Welcome to Project DiversiFly, where we celebrate the beauty of diversity and soar to new heights together. I'm Dr. Manpreet Kaur, and I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with you. As a scholar, educator, and advocate for diversity and inclusion, I aim to explore the transformative power of embracing our differences. As a first-generation student growing up in India, I've experienced the richness of diversity firsthand. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for our uniqueness and the value of diverse perspectives. Join me as we delve into the heart of diversity education, fostering understanding, collaboration, and empowerment every step of the way.

Education

I graduated with my Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior at the Lubar School of Business, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Before that, I obtained a Master of Business Administration in Global Management from the same school. I also earned a Master's in Tourism Management and an undergraduate degree in English and Economics from India. My educational journey enriched my understanding of organizational dynamics and cultural complexities.

Teaching Experience & Mentoring

My dedication to fostering inclusive environments extends beyond academia. Over the years, I have taught at esteemed institutions such as Whittier College, California State University-Fullerton (CSUF), and the University of Wisconsin-Milwauke (UWM). Teaching at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) like Whittier College and CSUF, I have worked as a professor and advisor with diverse student populations, including many first-generation students. This experience has enriched my teaching practice and deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that diversity brings to the academic environment.

Research & Diversity Scholarship

As a researcher, I'm passionate about delving into topics such as workplace diversity, positive organizational behavior, and interdisciplinary studies. My contributions to the academic community include a range of publications, conference papers, and ongoing research projects aimed at advancing our understanding of diversity and inclusion. Actively engaged in diversity research, my work explores topics such as cultural intelligence and workplace inclusion. With a paper currently under revise and resubmit (R&R), I aim to advance diversity scholarship and broaden our understanding of diversity's implications.

Professional Work Experience

I have ten years of international industry experience as a team leader in management and international process transitioning. Work travel to other countries, such as England, gave me a new perspective on how we can leverage our differences for higher efficiency and better learning. This allows me to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and to transfer my real-world experience to better understand and manage our distinctness.

Pioneering Diversity Education & Project DiversiFly

I pioneered a Diversity in Organizations course at Whittier College, providing students with a platform to explore the impact of diversity in companies. Fueled by a commitment to advancing diversity education, I secured a Diversity Grant that enabled me to achieve certification as a Cultural Intelligence Facilitator, enhancing the diversity education experience for my students. Propelled by a vision to better equip students to understand and navigate diversity, I founded Project DiversiFly, a groundbreaking initiative aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in diversity education. Leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, Project DiversiFly provides students and educators an immersive opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the richness of human differences. As the visionary behind Project DiversiFly, my dedication is centered on empowering students to unlock the full potential of diversity. I invite interested members of the academic community and organizations to join us on a transformative journey of discovery, dialogue, and collective efforts toward creating a world where diversity is not only accepted but embraced and celebrated.