Maria is a globally recognized organizational development practitioner specializing in culture change for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As CEO of MSM Global Consulting and a faculty member at American University’s School of International Service, for over 24 years Maria has supported leaders and organizations around the world to foster competent and respectful workplaces where everyone thrives.
From Commitment to Action: Applying DEI Competencies into Organizational Practice
October 29, 2026
9:00 am - 11:00 am |
Many animal welfare organizations have articulated strong commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Yet leaders often struggle to translate those values into day-to-day decisions, behaviors, and systems that shape staff experiences and community engagement.
This interactive session moves beyond DEI statements and initiatives to focus on DEI competencies—the observable skills, behaviors, and decision-making practices leaders need to operationalize equity at every level of the organization.
Participants will explore what DEI competency looks like in leadership roles using a framework specific to animal welfare, how it shows up (or doesn’t) in policies and daily interactions, and common pitfalls that leave leaders stuck.
Using real-world scenarios from animal welfare settings, facilitated reflection, and small group discussion, leaders will leave with strategies to apply DEI competencies to their organizational culture.
Speakers
Maria Morukian
President & Founder, MSM Global Consulting, Inc.
Jasmin Robinson
Director of DEI Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
Jasmin M. Robinson, Ph.D., is The Association’s Director of DEI Initiatives. She is also a consultant with MSM Global Consulting and the CEO and Founder of I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC. She has over 15 years of experience and has contributed her thought leadership across industries, including higher education, p-12 education, nonprofit organizations, government, and corporations. Jasmin is committed to empowering professionals who recognize societal inequities and strive to be better leaders in their communities and organizations.
Jasmin completed a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, Higher Education Leadership. Her research interests include Black women’s experiences in historically white spaces, anti-Blackness, and cultural competence. In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys cooking, walking, thrifting, and reading.