*A Legacy of Resilience and Dignity* My story begins in the southern United States, where my ancestors have lived since the 1730s. They endured enslavement, sharecropping, segregation, and eventually, the fight for civil rights. I grew up as part of the first generation born into full legal civil rights, yet I witnessed Confederate flags still flying in townships across the region. This American story, rooted in struggle and triumph, shaped my values and the way I see the world. It taught me that how we treat one another—whether in life or work—is foundational to justice and equity. *The Path to My Work Today* Before founding Wilson and Associates Coaching and Consulting in 2008, I spent over 15 years in the nonprofit and government sectors, addressing systemic inequities through public policy, program development, and community planning. My focus was on dismantling the barriers created by racism, sexism, and classism, particularly as they impacted children and families. However, I saw a troubling pattern in both mission-driven organizations and corporate workplaces: a culture of burnout, overwork, and sacrifice. Unspoken rules demanded that people give all of themselves to the job, often at the expense of their well-being. I realized there had to be another way—a way to prioritize the how of work, not just the outcomes. *The Pivot: Culture Matters as Much as Results* As I advanced in my career, I saw how leadership practices directly influenced team culture and organizational outcomes. In one role, I led a diverse team of 35 people spread across Los Angeles County—the largest county in the U.S., home to more than 100 languages. I had to learn how to manage remotely, navigate cultural differences, and foster psychological safety before these concepts were mainstream. It was during this time that I began asking deeper questions: >How are we preparing leaders to build diverse and inclusive teams? >How are we equipping managers to regulate their emotions, lead with empathy, and create spaces where people feel heard? >And most importantly, how are we ensuring that workplaces reflect the dignity and respect people deserve? These questions led me to shift my focus from strategy and policy to culture and equity. What began as a career in public policy evolved into a 17-year journey of helping organizations reimagine leadership and culture. *The Four Levels of Change* If you take a closer look at my company’s logo, you’ll notice four concentric circles. These circles represent the interconnected levels of change our consulting focuses on in order to create transformation that sticks: -the individual, -interpersonal relationships & teams, -organizations, and, ultimately, -society. This approach is inspired by the socio-ecological model, a framework used in government systems change efforts to address complex challenges holistically, which is where my professional background is rooted. Transformation starts with each of us, rippling outward to create collective impact. *17 Years of Trusted Leadership* At Wilson and Associates, we partner with leaders across industries to create equitable and inclusive workplaces where people can thrive. Using our Recipe for Transformation framework, we help organizations align their values with their practices, building cultures that are inclusive, high-performing, and deeply human. Through leadership development, organizational culture change, and DEI strategies, we’ve worked with clients ranging from small nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies. I share insights on these topics on the Recipe for Transformation Podcast and in our weekly Friday newsletter, Recipe for Thriving, because thriving isn’t just a goal—it’s the foundation for better workplaces and a better world. *Outside of Work* When I’m not consulting, training, or speaking, you’ll likely find me enjoying the Southern California sunshine with my rescue pup, Eddy, a mini red poodle. I love hosting dinner parties with friends, baking Southern-inspired Bundt cakes, and getting my hands dirty in the garden. And when adventure calls, you’ll find me scuba diving or planning my next dive trip someplace warm.