The Vision Council has announced there are still “seats” available for Advancing Diversity & Inclusion: A Cornell Certificate for Optical Professionals, an online four-course and capstone certificate program customized specifically for members of the vision community by Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). The certificate program is designed to lead attendees through the perceptual, institutional and psychological processes that impact employee interactions in an effort to build a truly aware and inclusive work culture.

Members of The Vision Council and non-members are welcome to register at a discounted rate, with members eligible for special members-only pricing. To learn more about the certificate program and register, click here.

The Vision Council’s registrants will have access to two exclusive private courses designed to provide vision industry context and instruction not included in the traditional Cornell certification program. All four courses will be led by Lisa Nishii, Associate Professor and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, with the first course beginning on December 8, 2021. For more information on course topics and dates, click here.

In addition, The Vision Council has worked with Cornell University to curate a custom two-hour live virtual capstone session contextualized to optical industry specific scenarios, challenges and opportunities. The exclusive capstone session will be led by Tony Byers, Diversity & Inclusion Professional Programs Director and Senior Extension Faculty for Cornell University’s ILR School. 

Byers previously served as the Head of Global Diversity and Inclusion at Starbucks and is known for his efforts in leading and revitalizing Starbucks’ highly respected and successful diversity and inclusion programming. Byers will also lead a fireside chat at The Vision Council’s upcoming Executive Summit. To learn more about the courses included in the certificate program, click here.

Cornell University is a private Ivy League school and widely regarded as one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. According to the U.S. News and World Report for 2022, Cornell University is ranked as the 17th best university in the country and consistently ranks as one of the top 20 colleges and universities in the U.S. 

Cornell University’s Executive Certificate Programs are personally developed by faculty experts to explore today's most in-demand skills with the internationally recognized standard of excellence associated with the university. Course content comes from top-rated programs with proven curricula to provide tangible outcomes in more than 145 areas of professional development. 

For more information on The Vision Council’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, click here. For more information on Cornell University’s Executive Certificate Program, visit the website.