Developing an effective and inclusive team culture requires both knowledge of EDI principles and the ability to lead with emotional intelligence. Participants will identify emotional, social, and structural barriers to inclusion in their organizations, and will apply the priniciples of Universal Design for Learning to identify pathways to change. Participants will practice using emotional intelligence skills to move through challenges that arise in the EDI leadership journey.
This course is available for StrongerBC future skills grant between September 1, 2025 - February 28, 2026. The course must have a start date between Sept 1 - Feb 28 to be eligible for funding. Please contact CPS@kpu.ca on how to apply.
What You Will Learn
- Identify personal goals for EDI leadership.
- Apply emotional intelligence (EI) in the realms of self-perception, self-expression, social responsibility, decision making, and stress management to real-world EDI challenges.
- Explain the applications of universal design for learning (UDL) to EDI and create an action plan that integrates UDL and EI principles to increase inclusion on a diverse team.
How You Will Learn:
You will join live, online, instructor-led sessions that blend theory with real-world application:
- Expert-Led Workshops: Learn directly from a seasoned practitioner.
- Hands-On Case Studies: Apply frameworks in small-group exercises.
- Personalized Feedback: Receive tailored coaching to refine your work.
- Live Q&A & Networking: Dive deeper with peers and the instructor.
- Ongoing Resources: Access slide decks, templates and an online forum to reinforce your learning.
Who This Course is for
This course is ideal for professionals at any level who are committed to creating more inclusive, equitable, and emotionally intelligent workplaces, including:
People leaders, supervisors, and team leads building inclusive team cultures and addressing EDI challenges
HR, DEI, and organizational development professionals working to embed inclusion into structures, systems, and processes
Executives and decision-makers responsible for strategic planning, policy, or culture change initiatives
Educators, non-profit leaders, and community organizers advocating for accessible and inclusive environments
Anyone on their personal or professional EDI journey seeking to lead with self-awareness and intention
If you’re navigating leadership in a diverse environment and want to lead change with clarity, empathy, and strategy—this course is for you.
Why take this course:
Inclusive leadership is no longer optional—it’s expected in today’s diverse and values-driven workplaces
Emotional intelligence is a proven driver of effective leadership, especially when navigating EDI challenges and team dynamics
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles are gaining traction in both education and industry as frameworks for removing barriers and fostering accessibility
BC organizations are under growing pressure to demonstrate measurable progress on EDI goals, including in hiring, advancement, and workplace culture
Leaders who can blend empathy, structure, and action are better positioned to drive lasting, systemic change
This course supports not just knowledge, but transformation, helping leaders apply inclusive strategies in their own unique workplace contexts
Instructor Bio
Maria Kilina, MBA, ACC
Maria is an executive coach, facilitator, and instructor with over 15 years of corporate experience in strategy, business and corporate development, leadership. As an ICF-certified coach and business educator, she blends academic insight with practical expertise to help individuals and organizations thrive. maria holds an MBA and a Certificate in Organizational Coaching from University of British Columbia, as well as EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 certifications - coaching based on the EQ-i 2.0 Emotional Intelligence model assessments.
Her passion is to combine business acumen, coaching, and emotional intelligence skills in developing mindful, inspiring leaders who generate growth in their teams and lead with emotional intelligence.