Shakti Training

02/04/2026

In moments of uncertainty and deep social complexity, effective leadership requires us to lead with intention and adopt a consciously inclusive mindset.

In my latest piece, I unpack what a consciously inclusive mindset looks like in practice and why it matters now more than ever.

We are living in a time of deep division, rapid change, and growing uncertainty, and the impact of what is happening in our society shows up every day in our workplaces. Employees are navigating tension and stress while carrying a deep desire to be seen, valued, and to belong. In times like these, i

02/03/2025

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a calculated effort by the new administration to sensationalize and weaponize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). But behind the headlines and political rhetoric lies a deeper truth: DEI isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s essential for business success and societal progress.

In this article, I break down:
✅ What DEI really is- and why it matters
✅ The solid business case for DEI
✅ The most common myths about DEI—and facts to debunk them
✅ How we can take this moment to move DEI forward

Misinformation about DEI is widespread and will continue to spread through politics, media, and public discourse. If you are frustrated by the attacks on DEI- stay informed, challenge false narratives, and push back with facts.
Read the full article here ⬇️

The backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is nothing new, but the current wave of politicization and misinformation is…

08/30/2024

For the last two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to the pursuit of one goal: creating environments where every individual feels they belong. My journey started with a deep-rooted passion for intercultural communication, inspired by the challenges I faced as the daughter of Indian immigrants and a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur. Founding Shakti Training was a leap into the unknown, with no roadmap and few mentors, but it has been a rewarding journey as I’ve been able to turn my personal challenges into a platform for change.

Over the years I’ve seen firsthand how intentional inclusion can be used as an effective tool for retaining talent and transforming workplaces. I am deeply committed to helping organizations move beyond surface-level diversity initiatives to foster genuine culture change that improves organizational performance. In a time when DEI efforts are under the microscope, I remain dedicated to empowering others to turn discomfort into growth and help develop inclusive leaders who drive meaningful change.

If your organization is serious about creating a culture where everyone thrives, I invite you to connect with me. Learn more about my journey and insights in Canvas Rebel’s Inspiring Stories Series.

Today we'd like to introduce you to Cindu Thomas-George. Hi Cindu, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. My professional journey began over two decades ago in San Francisco, California, after I earned a graduate degree in Communication Studies with a specialization in Intercultural C...

05/22/2024

In recognition of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage month, I am releasing two videos that speak to some of the challenges that Asian American employees face when it comes to advancing their careers.

This first video is focused on the model minority myth- a damaging stereotype that asserts that Asian Americans are the “model” racial group that all other racially minoritized groups should aspire to. The model minority myth is problematic on so many levels and it hinders advancement into leadership and contributes to the bamboo ceiling (which I will be discussing in my next video). Tune in to learn more!

If you are interested in learning about how you can help narrow the leadership gap and advance the careers of Asian Americans in your organization, feel free to schedule a complimentary call with me at the link in the comments section below.

05/01/2024

👋🏽 As a DEI and Anti-racism practitioner with 20 years of experience, I collaborate with organizations across various industries to develop and lead capacity-building educational experiences, coaching sessions, and strategic consulting. My offerings are designed to equip employees at all levels to co-create meaningful and sustainable culture change.

My areas of expertise include:

Intercultural Intelligence: With a background in Intercultural Communication, which was the focus of my graduate studies, I have been teaching and training on this topic for two decades.

Inclusive Leadership: I have a long standing commitment to leadership development and am currently partnering with Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University, where I teach and coach on this subject.

Anti-racism: I specialize in cultivating racially inclusive teams and organizations and encouraging BIPOC to examine our own complicity in perpetuating systems of racism and oppression.

Keynote Speaking: Leveraging over 20 years of teaching public speaking in Higher Education, I deliver engaging, action-oriented interactive keynotes that spark transformation. Check out my website to explore the topics I regularly address. (I still have a few openings for month!)

If you’re interested in learning more about my services and how I collaborate with organizations, visit Shakti Diversity and Equity Training’s website at the link in my bio and feel free to DM me here!

📸 by TEMBO TONES, LLC

03/19/2024

Today was the first time I taught a face to face class since Covid forced the world to shut down. After four years of teaching fully online, today is a momentous day and one that reminded me why fell in love with teaching college students.

Education unlocks our potential and I’m so grateful I get to be part of this transformative process. I just met these students tonight but I’m already so proud of them. ♥️

02/08/2024

Women’s History Month and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month are just around the corner! If you are looking for an experienced and impactful speaker for these commemorative months, I am now accepting a limited number of bookings for speaking engagements during March and May!
 
