By completing ASPIRE courses faculty and staff may become eligible for digital credentials offered through Credly as recognition of their active engagement in professional development to foster inclusive workplace environments and promote empathy across diverse perspectives.
Emerging in Inclusive Leadership & Community
Earners of this badge demonstrate foundational skills in creating inclusive environments and promoting empathy across diverse perspectives. They engage in constructive dialogue, foster deeper understanding, and advocate for creating communities of belonging. This badge recognizes their emerging expertise in building meaningful connections and contributing to inclusive practices within their organizations.
Excelling in Inclusive Leadership & Community
Earners of this badge demonstrate intermediate skills in fostering inclusive environments, leading constructive dialogues, and promoting empathy across diverse perspectives. They have the ability to navigate differences and create spaces where all voices are valued. This badge highlights their expertise in building strong, unified teams and driving initiatives that promote belonging.
For questions about ASPIRE or to inquire about sessions for your team, please contact Dr. Erikca Brown.
ASPIRE Professional Development
ASPIRE is a faculty and staff professional development program that supports dialogue, connection, and community across the university. Through facilitated conversations and interactive learning experiences, participants strengthen communication skills, engage across differing perspectives, and build capacity for collaboration.
Grounded in dialogue and reflective practice, ASPIRE helps faculty and staff deepen understanding of shared values, navigate complexity with professionalism and care, and contribute to a more connected and collaborative campus community, focusing on building transferable skills and institutional capacity. Participants will have opportunities to build skills for engaging in dialogue across differing perspectives; strengthen listening, communication and reflective practices; increase awareness of how connection supports collaboration and effectiveness; and, practice contributing to constructive, respectful academic and work environments.
Fall 2026 Workshops
| September 22 | 12:00 - 1:30p | Creating Communities of Belonging, Pt. 1 |
| October 15 | 3:30 - 5:00p | Creating Communities of Belonging, Pt. 2 |
| November 3 | 12:00 - 1:30p | Building Communities with Compassionate Conversation |
| November 16 | 12:00 - 1:30p | The Story of Me, Story of Us |
| November 30 | 12:00 - 1:30p | Nurturing Cultural Awareness |
| December 3 | 12:00 - 1:30p | Cultivating Empathy |
To register for ASPIRE programming, view the ASPIRE Workshops playlist in MasonLEAPS.