Diversity Executive Leadership Academy
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Accredited DEI Certification Since 1998

Unlock the Power of Cultural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Welcome to the Diversity Executive Leadership Academy, where professionals develop cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion expertise that transforms organizations and drives success.

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DTUI started the diversity certification revolution in 1998.
Get Access to the Keys for Success

Learn how to lead I.D.E.A. like an expert

Discover the transformative power of the DELA CDEI training model.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to foster culture change that benefits the workforce and the bottom line.

Gain the courage, competence, compassion, and credentials to tackle the toughest barriers to equity and inclusion.

International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)

Diversity Training University International is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs that comply with the ANSI/IACET Standard.

SHRM Recertification Provider

Recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

1998
Pioneered diversity certification
25+
Years of CDEI leadership
6
Accredited certification programs
IACET
Accredited & SHRM recognized
Why Choose Us

Why Train with DELA?

We started the diversity certification credentialing movement — and we have learned a thing or two about training CDEI professionals over the past 25 years.

We Started the Movement

We delivered the first diversity training in 1998 and remain the only organization that offers six diversity certification programs.

Accredited Courses

DELA is the only organization offering fully accredited courses that are free-standing from a university.

Expert Guidance

Learn from credentialed instructors who also practice as consultants and trainers, grounding your training in applied experience.

Cutting-Edge Curriculum

The most comprehensive, application-oriented training available — balancing organizational change, equity, and workforce engagement.

Interactive Learning

Engage in discussions, real-life case studies, and practical assignment exercises that bring the concepts to life.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with a diverse group of professionals, sharing ideas and experiences that enrich your learning journey.

Certification Programs

Explore Certification Programs

The only organization to offer six fully accredited diversity certification programs, free-standing from a university.

CDP

Certified Diversity Professional

IACET Accredited

The foundational credential for diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioners building core CDEI competence.

CDEP

Certified Diversity & Equity Professional

IACET Accredited

Advance your ability to assess equity barriers and design solutions that close inclusion competence gaps.

CDP-M

Certified Diversity Professional – Manager

IACET Accredited

Lead inclusion and belonging initiatives with the strategic and management skills to drive culture change.

CDIP

Certified Cultural Diversity & Inclusion Practitioner

IACET Accredited

Build inclusive policies, practices, and safe environments that empower individuals from all backgrounds.

CDIR

Certified Diversity Recruiter

IACET Accredited

Master high-impact strategies to attract, hire, and retain diverse talent across the organization.

CDE

Certified Diversity Executive

IACET Accredited

The executive credential for leaders championing CDEI strategy and organizational change at the highest levels.

CDT

Certified Diversity Trainer

IACET Accredited

Develop high-impact facilitation skills to design and deliver diversity training that drives behavior change.

Benefits

What You Will Gain from DELA Programs

01

In-Depth Understanding

Develop a deep understanding of CDEI from an organizational change perspective, its impact, and the business case for fostering it.

02

Inclusive Leadership Skills

Lead compassionately, courageously address barriers to equity and inclusion, and champion CDEI values at all levels.

03

Uncover Equity Barriers

Apply the DELA approach to CDEI assessment and barrier analysis to identify fairness and equity obstacles.

04

Cultivate Inclusion Competence

Develop CDEI learning solutions that effectively close inclusion competence gaps across your organization.

05

Inclusive Recruitment Strategies

Discover strategies to attract, hire, and retain diverse talent at every stage of the employee lifecycle.

06

Building Inclusive Practices

Create inclusive policies, practices, and safe environments that empower individuals from all backgrounds.

Popular Courses

Advance Your Career with Short Online Courses

Learn new skills, pursue your interests, or advance your career with our application-oriented courses.

