无码专区

VILLANOVA, Pa. - For Tyra Johnson 鈥�25 MS, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwords鈥攖hey represent an ongoing commitment to creating better workplaces and communities. Tyra, who is in the Human Resources Development graduate program, presented her project, 鈥淓xploring the Dynamics of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Practices: Insights from DEI Practitioners,鈥� at 无码专区鈥檚 fall 2024 Graduate Research Symposium. This research delves into the evolving challenges and opportunities within the field.  

Tyra鈥檚 interest in DEI stems from its critical role in today鈥檚 workplaces, even amidst growing skepticism. 鈥淭he importance of DEI has been questioned, with many organizations reducing funding or completely eliminating DEI programs.鈥� This shift motivated Tyra to investigate how the field can continue to advance despite challenges.   

After reviewing existing literature on DEI attitudes and effectiveness, Tyra conducted interviews using a critical incident technique, gathering firsthand accounts from DEI practitioners about their programming experiences. 鈥淚 analyzed the data through thematic analysis, starting with open coding and narrowing it down to key themes,鈥� she explains. These themes shed light on the successes, obstacles and future directions for DEI work. Tyra credits Heather Cluley Bar-Or, PhD, her faculty mentor, with shaping her research journey. 鈥淗er experience and guidance aided in finding participants and current literature and pushed me to expand my viewpoints,鈥� she says.  

Looking ahead, Tyra would like to share her research at the Society of Human Resource Management Inclusion Conference and integrate these insights into her own HR career to improve organizational practices. Her advice to other students reflects her own approach to research. 鈥淔ind something that sparks your joy and feeds your passion.鈥