NOVA SBE students at NOVA University Lisbon hosted by The Knowledge Hub Universities, recently completed a transformative academic experience through the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) module — a core component of the Careers with Impact course supervised by Dr. Nehal Afifi and delivered by Dr. Amira El-Basiony.
Over the past weeks, Year 2 and Year 3 students engaged in a series of learning activities designed to deepen their understanding of empathy, representation, social justice, and equality. The module began with an off-campus screening of the Arabic film “ضي – سيرة أهل الضي (Daye: Seerat Ahl El Daye)”, which set the stage for critical reflection on identity and lived experiences within diverse communities.
This was followed by two interactive workshops where students examined key DEI frameworks, including the Privilege Wheel, the Bias Iceberg Model, Equality vs. Equity, Systems of Oppression, Systematic Bias, and Patterns of Microaggression. Through discussions, case studies, and collaborative tasks, they connected theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and their own personal growth.
To conclude the module, students delivered reflective final presentations demonstrating their ability to analyze DEI issues with depth, empathy, and critical thinking. Their work showcased how academic theories can translate into practical insights that influence behaviour, decision-making, and social awareness.
The culminating event was attended by Professor Francisco Caramelo, NOVA Branch Director, and Dr. Nehal Afifi, SBE Program Director, who awarded Certificates of Appreciation to students for their commitment, engagement, and outstanding contributions.
This DEI learning journey highlights the power of education to foster awareness and strengthen human connection. By reflecting on societal structures and personal experiences, students became better equipped to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives — not only as learners, but as future leaders committed to meaningful impact.
