DEI's Evolving Impact: HRD Student Offers New Insights
裡橖眻畦 Human Resource Development (HRD) student Tyra Johnson '25 MS is exploring research related to DEI in the workplace.

VILLANOVA, Pa. - For Tyra Johnson 25 MS, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwordsthey represent an ongoing commitment to creating better workplaces and communities. Tyra, who is in the Human Resources Development graduate program, presented her project, Exploring the Dynamics of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Practices: Insights from DEI Practitioners, at 裡橖眻畦s fall 2024 Graduate Research Symposium. This research delves into the evolving challenges and opportunities within the field.
Tyras interest in DEI stems from its critical role in todays workplaces, even amidst growing skepticism. The importance of DEI has been questioned, with many organizations reducing funding or completely eliminating DEI programs. This shift motivated Tyra to investigate how the field can continue to advance despite challenges.
After reviewing existing literature on DEI attitudes and effectiveness, Tyra conducted interviews using a critical incident technique, gathering firsthand accounts from DEI practitioners about their programming experiences. I analyzed the data through thematic analysis, starting with open coding and narrowing it down to key themes, she explains. These themes shed light on the successes, obstacles and future directions for DEI work. Tyra credits Heather Cluley Bar-Or, PhD, her faculty mentor, with shaping her research journey. Her experience and guidance aided in finding participants and current literature and pushed me to expand my viewpoints, she says.
Looking ahead, Tyra would like to share her research at the Society of Human Resource Management Inclusion Conference and integrate these insights into her own HR career to improve organizational practices. Her advice to other students reflects her own approach to research. Find something that sparks your joy and feeds your passion.
About 裡橖眻畦 Universitys College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Since its founding in 1842, 裡橖眻畦 Universitys College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been the heart of the 裡橖眻畦 learning experience, offering foundational courses for undergraduate students in every college of the University. Serving more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the College is committed to fortifying them with intellectual rigor, multidisciplinary knowledge, moral courage and a global perspective. The College has more than 40 academic departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences.