"DIA, like many other federal agencies, were struggling with providing sexual harassment training to the workforce under a mandate by Congress. Rather than just provide any training to "meet the requirement" I sent out my employees with the task of find a "superior" training course on the subject. When my employees came back to me with the recommendation of Sutton Enterprises, I decided to check them out. What I found was not only a superior course on the subject, it was a done by Dianne Sutton with love of the subject. You could tell that the subject had been well researched and the delivery of the material was well presented by Dianne and her team of excellent instructors. Dianne's approach to training is to only provide a quality product. While many employees would have preferred not to attend mandated training, they all came away with a full appreciation of the subject and an understanding of how to treat their fellow workers both on and off the job. Dianne came to provide training at DIA at a time of intense need but stayed for a number of years conducting training in several subjects. Although I have left DIA, I still find that I am recommending Dianne Sutton to my colleagues in the training profession as a person you can rely on to provide a quality training product."

“What I recall most is your ability to interact with all levels of clients. I especially remember your skillful delivery of information to individuals who were less than willing to participate and otherwise listen to matters of equal opportunity, diversity, job seeking and life skills. Your level of understanding of and response to resistance always struck me as unique. In the end, it was a rarity that participants left with the same resistance with which they entered. You have a gift. You always made sure that you had current info, hence, my poster to you based on your own philosophy about those who are not changing with the times, i.e. “Living in a CD world on 45 speed.”
What strikes me is your willingness to pass on your experience and education so that others might also progress as evidenced by your continued support for the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Forum for Public Administrators.”

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Manager
Re: EEO and Diversity

“My first impression of you and your management training series is that you have a skill that evokes participation and, hence, learning on a variety of levels simultaneously. I found it refreshing that people from a variety of backgrounds were able to meld together like a choir in order to complete assignments. You made the exercise enjoyable while, at the same time, realistically portraying a bona fide management situation.

Overall, while your organization is extremely professional, you create a relaxed and nurturing approach to training and development. I think you made some real inroads in the federal government by being a participant in its manage/executive training programs. You created some pretty good managers throughout the government. Let me know if I can offer any additional information to assist you.”

Institute for Human Development, Fort Washington, MD
Bernard Robinson
President

“As I think about your time building “your business” I think/know it has included struggle. However, at the same time, it has included an awful lot of highs and successes.

One of the things I remember is that you started out with a few programs in the area of diversity that you sold and marketed into a cadre of, my guess without the long list in front of me, 30-35 different courses that SE offered.

With heart, sweat, and a little fear, doubt and worry, you parlayed your meager beginning into a solid reputation for professionalism and have poured your soul into making a difference in the lives of a wide array of cultures, ethnic groups and organizations. Moreover, along the way, you created some training colleague connections that are solid and, in a sense, are soul mates who believe in you along with a host of companies and organizations. You have taken your skills and talents into organizations, corporate board rooms communities and wherever you’ve done your work, you’ve made an impact, impression or a difference! Sutton Enterprises is a model of genuine commitment, professionalism, and integrity. This speaks to your company and it speaks to you.”

“Congratulations on marking 20 years of support to the training community! During that time, you provided USDA GIPSA with some quality training. Of particular note: in 2001, we traveled to various locations in the US. Sutton Enterprises led the training effort with the course, “People Working Together,” which focused on the benefits of using diversity for improving our work. The surveys and discussions, coupled with the workshop exercises, resulted in a more positive environment. Thanks for your contributions to training and development. I have enjoyed our work collaboration. "

“After one of the July sessions a gentlemen out of the class, saw an evaluation form that was left out on a table in our outer office, and spontaneously filled it out.

He was very satisfied, and circled “all 5’s for meeting objectives, effective facilitator, manual and overall rating. I thought you might enjoy his two comments."

What was the most beneficial part of the experience?

“It gave me a better understanding of the need to be more aware of what you say and how things can be taken.”

“Ms. Sutton was a very effective facilitator. Her knowledge and approach to the subject of diversity was non-confrontational and made you feel optimistic about going to this type of training. She challenged all of us in ways that others have not.”