Empowered Together Certificate Program
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Program Overview
The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) offers educational engagement opportunities through high touch and interactive learning experiences. UC Santa Cruz employees are encouraged to participate in the Empowered Together certificate program. Launching in Spring 2025, the program is free to UC Santa Cruz staff and faculty.
Offered quarterly over a 8-week period, Empowered Together is designed to strengthen employees’ competencies and capacity in supporting their units’ efforts related to student success, classroom and workplace inclusion, and greater accessibility, all in pursuit of fostering a sense of belonging and building a connected community.
Participants will engage in group discussions, self and group reflections, and readings, and will have access to optional campus and community events that may deepen their understanding of program topics.
Sessions will be offered in person and virtually. We ask that, whenever possible, participants stay with their cohort throughout the duration. However, we understand that there may be times that participants need to miss a session or switch to another session, which should be communicated in advance to the program director as early as possible. Digital certificates will be awarded after the completion of all seven courses, and make-ups in later quarters for missing sessions will be allowed as long as it is within one year of the initial program start.
Virtual classes will be held on Zoom and have a maximum of 12 participants. In-person classes will be held on the main campus (location will be shared after registration) and have a maximum of 24 participants.
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. If the maximum number of participants is reached before the registration deadline, a waiting list will be created and you will be automatically added, as space permits, to any cohort you’ve indicated you can attend.
Sessions
Introduction: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Environment
Description: Participants will dive into key theoretical frameworks of diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion in higher education through interactive discussions and activities. They will engage in self-reflection to better understand their experiences with power, privilege, and culture, enhancing personal growth and awareness of these dynamics in academic and workplace environments.
Facilitator: Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
From Bias to Belonging: Improving Our Workplace Cultures
Description: Participants will explore implicit bias and its effects on workplace climate, morale, and performance, equipping them to create a more inclusive environment. Through case scenarios and discussions, they will learn to challenge bias and implement effective change strategies. Additionally, they will discover resources at UC Santa Cruz to promote a healthy campus environment and enhance their professional interactions.
Facilitator: Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Microaggressions Unpacked: Creating Safe and Brave Spaces
Description: Participants will learn to recognize and articulate microaggressions and their significant impact on individuals and workplace environments. Participants will learn how to implement and practice micro affirmations in their daily interactions to foster a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for colleagues and students (Solorzano and Perez Huber, 2020). They will practice “micro-affirmations” to create a more inclusive atmosphere and engage in self-reflection to enhance their awareness of power, privilege, and cultural influences.
Facilitator: Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Understanding Allyship: Moving from Bystander to Active Support
Description: In this session, participants will explore how to become effective allies and understand the distinction between being an ally and an accomplice. They will learn and practice intervention techniques for addressing harassment and microaggressions in the workplace.
Facilitator: Judith Estrada Ph.D.
Centering Oneself in order to Serve Others
Description: This session emphasizes self-care as a form of resistance against disconnection and marginalization, as inspired by Loretta Pyles. Attendees will create inner sanctuaries to cultivate resources that enhance solidarity and community action, while engaging in practices that promote emotional well-being, cultural dignity, and personal growth.
Facilitators: Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Cultural Humility in Action: Transforming Working Environments
Description: Participants will explore the three tenets of cultural humility—lifelong learning and self-reflection, mitigating power imbalances, and institutional accountability. Originally focused on physician training by theorists like Tervalon and Murray-Garcia, cultural humility has gained traction in various fields, including higher education. At UC Santa Cruz, participants will discuss how cultural humility connects to our community principles and our service to the broader community.
Facilitators: Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Conclusion: Cultivating Change – From Awareness to Action
Description: The program will conclude with a session that will address how we continue to learn and engage with the topics learned. We will discuss how all of these sessions are part of a life learning journey, accountability to ourselves, and building community. As a group we will consider how we can create a welcoming environment that encourages open dialogue and respect.
