Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Collaborative

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Program with Greater Mankato Growth
Stay tuned for more information

September 2023 - April 2024

$749 per participant*

The Greater Mankato Growth Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Collaborative will support area leaders in developing the skills, mindsets, and networks needed to drive inclusive change for greater equity within their organizations.

Key Resources and Support
Tobias Spanier, IDI Qualified Administrator and University of Minnesota Extension Professor, will provide participants with key resources and support as they dive deeper to understand how they show up as a leader and help them drive DEI in their organization. This program will focus on a small cohort of 25 participants, ensuring the opportunity for collaborative networking. We encourage multiple participants per business and recommend one of them is a decision-maker within the organization.
Co-Chairs: Dr. Cuong Huynh and Ceceli Polzin | 2023 Greater Mankato Growth Volunteers of the Year
The DEI Collaborative:
  • Is dedicated to helping employers create and maintain a DEI action plan that welcomes and celebrates diversity within their workplace.
  • Believes that developing cross-cultural empathy and understanding is vital to Greater Mankato’s future workforce needs.
  • Encourages cohort peers to share best practices with other area businesses and commit to future collaboration within the Greater Mankato community.


* A limited number of partial small business scholarships are available

Contact Shannon Gullickson with questions or for more information. To register, complete the DEI Collaborative Participant Commitment Statement Form (below) and return to the email address on the form.

DEI Collaborative Session Information
During the first session, participants will commit to a set of norms that will guide them through the DEI Collaborative experience. They will define their DEI purpose, vision, values, and leadership commitment and receive an overview of the developmental model of intercultural sensitivity, as well as the DEI Collaborative’s group IDI profile.
Individual DEI debriefs with program facilitator (facilitated via Zoom).

Participants will define cultural humility and cultural agility, as well as give examples of these concepts in action. They will also explore the importance of these concepts in creating equitable and inclusive places of work.

Between Sessions – Culture Specific Assignment

Participants will study implicit bias and microaggressions and learn how biases are formed and the ways in which they impact the lives of others.

Between Sessions – Personal Journal Assignment

Participants will explore the importance of psychological safety, growth mindset, reflective listening, meaningful
engagement, and other principles of an inclusive culture.

Between Sessions – Employee Engagement Exercise

Participants will identify DEI issues and ideas to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational culture. They will explore DEI goals and action plans using peer consultation and a strategic doing method.

Between Sessions – Strategic Doing

Participants will share progress on DEI action plans. Best practices researched will be shared. Participants will re-commit to the DEI purpose, vision, and values and mentor others.

Presenting Sponsors
Dan & Angie Bastain - Presenting Sponsors of the DEI Program 2022-2023
Small Business Scholarship Sponsor
South Central Workforce Council Logo
Supporting Sponsors
Abdo Logo
Dotson Iron Castings Logo
Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato
Logo
Logo of US Bank Mankato
Hospitality and Facility Sponsor
Video Production Sponsor
Logo of True Facade Pictures
For more information please contact:
Shannon Gullickson
Leadership Programs Director

Phone: 507-381-2068
Email: 
[email protected]

Learn more about the our Professional Programs