Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice

I am an educator and consultant with more than 20 years experience in the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. I have trained senior leaders across sectors and have developed measurement tools for organizations, helping them assess and  improve their diversity outcomes.

 

Additionally, I design and lead peace building projects for communities in conflict,build consensus, and find creative resolutions for conflict that center restorative justice tenants.

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I live in Portland, OR with my children and two dogs.

 

With the integration of diversity, belonging, justice and  inclusion as crucial features of equitable work environments, my aim has been to assist organizations and their leaders in making the shift that reflects their unique vision and equity goals, to create innovative, equitable and inclusive design, and to consistently deliver effective assessment, plans, and implementation.

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I stick to classic design philosophy:

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Design for people. For equity initiatives to reach beyond diversity, the plan designer must put the people of the organization, their needs and aspirations at the heart of the design. 

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Design for a need. It is human nature to want to look better, feel better, communicate better and deliver the best product. While promoting and hiring a diverse workforce facilitates some of these goals, I have the foresight to identify and address the needs that truly move companies toward their equity and inclusion goals and improve the bottom line.

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Design for relevance and effectiveness. My assessment examines the long range implications of the recommendations to ensure a plan and results that will endure and reduce unintended inequitable outcomes over time.

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The questions are: does it solve a problem of access? Is it sustainable? Who will be impacted over the next 10 years?

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Seek inspiration and design differently.  Without inspiration and a deep belief in every human's capacity to have a transformative experience, I wouldn't be able to love this work. I find inspiration in life itself. My creativity is fueled by opening myself to the inherent inspiration and vulnerability of the lived experience. Therefore, it is not enough to know my clients, answer their needs, or create effective products. The Equity & Inclusion plans and designs must be unique and motivate my clients. Together my clients and I are committed to daring to be different. 

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"To be outstanding--get comfortable with being uncomfortable."

-Alrik Koudenburg

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