philosophy and approach

beliefs

I believe that systems of white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism harm each of us and their ongoing impacts are real and present in every context and inside every individual. When we come together to make change, we often become stuck in the limiting logics and delusions these systems produce. I am committed to being a partner to those seeking to become unstuck.

I believe it is harder for those of us who receive the most power from oppressive systems (people in white bodies, male identified bodies, wealthy bodies, able bodies, neurotypical bodies, English speaking bodies, etc.) to see and feel how much these systems are taking from us. This is why my work prioritizes building consciousness and resilience in fellow white people and white led organizations to take a more active (and appropriate) role in the movement to transform these systems.

I believe the relationship between the individual and the system is merely one of scale. As Grace Lee Boggs said, “I transform myself to transform the world.” Therefore, I believe that “change work” must begin with creating the conditions necessary for individuals to transform themselves in service of systemic change.  

values

I value integrity and seek to always do what I say I am going to do and practice the humility to know my limits. I value humor and vulnerability and use laughter for connection and emotional release. I value radical truth telling and seek to balance that with our human need to be heard and seen for the truth of our experience. I value ritual and spirituality in all its forms. I value self-critique and self-love in equal measure.

approach and accountability

My approach is based on a belief that transformation is not a linear process and therefore any transformative approach must allow for an iterative and, at times, messy process. I draw from principles of emergent strategy, adult learning theory and popular education pedagogy. As a facilitator and organizational coach, my goal is to develop the capacity of a group to center issues of power and identity, communicate effectively across differences, and build resilience to withstand the inevitable push back that arises from change work. Many organizational change consultants focus on design and policy without supporting a group in developing their collaboration and healing skills - often dismissed as “touchy-feely” work or “therapy”. However, it is from the complex web of our beliefs, emotions and perspectives that we design organizations and write policies. If our beliefs, emotions and perspectives are rooted in the status quo, our designs and policies are insufficient in disrupting and transforming it.

Given my identity and experiences, I never approach this work in isolation and believe this work is most effective when done in teams across all forms of difference - particularly racial difference. I work with a network of consultants, facilitators and change makers who share my philosophy and keep me accountable in my commitment to working across difference. They join me in service of partners when the context and demographics call for it.

My fees are determined based on a variety of factors (for profit, non-profit, organizing groups, front line populations impacted, etc.) and are made transparent in my proposal for each potential partnership. I redistribute at least 5% of my fees to black and indigenous led organizing groups working on the front lines of racial and environmental justice issues. My (ever growing) list of organizations can be provided upon request.