Consulting & Facilitation
Equity & Inclusion
If you’re a leader, change agent—or motivated individual—who wants to forge authentic connections across differences (of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) and build a more equitable and inclusive organization or community, having an ally or two for the journey is essential.
In this realm of work my primary focus has been on race and racial justice. Typically I work as part of an interracial team; blending expressive arts, mindfulness, experiential education and critical race theory, we help groups and organizations
- adopt a common framework with which to talk about race;
- begin to internalize that framework—deepening their self-awareness and self-acceptance regarding race and racism and applying the framework to their actual work (for example, teachers changing how they behave in their classroom);
- learn tools with which to critically assess their collective culture and institutional structures and interrupt patterns of racism (and other forms of oppression) within themselves, their colleagues and their organization.
As a white person, I also help other white people become stronger allies and accomplices to people of color, and more effective agents for social justice.
My Partner in this Work
Anika Nailah is a writer, writing coach, cultural liberationist, and spoken word artist. She is the founder and former director of Books Of Hope, a Boston-based, youth literacy program that engages young people to write, publish, and sell their own books. She is also a Black Writers Alliance Gold Pen Award Nominee, and her book, Free and Other Stories, was chosen as one of the best short story collections of 2002 by Black Issues Book Review and was selected for inclusion in The New York Public Library’s 2003 Books For The Teen Age List.
A former high school teacher and teacher’s coach, much of Anika’s cross-cultural consulting work is with secondary and post-secondary educators and social workers. Drawing on her experience as an artist, she uses culture and writing to hold space for participants discover ways to liberate themselves from oppressive ways of thinking and being. Learn more about Anika here.
Facilitation & Team Development
Since 2000 I have worked with a small, local consulting firm, Gilburg Leadership, Inc, where we help leaders, teams and organizations adapt and grow—collaboratively.
I occasionally accept independent projects with local organizations. I have helped non-profits and small businesses plan for change, resolve long-standing tensions, clarify goals and roles, and develop simple practices of organizational learning.
Read what some of my former clients have said about working with me here.
If you could use a hand and think I could help, let’s find a time to talk (at no charge).
My Credentials
Over the past 15 years, I have supported three (predominantly white) organizations from within in their efforts to become more equitable and inclusive. While most of my learning has occurred in the context of my collegial relationships and work projects, including community service and leadership efforts. I have also attended workshops from several highly-reputable organizations.
Service & Leadership
- Served as organizing committee member, Julius Ford/Harriet Tubman Healthy Living Community, 2010-present
- Developed and presented workshop “What it Means to be White”
- Served on the Board of Directors, Men’s Resource Center for Change, 1992-1995
Training & Education