As a seasoned DEI / Anti-racism practitioner and Professor who has taught Public Speaking for the last twenty years- I curate engaging, empowering, meaningful and interactive keynotes that are designed to inform and inspire.
 
All of my talks are informed by my lived experiences of navigating Higher Education as a women of color, being the daughter of Indian immigrants, along with the experiences and insights I have gained from co-founding and leading the , The , and the Women of Color ERG at my institution.
 
Signature Women’s History Month talks:
- Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion and Belonging for Women of Color: Pathways to Success
-The Power of Allyship: Encouraging Cross Racial Solidarity Among Women Identifying Employees
-Equity before Equality: Equity Practices that can Empower Women of Color in the Workplace
- Developing Consciously Inclusive Women Identifying Leaders
 
Signature APIDA Heritage Month talks:
-Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Advancing Asian Americans in Leadership
-Rejecting the Model Minority Myth and Decentering Whiteness in Asian American Communities
-Disrupting Anti-Asian Hate
-Solidarity building within Asian American communities
 
Head to my website at the link in my bio to learn more and reach out to learn more about how we can collaborate!



photo credit:

02/06/2024

Don’t be fazed by the DEI haters! DEI training (when done effectively) isn’t political or divisive- it is pro-human work that can be empowering and dare I say, FUN! 🥳
 
The goal of DEI training is to build the DEI capacities of leaders and employees so that they can effectively and collectively work towards meaningful culture change. It’s NOT a game of blaming, guilting, or shaming.
 
I am honored to have kicked off the organizational DEI journey at . We engaged in some serious learning together- and even explored some of the more uncomfortable DEI topics like the intersections of identity, privilege, and power- AND we had some good laughs along the way ♥️.

01/15/2024

MLK’s commitment and effectiveness in challenging and disrupting racial and economic injustice posed such a threat to the engineered systemic discrimination that has always ensured that certain Americans are advantaged over others that it led to his murder and untimely death.

Similarly, we have seen those in power who are threatened by the social change and the upward mobility of minoritized Americans make decisions that will help reverse the racial equality progress that has been slowly made over the last several decades.

The Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions, banning books that dare to truth tell and create representation of minoritized identities, the banning of teaching African American history, the legislation that prohibits DEI education, DEI statements, and DEI positions in Higher Ed are all examples of this. For those of us working towards a more inclusive, equitable, and antiracist society- the politicization and backlash against DEI and anti-racism can be disheartening and disempowering BUT we must stay committed to our causes and to our work- just as Dr. King did.

Dr. King and his legacy reminds me that it’s imperative to use our voice, influence, privilege, and power to speak up and out against injustices happening in our workplaces, our communities, and in our larger society, regardless of the criticisms or pushback we may receive. I’m grateful to Dr. King for teaching me so much and helping me to understand that “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

Artwork by my 9 year old son, Jhazper. ♥

01/13/2024

My heart breaks for Dr. Antoinette Candia-Bailey, her loved ones, and all Black women working in Higher Education.

In my 20 years of working in Higher Ed as a woman of color, I know first-hand how crippling and debilitating it can be to deal with harassment, bullying, and gaslighting within the system. Having a boss who demeans you, questions your intellect and credibility instead of affirming you and supporting your growth and development can be isolating and painful and creates a toxic workplace environment. When your workplace says they are committed to DEI and anti-racism yet gives you a poor performance evaluation instead of intervening to investigate the intentional bullying and harassment you have courageously reported, it can be unbearable- severely impacting your mental health and overall well-being.

Working in the system of Higher Ed - a system that is steeped in White dominant norms can be daunting for BIPOC, especially for those of us who resist conforming and assimilating to these norms. My own lived experiences as an adjunct and full time faculty led me to create a women of color ERG 8 years ago at my own institution- and one of the things that I have realized through my time leading this ERG filled with incredibly smart and resilient women is that we MUST show up for and protect Black women - no other identity group is subject to workplace harm the way they are. We MUST listen to Black women, not undermine or ignore them.

I didn’t know Dr. Bailey, but I am mourning her loss. May her soul rest in paradise.

11/10/2023

Increasing representation of BIPOC in leadership roles is imperative in our increasingly racially diverse society BUT too many of us assume that putting someone with melanated skin in a position of power will ensure inclusion and anti-racism. The reality is that sometimes these “leaders” create more harm than good. As Zora Neale Hurston famously said, “not all skinfolk are kinfolk” and it’s time for us to collectively wake up and realize the truth behind her words.

BIPOC leadership doesn’t guarantee inclusion or liberation.

11/06/2023

We need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.