Introduction to Cultural Diversity Foundations DELA 100
Online Course

Introduction to Cultural Diversity Foundations

Pamela Baker
Facilitated by
Pamela Baker
Online
Training Design & Development DELA 200
Online Course

Training Design & Development

Kathy Simonis
Facilitated by
Kathy Simonis
Online
Cultural Diversity Initiative Strategic Planning DELA 300
Online Course

Cultural Diversity Initiative Strategic Planning

Billy Vaughn
Facilitated by
Billy Vaughn
Online
High-Impact Training Facilitation Skills DELA 400
Online Course

High-Impact Training Facilitation Skills

Mary Ellen Ruiz
Facilitated by
Mary Ellen Ruiz
Online
Strategic Initiative Project Management DELA 500
Online Course

Strategic Initiative Project Management

Pamela Baker
Facilitated by
Pamela Baker
Online
Corporate Training

Transform Your Workplace with Team Certification

Equip your organization with the courage, competence, compassion, and credentials to tackle the toughest barriers to equity and inclusion. Programs are delivered online, in residence, or hybrid — with live classroom cohorts available for organizations registering five or more participants.

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Online

Self-paced and instructor-led programs your team can complete from anywhere.

In Residence

Live classroom cohorts for organizations registering five or more participants.

Hybrid

Blend online flexibility with live engagement for maximum impact.

CEUs & PDCs

Earn IACET CEUs and SHRM Professional Development Credits.

Faculty

Expert Instructors

Learn from credentialed instructors who also practice as consultants and trainers, supporting your training with applied experience.

Billy Vaughn

Billy Vaughn

Ph.D.
Faculty & DELA Director
Mary Ellen Ruiz

Mary Ellen Ruiz

CDP
DELA Associate Faculty
Kathy Simonis

Kathy Simonis

CDP CDIR
DELA Faculty
Pamela Baker

Pamela Baker

CDP CDT CDIR
DELA Faculty
Events

Certification Courses Start Dates

New certification cohorts begin throughout the year across all six accredited programs. Reserve your place in an upcoming start date and begin building the courage, competence, compassion, and credentials to lead inclusive excellence.

June 1, 2026
New cohort begins · All certification programs
June 15, 2026
New cohort begins · All certification programs
Register Now
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Testimonials

Voices from Our Community

You are so awesome. I am so glad that you are sharing your D&I knowledge and experience with the global community. I have learned a great deal and plan to put it into action.
Nikita Sullivan
Nikita Sullivan
I just presented an overview of the program to our VP of Diversity and her team. They were impressed with the framework and the five stages in the model.
Ed Nieves
Ed Nieves
The information you provided helped me gain a better understanding of the personal and professional characteristics and the challenges faced by diversity and inclusion professionals.
Felica Ross
Felica Ross
Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your knowledge. Quite valuable.
Laura Montiel
Laura Montiel
Accreditation & Recognition
IACET Accredited Provider SHRM Recertification Provider Diversity Executive Leadership Academy
DTUI.
ANSI / IACET STANDARD
FAQ

Questions & Answers

We know choosing a certification is an important decision. Here are answers to the questions we hear most.

View all FAQs
A diversity certification program is a structured, application-oriented course of study that builds cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion (CDEI) competence. DELA programs equip professionals with the courage, competence, compassion, and credentials to tackle barriers to equity and inclusion in their organizations.
Yes. Diversity Training University International is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs that comply with the ANSI/IACET Standard. DELA is also recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification.
You can apply online through our programs portal. After selecting the certification that fits your goals, complete the application and registration to reserve your place in an upcoming cohort.
A Master’s degree is a multi-year academic credential, while DELA certification is focused, application-oriented continuing education designed to build practical CDEI competence quickly. DELA is the only organization offering fully accredited courses that are free-standing from a university.
Programs are delivered online, in residence (live classroom), or in a hybrid format. Live classroom cohorts are reserved for organizations registering five or more participants.
Yes. DELA offers a scholarship program to help make diversity certification training accessible. Visit the scholarship page to learn about eligibility and how to apply.

Apply Today

Be at the forefront of driving positive change in your organization. Take the significant step toward becoming a CDEI influencer.

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Contact Us

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We know that this is an important decision.

+1 415 692 0121 info@dtui.com
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