Facilitators: Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand Foundational Theories and Key Concepts
Participants will explore and analyze foundational theories and key concepts related to diversity, accessibility, equity, belonging, and inclusion. This involves examining historical and contemporary perspectives that shape these areas. By engaging with literature, discussions, and case studies, participants will develop a nuanced understanding of how these concepts influence individual and collective experiences in society, enabling them to approach their work with a well-informed and empathetic mindset. - Apply Tools and Strategies for Inclusion
Participants will gain practical skills in applying tools and strategies to create and sustain inclusive environments across various settings, including workplaces, classrooms, and community spaces. This includes understanding the barriers that individuals from diverse backgrounds may face and implementing proactive measures to address these issues. Participants will engage in hands-on activities and role-playing scenarios to practice fostering an inclusive climate, promoting open communication, and encouraging collaboration among diverse groups. The aim is to develop competencies that empower participants to lead initiatives and advocate for inclusive practices in their professional lives. - Contribute to UC Santa Cruz’s Principles of Community
Participants will actively contribute to the UC Santa Cruz Principles of Community by deepening their awareness and engagement with diverse perspectives. This outcome emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting differences, promoting a culture of openness and accountability, and committing to just and equitable practices. Through community involvement, dialogue, and collaborative projects, students will learn how to embody the principles of being diverse, open, purposeful, caring, just, disciplined, and celebrative. They will also reflect on their own biases and assumptions, aiming to foster a sense of belonging for all members of the community, while advocating for justice and equity within and beyond the university setting.
How to Register
Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. If the maximum number of participants is reached before the registration deadline, a waiting list will be created and you will be automatically added, as space permits, to any cohort you’ve indicated you can attend.
Register by October 3, 2025 at 4PM PST
Late submissions will be considered for the Winter 2026 cohort.
Program Schedule
Optional weekly office hours with Dr. Estrada will be offered on Mondays from 12pm to 1pm PST.
No sessions will be offered October 22 and 23.
Wednesday Cohort – Virtual
Virtual via Zoom from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm PST
| Wednesday, October 8 | Session 1 | Introduction: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Environment |
| Wednesday, October 15 | Session 2 | From Bias to Belonging: Improving Our Workplace Cultures |
| Wednesday, October 22 | No Session | Optional self-study opportunities (including extended office hours with Dr. Estrada) and the opportunity to attend a special session with guest speakers. More details will be shared with participants |
| Tuesday, October 29 | Session 3 | Microaggressions Unpacked: Creating Safe and Brave Spaces |
| Tuesday, November 5 | Session 4 | Understanding Allyship: Moving from Bystander to Active Support |
| Tuesday, November 12 | Session 5 | Centering Oneself in Order to Serve Others |
| Tuesday, November 19 | Session 6 | Cultural Humility in Action: Transforming Working Environments |
| Tuesday, November 26 | Session 7 | Conclusion: Cultivating Change – From Awareness to Action |
Thursday Cohort – Virtual
Virtual via Zoom from 10:00 am to 11:30 am PST
| Thursday, October 9 | Session 1 | Introduction: Fostering an Inclusive Workplace Environment |
| Thursday, October 16 | Session 2 | From Bias to Belonging: Improving Our Workplace Cultures |
| Thursday, October 23 | No Session | Optional self-study opportunities (including extended office hours with Dr. Estrada) and the opportunity to attend a special session with guest speakers. More details will be shared with participants. |
| Thursday, October 30 | Session 3 | Microaggressions Unpacked: Creating Safe and Brave Spaces |
| Thursday, November 6 | Session 4 | Understanding Allyship: Moving from Bystander to Active Support |
| Thursday, November 13 | Session 5 | Centering Oneself in Order to Serve Others. |
| Thursday, November 20 | Session 6 | Cultural Humility in Action: Transforming Working Environments |
| Thursday, December 4 | Session 7 | Conclusion: Cultivating Change – From Awareness to Action |
Have questions? Check out the FAQ below for answers!
Meet the Instructor
Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Judith Estrada (she/her/ella) is the Director of Educational Programs at the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and oversees the Empowered Together certificate program. Dr. Estrada is a dedicated professional with extensive expertise in developing, managing, and assessing campus-wide training initiatives for both employees and students. Known for her collaborative approach, Dr. Estrada designs training solutions in partnership with various campus divisions. Always ready to take on new challenges, Dr. Estrada embodies a tireless commitment to enriching the overall student experience.
