LEADING FOR DEI is a first-of-its-kind cohort-based program offered by Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility and Loyola’s Institute for Racial Justice. The cohort experience equips executives with the values, knowledge, and tools to design and implement enterprise-wide DEI strategies.

Leading for DEI marries the Institute for Racial Justice’s research and deep understanding of systemic inequity, racism, and xenophobia with Baumhart's expertise in change management and higher-purpose business leadership. The program engages leaders to explore how DEI can enhance each business function—from human resources to supply chain to executive governance—and add social, financial, and societal value.

Join Leading for DEI

Applications for the 2025 cohort will be released in the spring/summer of 2025.

Meet participants from past cohorts:

• Meet our current cohort
• 2023 Cohort
• 2021 Cohort
• 2020 Cohort

New Tools for Driving Impact

Leveraging Loyola’s leadership in DEI, governance, human resources, and responsible business, Leading for DEI offers:

• Immersive learning: Cohort members participate in an immersive two-day opening retreat followed by five facilitated cohort sessions that cover topics including understanding systemic inequity, the role of companies in advancing equity and inclusion for society, DEI as a business imperative, inclusive leadership, building inclusive cultures and teams, and change management.
• Individualized coaching: Cohort members work with a strategy coach to unpack their own understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how to harness their own leadership to advance DEI. Cohort members also work with their coach to develop and deepen a tailored approach to their company’s DEI strategy.
• Peer networking: Cohort members build community throughout the program, sharing best practices, strategic efforts and challenges, and additional resources. 
• A nationally recognized certificate: Cohort members graduate with a certificate in DEI leadership from Loyola University Chicago’s Quinlan School of Business.

Structured for Continuous Learning

Leading for DEI provides executives from companies and large nonprofits with the tools to develop enterprise-wide DEI strategies that are tailored to the company’s unique purpose and positioning.

Lead Faculty and Featured Speakers