Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training

As an organization rooted in friendship and values, Pi Beta Phi is dedicated to supporting and empowering our members. We approach this work with intention and purpose, especially our efforts toward greater diversity, equity and inclusion within our sisterhood and our communities. 

Pi Beta Phi is committed to addressing our recruitment practices to drive inclusivity, which includes pre-recruitment bias training for our collegians and Alumnae Advisory Committee (AAC) members who assist with recruitment activities.

The training items below are intended for all collegiate and AAC members who will participate in any type of recruitment efforts for their chapter, whether it be a formal structure, COB, in-person or virtual. There is a mix of personal and group sessions, as well as suggested follow up dialogue. Each session also includes a survey to help Pi Beta Phi continue to evolve and update future resources. It is important that these sessions are viewed in order, as they build off one another.


Session 1: Exploring Identity Development

This 30-minute self-guided video lays the groundwork for future conversations within the topic. It will cover how self-identity, dominant and minoritized groups and intersectionality all must be considered through a Recruitment lens. This is meant to be viewed individually or with chapter sisters. Access the training in our Online Learning Center below.

Access the Training

Session 2: Power and Privilege 

This 30-minute self-guided video continues to lay groundwork for future conversations within the topic. It will define power and privilege, share history on why it exists and define systems where power and privilege exist. This is meant to be viewed individually or with chapter sisters in preparation for the chapter discussion of Session 3. Access the training in our Online Learning Center below.

Access the Training

Session 3: Implicit Bias

This 1-hour recorded webinar will guide a chapter discussion surrounding Implicit Bias. Information and prompts throughout the recording will ask the chapter to discuss what are implicit biases, how they impact us personally and others, and will allow participants to practice managing biases through Recruitment. Sessions 1 and 2 must be viewed prior to Session 3 to have the most success. Access the training in our Online Learning Center below.

A trusted chapter officer should facilitate the discussion as a part of a recruitment-preparation workshop during Spirit Week, or an additional meeting time determined by the chapter Executive Council.

Access the Training

Session 4: Language

This live webinar, held in early-September, is an opportunity for AAC members to follow up on their work in Sessions 1-3 and discuss the importance of language, words lasting impacts and the process of unlearning words, phrases and statements. The recording will be made available below once it's been received. Access the training in our Online Learning Center below.

Access the Training


Meet our training partners

Christina Parle, M.S.

Christina professionally designs and facilitates diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum for collegians, volunteers and staff. As a trained National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) facilitator, much of Christina’s work includes conflict resolution and effective communication; she has an interest in language and the impact it has on people. She currently serves Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity as Director of Chapter Services and Conduct. Prior to her current role, Christina was Assistant Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at the University of Kansas. She holds a master’s degree in higher education with an emphasis in student affairs from Pennsylvania State University. While at Penn State, Christina completed a graduate assistantship in student conduct and served as the interim primary advisor for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and Multicultural Greek Council. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science at the University of Central Missouri and is a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.

Suzette Walden Cole, Ph.D.

Suzette is a certified conflict resolution specialist who focuses on restorative justice and addressing diversity, equity and inclusion. She designs and facilitates curriculum to help participants explore identity, inclusive practices and cultural competency; her consulting clients include NPHC and National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) member groups as well as companies across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to becoming a full-time consultant, Suzette served as Director of Student Conflict and Conflict Resolution at Illinois State University (ISU) for 10 years. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in education administration and foundations at ISU, studying the factors that contribute to the development of culture in student groups and strategies for cultivating change within those groups. Suzette also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with minors in English and communication, and a Master of Education degree in college student personnel administration with an emphasis in higher education administration.


Leading with values

Pi Phi's collegiate and alumnae programming is designed to promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential and enrich lives through community service.

Learn More