Simply put, I teach organizations how to put people first when making internal, systems-level and programmatic decisions.I have a MSSA in community and social development and a certificate in nonprofit management from Case Western Reserve University. My expertise is in the areas of authentic public engagement, strategy development, advising, planning, organizing, relationship building, and community development. I have the ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice by engaging constituents and connecting them to macro-level planning and problem solving. I have been in the non-profit field for over 15 years - from direct practice worker, to organizer, site coordinator at Cleveland Municipal School District, to strategic planning + engagement consultant, and most recently an adjunct instructor at CWRU, as well as the senior director of community engagement at St. Luke's Foundation prior to starting my own consulting and development agency.By working with both large and small non-profit and philanthropic organizations, including The Cleveland Foundation and United Way of Greater Cleveland, I saw how many of their mid- to senior-level female leaders of color were struggling as they had to navigate daily the power dynamics and racist systems as they performed their jobs and tried to help their constituents do the same. Often experiencing burn out, anger and frustration, many of these leaders would loose their footing and leave their position. As a result, I have expanded my consulting practice by teaching my signature RISE Together System to mid- to senior-level female leaders of color in non-profit, social enterprise, and/or ministry organizations. My 4-step framework helps leaders let go of limiting beliefs, reignite their passion and purpose, and position themselves to be impactful change makers.