Westlake, Bay residents teach 'culturally competent' business courses

Westlake residents Phil Belzunce and Lalei Gutierrez and Bay Village resident Steve Slane will teach courses of vital interest to our community as part of a new initiative at Cleveland State University's West Center in Westlake. Professionals in the 21st century need a combination of smarts, emotional intelligence and cultural competence to address the often complex issues they face while also meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce and clientele. 

The interactive courses will address topics such as what to do about unconscious bias in the workplace to honoring religions and spiritual needs in the workplace. These courses are part of a new series of continuing education and professional development classes focused on enriching northeast Ohio professionals’ capacity to engage appropriately and more healthfully around differences in all permutations.

“Diversity management and cultural competency have become essential skills that 21st-century professionals in nearly all professions need to have,” said Lisa Gaynier, director of the Master’s in Diversity Management program at CSU. “By adding a continuing education component we can offer additional training and support to leaders in multiple fields, while continuing to enhance understanding of the importance of culture on organizational performance.” The courses are geared for educators, psychologists and business professionals.

For more information, include course dates and fees, visit csuohio.edu/dmp/ced.