Overview

The Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute at Bennett College for Women leads the way in exploring the growing complexity of diversity and inclusion as it partners with academic institutions, businesses, corporations, civic and community organizations, government leaders and their agencies and a variety of global thought leaders who continue to make the study and advancement of diversity their life’s work.

Initial programming for the Institute began in 2005 and construction of a permanent facility to house the Institute is expected to begin in 2006. Initial programs have been selected based on the knowledge and expertise of the Institute’s Advisory Board as well as from potential supporters and diversity professionals and practitioners. Existing programs include:

Chief Diversity Officers (CDO) Forum
Chief Diversity Officers from the Fortune 500, businesses, academic institutions, non-profits and government agencies convene annually to focus on key issues and discuss best practices for managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“Focus” on Diversity & Inclusion
The Institute’s quarterly newsletter will focus on key diversity and inclusion issues as identified by attendees of the annual CDO Forum under the editorial guidance of the Bennett College Professor of Diversity in-Residence.

O. LaVelle Bond Diversity Scholars Program
Tuition scholarships for Bennett College for Women students combined with experiences and educational opportunities aimed at expanding knowledge of workplace and worldplace diversity.

“Power Girls” Summmer Leadership Institute
A two-week residential program focused on developing leadership skills, character building and personal development for young “women of color” ages fourteen to seventeen.

Professor of Diversity In-Residence
Monthly programming aimed at academicians, students and diversity practitioners will highlight the one-year appointment of a prominent diversity thought leader. Economist & Author, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Former Essence and Ms Magazine editor in chief Marsha Gillespie, and Rtd. CDO of IBM Corporation, Ted Childs are the former appointees.

Organizations are invited to work with the Insitute to develop programming and organization specific training/education modules to fit their diversity and inclusion initiatives and needs.