hands-on experience in which participants take the True Colors assessment to identify their personality type. This inventory provides the group with insights into different motivations, actions, and communication approaches to aid in navigating interpersonal and professional relationships.

Identity: Addressing Imposter Phenomenon, Race, Gender, Sexuality, Class, Bystander Intervention and Microaggressions

ABCs of Transgender IdentityParticipants will learn more about transgender Identity and how to recognize the complexities of accessing health care for transgender communities.FeminismParticipants will define feminism and understand the history of the Feminist Movement. Analyze historical and modern-day issues to see structural inequalities between men and women.Gender & STEMUsing data and self-reflection, participants learn about gender inequity in STEM and beyond. The group examines equity, equality, and justice and each person's role in challenging gender stereotypes and stereotype threats, mitigating microaggressions, and tools for navigating challenging climates in STEM.Imposter PhenomenonOver 80% of Americans report experiencing elements of imposter syndrome. We will discuss strategies for mitigating these symptoms as individuals and as a collective. Latine/x IdentityDefine the difference between Latino/a/@/x, Hispanic, Chicano/a/@/x, and Mexican. Recognize the intersection of the history of the place, in this case, Los Angeles, and Latin(x) histories. Become aware of the various Latin(x) cultural events and influences in Los Angeles, California.Men's Discussion SeriesThis discussion series addresses topics ranging from perceptions and expectations of "being a man" and the masks that men wear to hypermasculinity and gender inequality through topical areas, including "Man Enough," "Men as Allies," and "College Life: Navigating the Manscape."Model Minority MythThis workshop's learning outcomes include defining the model minority myth and identifying this stereotype's individual and societal consequences.Multiracial Identity: Outside the BoxParticipants will define concepts of race, mixed-race, and multiracial. They will be able to be more critical of how race is applied in society and challenge assumptions about race and ethnicity.A Nation of ImmigrantsDefine the historical changes in immigration waves in the US. Define some elements of the current political climate of immigration reform in the US. Discuss how immigration has affected the Caltech community.The Politics of Being QueerParticipants will gain an understanding of the history and context of queer politics in the United States. Use queer theory to examine cultural norms and identity politics and develop an awareness of challenges currently facing the LGBTQIA+ Community.Safe Zone – 2.0sThe Safe Zone 2.0 series looks at three topical areas of LGBTQIA+ identity in depth, further examining terminology, language, systemic oppression, and societal themes, as well as concepts of "allyship," "advocacy," and "being an accomplice." The identities explored in this series include Queer and Trans People of Color, Middle Sexualities (Bi and Pansexual identities), and AsexualityWhat is Social Justice?Define concepts of justice, rights, opportunities, institutions, and social justice and apply a social justice framework to examples in our society, such as the Black Lives Matter movement.What is Privilege?Participants explore the meaning of privilege in the United States. Discover and acknowledge personal dimensions of privilege, and Identify ways we can best become an all.

Cultural Competency: Education and Creating Inclusive Spaces

Body Image and the MediaDefine concepts of fatphobia, weightism, and body image. Apply an intersectional understanding of how interconnected identities are to our bodies.Decoding DiversityDecoding Diversity is an introductory workshop on understanding the fundamentals of diversity and inclusion. Building an inclusive community begins with sharing standard definitions of subjective concepts and terms like diversity, inclusion, equity, microaggressions, unconscious bias, privilege, etc. What do we mean when we commit to cultivating a diverse class of scientists? How do we think our policies and initiatives are equity-, equality-, and justice-driven? What can we do as a community to mitigate our biases and create a campus where we can all thrive and achieve excellence? Cultural Competency at Caltech During a two-hour training, we take participants through identity development and self-awareness, understanding each of our roles in how we perpetuate unconscious bias, developing tools to address microaggressions, navigating the structure of Caltech, and realizing the diverse range of Caltech student experiences.Cultural Appreciation or AppropriationDefine the concepts of cultural appropriation, appreciation, and assimilation, and Identify something that has been culturally appropriated. Participants will learn how to make conscious decisions about appreciation and appropriation.Critical Race TheoryParticipants will be able to define race racism and Identify components of Critical Race Theory.Diversity Statement WorkshopMany academic positions request a diversity statement as part of the application process. In this interactive workshop, you will discover what makes an effective diversity statement, why you need one, and proven tips for writing your own. We also discuss strategies for creating inclusive and productive environments for all students. An overarching aim of the session is to refine your philosophy on diversity and inclusion in an academic setting.Examining Social ClassIdentify what social class you or your family may belong to. Recognize wealth disparities. Explore the impact of class on individual outcomes.