For me, the usual tools (strategic planning, team-building, leadership development, training and coaching) are but a starting place to build collaborative and inclusive cultures. Two guiding principles: 1) Build on our strengths — no smashing star-shaped pegs into square holes; and 2) To achieve an inclusive culture and organizational growth, pursue individual and corporate self awareness with curiosity and bravery.

I’m no stranger to personal transformation, and although I don’t always face myself fearlessly, I do regularly journey into my own uncharted territories. My career path includes leadership of non-profit and learning organizations, and internal and external consultant roles in government, service, and business sectors. I have a master’s degree in organizational development from the American University in Washington, DC. I worked for three years on the opioid crisis in Vermont. I’ve run a massage therapy school in Washington DC. I speak English and bit of Spanish. I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and have lived in South Texas, Washington, DC. I now live in Vermont with my spouse, and travel the world through the portal of my computer.

When Jude invited me to be a JuJuBeeKeeper, I didn’t even blink. I have done diversity and inclusion work for a long time, but JuJuBee leverages a solar-powered collaboration needed in our world at this time — artful process designs, skillful means, adventurous spirit, global synergy and powerful results. This team does what no one could do alone and I am honored to be a part of it.