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Linyu Liu grew up and studied in China, and volunteered as an English teacher for young children in rural Thailand during her studies. This experience exposed her to diverse cultural perspectives and sparked her passion for understanding and embracing cultural differences. Seeking further international experience, she participated in an exchange program in Germany and later completed her master's degree in international management in Norway and Sweden. In 2019, Linyu moved to Finland to start her PhD studies, focusing on diversity and inclusion within organizations. 

‘Throughout my academic and personal journey, I have been deeply interested in understanding the experiences of people who are in the peripheral, who are marginalised, and who are not given opportunities. I want to bring these underrepresented stories to the forefront and advocate for equity and inclusion,’ says Linyu.’

What inspired you to design this summer course on Managing Diversity and Inclusion?

Initially, I was sceptical of the term "diversity and inclusion," as it often seemed like a superficial or decorative effort by organisations. However, my perspective changed during my fieldwork in companies. Many individuals sincerely want to make workplaces more inclusive. Yet, systemic barriers, organizational structures, and unconscious biases often get in the way. This realization inspired me to take a more constructive approach. 

How can organisations and companies take the next step in managing diversity, equality, and inclusion in 2025?

The first step for organisations is to acknowledge that diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not their sole priorities but exist within a broader, competitive, and performance-driven business environment. Too often, D&I initiatives are treated as isolated, symbolic efforts rather than being fully integrated into the company’s core operations and decision-making processes. Recognising and addressing the tension between achieving high performance and fulfilling D&I objectives is essential for making meaningful progress. By openly acknowledging these challenges and actively managing them, companies can create more genuine and impactful D&I initiatives that not only align with organisational goals but also bring positive changes to employees' lives.

How does the course address real-world challenges related to diversity and inclusion in organisations or communities?

This course takes a practical and critical approach to diversity and inclusion by addressing the real-world challenges that organisations and communities face. Rather than treating diversity as an abstract concept, it explores the structural, cultural, and interpersonal barriers that often hinder meaningful progress. 

Through real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and applied learning, students will be able to identify and analyze key barriers to diversity and inclusion within organisations; develop practical solutions to promote diversity and inclusion at both organisational and individual levels; engage in critical reflection about their own assumptions and the complexities of diversity and inclusion in different contexts; and learn to navigate organisational and social dynamics.

For whom would you recommend this course?

This course is ideal for students from various disciplines who are interested in understanding and addressing diversity and inclusion challenges in different contexts. Additionally, those aspiring to work in human resources, organisational leadership, public policy, community development, or any profession that involves engaging with diverse populations will benefit from the theoretical and practical insights offered in this course. 

Anyone passionate about fostering inclusive environments and developing skills to manage diversity effectively would find this course valuable.

The application period for Managing Diversity and Inclusion is open until 31 May 2025.