It is human nature to sort people into categories. Knowing that someone we meet is a woman or man is beneficial. The labels and stereotypes associated with each category are socially learned and often not very helpful in modern societies. Billy Vaughn, PhD CDP CDT CDE is passionate about defeating negative stereotypes to help people appreciate that “the other” is an extension of the self. As a cognitive cultural psychologist, he is committed to unlocking the keys to promoting inclusion competence and creating inclusive organizations.

Vaughn founded Diversity Training University International (DTUI.com) in 1998 to promote the cultural diversity practitioner profession and provide consulting and training solutions. He is also director of the Diversity Executive Leadership Academy (DELA), which is a DTUI.com subsidiary. DELA houses the certification programs. Professionals across sectors turn to DELA for cultural diversity leadership expertise training, cultural diversity practitioner certification, and continuing education.

He has developed assessment tools, the critical thinking simulation game Cultural Collisions, and most of the DELA curriculum. His publications include written several books, a number of academic articles, and professional blogs. His current one “Developing and Sustaining Inclusion Competence” is scheduled for publication in January 2018. 

Billy’s motto is “spreading compassion in the service of inclusion.” He believes that we cannot afford to leave anyone behind or without a seat at the table if our goal is to create sustainable, inclusive organizations in which everyone can bring their whole selves to organizations in the service of productivity. At the same time, he believes we have a responsibility to support those harmed by microaggressions and inequities. His work with senior executives at Qualcomm Inc. modeled the benefits of increasing inclusion competence without firing them for multicultural missteps.