Dr. Estrada received her B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies with a minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. She is the proud recipient of Oakes College’s 2024 Don Catalano Distinguished Alumni Award. Judith holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her commitment to educational equity is rooted in her personal experiences, teaching practices, and theoretical insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Empowered Together Certificate Program FAQ
What are the benefits of participating in the Empowered Together Certificate Program?
This 8-week program aims to enhance staff competencies and capacity in supporting their units’ efforts related to student success, accessibility, and fostering a sense of belonging. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of essential topics in higher education, such as recognizing and minimizing implicit bias and microaggressions, understanding intersectionality, practicing cultural humility, and deploying bystander intervention strategies.
Who can participate?
UC Santa Cruz employees (faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate student employees).
How much does the certificate program cost?
It is FREE to all UC Santa Cruz employees!
I am a UC Santa Cruz undergraduate. Can I take part?
We regret that we do not have space for undergraduates, but our office looks forward to working with the Division for Student Affairs and Success to develop or curate relevant content for undergraduates in the future.
I don’t currently have a UC Santa Cruz affiliation. Can I still take part?
Not at this time, but we may offer additional educational engagement opportunities for non-campus affiliates in the future. Please check back.
Who does the training?
The majority of the classes will be facilitated or co-facilitated by Judith Estrada, Ph.D.
Where will the sessions take place?
Participants have two options to choose from. We highly encourage you to remain with your cohort for the duration of the program, but we will accommodate occasional switches due to unavoidable conflicts if communicated in advance to the program director.
- Virtual (Zoom) sessions will take place on:
- Wednesdays from 2:00 to 2:30am PST
- Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30pm PST
How do I ensure I receive my preferred meeting times?
Participants will rank their preference in the registration form. Once all cohorts are filled, a waiting list will be created, and individuals will be contacted about any openings.
For the virtual participants, do we ever get to meet in person?
We will discuss this possibility when we meet, but it would not be a requirement for earning the certificate.
How long is the certificate program, and when does it start?
The program lasts 8 weeks. The first Empowered Together program will begin on October 8 and end June 5. We will also build in a week of optional self-study, facilitated by guest speakers. More details will be shared with participants.
How many people will be in my cohort?
In Spring 2025, there will be three online cohorts of 12 people each, for 36 spots in total. We hope to add additional in-person cohorts of 24 during Academic Year 2025-2026.
Can I sign up with a friend/colleague or as part of a unit?
Signups are done individually, but if you wish to attend the same session as someone else, we recommend you each sign up as soon as possible. Should there be sufficient interest, we may offer unit-specific versions of the certificate in the future.
What if my schedule conflicts with all the offered times? Will you offer more soon?
New cohorts will begin in Winter 2026 and quarterly thereafter.
How demanding are the sessions?
The sessions are 90 minutes long with one five-minute break. There will be discussion sessions at the end of each session and recommended readings to do for the next session. Outside of session requirements are very minimal and optional.
Must I attend every session in order to complete the certificate?
We understand that there may be competing priorities. Make-ups in later quarters for missing sessions will be allowed as long as it is within one year of the initial program start. Once you complete all seven courses, you will receive a digital copy of your certificate of completion.
Do I need my supervisor’s approval to join?
We do not require the approval of your supervisor for you to enroll in the program. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure your supervisor supports this use of your work time and can help support your professional development goals.
I’m a supervisor. Can I require my direct reports to participate?
We believe that the program goals are best met when participants voluntarily decide to take part. As a practice, ODEI will not share participants’ attendance or nonattendance with third parties, including supervisors.
Can I get a paper copy of my certificate?
We regret that we will not be able to provide this, but the digital copy we send will be in PDF form and easy to print on your own.
Where do I register?
The Google registration form is here.
Who do I contact if I have any questions? Dr. Judith Estrada judi@ucsc.edu