Aligne Academy

I recently completed, Corporate Path to an Anti-Racist Society, a course taught by Birungi Ives through Aligne Academy. And If you read anything, read this: Don't wait to participate in this anti-racist training. Don't wait to have this innovative and revolutionary training at your disposal. Don't wait to suggest this training to the decision-makers at your organization. In other words, “Don’t wait for a person, such as George Floyd, to die or a public relations crisis to bring equality to your business,” as Birungi Ives says. After spending the better part of my life studying cross-cultural communications and/or participating in many racial sensitivity trainings as part of professional development training, I believe that nothing comes close to the breadth and depth of what this course has to offer attendees. Whether from a non-profit, academic institution, faith-based group, government entity, or private sector etc., participants have an opportunity to evolve their humanity skills in new and innovative ways through Birungi’s training. This is not a racial sensitivity training workshop or module. This is design thinking and thought leadership training from the ground up. Birungi's teaching style is empowering and the flow of the course sets one up for success. Through a series of “read, watch, listen, reflect, write, discuss” offered as content guides, participants have an increased chance of fully grasping the content. The course is especially well-suited for the dynamic learner. Full disclosure: Although this workshop was sponsored by Science is US, as an employee of the organization, there was no cost for me to attend. However, it's worth mentioning that I would after have gladly invested in this training for my own personal and professional development. Invaluable tools and training for anyone embarking on the journey and practice towards anti-racist living. Thank you so much for the having the opportunity to attend this course.

Over the course of my career I have attended numerous "required" diversity and inclusion trainings. During this workshop we actually delved into why those standard diversity trainings don't have the impact they should. Unlike those traditional trainings, this workshop is not designed as a lecture. It is interactive and requires thoughtful participation. Each participant is given advance materials in a variety of formats - videos, podcasts, articles to read - and an assignment that requires them to think through the materials and write out specific learnings from the material. That work is then supplemented with facilitated conversation sessions that take more the format of a critical thinking advanced college course. Approaching the subject and material in this way allows participants to move at their own pace, to absorb the content through the format that most appeals to their learning style, spend time reflecting and challenge what they are learning through the facilitated discussion. It is the most innovative and impactful methodology I have ever seen in this space. But it's not just the methodology that sets this course apart. Ms. Ives approaches the curriculum with a thoughtful eye to systemic racism. This isn't a course designed to paint over disagreements that HR wants to avoid in the office. This course is designed to get participants focused on the problem of systemic racism and how to actually address it personally. It provides tools and strategies for individuals to understand their role in the system and how to challenge that system. By working through this course participants can see the world more clearly, can see their colleagues more completely and see how they can break down the systems of racism endemic in American society. I highly recommend this course to every manager.

I enjoyed this course and learned much regarding systemic racism and how to help support a path towards an anti-racist society. Birungi developed and moderated highly engaging discussions as well as planning a selection of readings and podcasts to prepare for each of them. I am fortunate to have been included in the corporate course by a valued client. I would rank this course as a must do! Thank you! Ab Basu Virginia

Corporate Path to an Anti-Racist Society was so well-laid out and so impactful. Birungi set a foundation with historical readings and led us into present-day discussions. She covered law, beliefs, and philosophy. Coming from an educational background, I appreciated her addressing various learning styles with readings, podcasts, movies, and graphic art. The podcasts allowed for working parents to listen to some of the homework, uninterrupted, on work commutes. Each week we had some independent learning, then gathered together to discuss. The conversations were intense and real. Each time it was difficult to end, as there are so many levels and layers that we could have continued discussing. I encourage any organization, group, community, or family to participate. I hope Birungi develops a Round 2; I would definitely participate.