Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, jobs, and initiatives are facing unprecedented challenges in today's political climate. As these vital efforts come under attack, ensuring your organization remains committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment is more critical than ever. People will leave your school, organization, or company if they feel unsafe, unseen, or experience constant isms and microaggressions that can affect their well-being and, ultimately, their work. I have not only seen this happen too often, but I have also experienced it firsthand. This is why I have dedicated my efforts to advocating for myself and others by focusing on building an inclusive and equitable culture and solutions that prioritize a level playing field.

The importance of DEI initiatives cannot be overstated. By embracing diversity, organizations can tap into a broader range of perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences, leading to better outcomes. Operating within a meritocracy where additional hurdles are ignored, and checks and balances are not in place for biases in performance evaluations and other operations contributes to the existing imbalance of power. Fostering an inclusive environment helps attract and retain top talent, as folks are more likely to thrive in a space where they feel valued and respected and, more importantly, do their best work by showing up unedited.

As DEI efforts face increasing scrutiny, businesses need to align with service providers who are committed to advancing these critical initiatives. These are people who understand how to navigate these complex and nuanced topics. They have professional and lived experiences that can help your organization learn, grow, and improve. At Famm, we connect you to these experts who are doing powerful and important work despite opposition and criticism from those who choose not to look inward and do better.

Check them out below:

EMPOWERED FOR EQUITY

Empowered for Equity specializes in creating comprehensive DEI strategies for organizations. Founded in June 2023 by SJ Janjua, this consultancy focuses on enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in schools and organizations. With a rich background in education and a master's degree in International Education, SJ brings unique insights from their experience as a queer, transgender, non-binary, biracial individual. Starting out as a high school English teacher in the U.S. and abroad, SJ then shifted to roles in curriculum development, classroom evaluation, and teacher training before venturing into specialized DEIB work.

Empowered for Equity offers training, workshops, and consulting services designed to embed DEI principles into every aspect of your business. Their approach includes thorough assessments to understand your organization’s unique needs and challenges. Empowered for Equity then works with you to develop customized strategies and action plans. Their hands-on support throughout the implementation process ensures that your DEI initiatives are effective and impactful. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to enhance existing efforts, Empowered for Equity provides the expertise and guidance needed to drive meaningful change.

In addition to their strategic services, Empowered for Equity offers specialized training programs for employees at all levels. These programs cover essential topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership. Empowered for Equity helps you create a workplace where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is a daily practice by equipping your team with the knowledge and skills needed to support DEI efforts. Their commitment to ongoing support and evaluation ensures that your DEI initiatives continue to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances.

FEMILY

Femily, founded by feminist changemaker Femily D. Gilmore, focuses on gender equity and inclusion in the workplace. With services ranging from executive coaching to gender equity audits and workshops, Femily provides the tools and insights needed to create a balanced and supportive work environment. Their innovative approach ensures that gender equity becomes integral to your organizational culture. Femily's commitment to addressing systemic issues and promoting gender balance helps organizations create a more equitable workplace for all genders.

In addition to their core services, Femily offers specialized programs designed to support women and non-binary individuals in leadership roles, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops. By fostering a culture of support and empowerment, Femily helps organizations build a diverse leadership pipeline that reflects the full spectrum of talent within their workforce. They also emphasize the importance of allyship and advocacy, offering training sessions for all employees on recognizing and challenging gender bias, supporting colleagues from underrepresented groups, and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.

A respected figure in the industry, Femily is frequently invited to speak at prominent events like the Watermark Conference for Women and South by Southwest (SXSW) and various company conferences and women's gatherings. Acknowledged as an expert media source, Femily has contributed to major outlets, including ABC, CBS, C-SPAN, NPR, Fast Company, and US News and World Report. In 2018, recognizing the need for more rigorous approaches in her field, Femily established the American Association of Corporate Gender Strategists, further cementing her commitment to advancing gender strategy in the corporate world.

THE INCLUSION SCHOOL

Chiany Dri, Founder and CEO of The Inclusion School, is a dedicated advocate for change, community equity worker, and DEI practitioner. Raised in Los Angeles, Chiany has over a decade of experience advocating for marginalized communities and is committed to making the workplace a better place for all. The Inclusion School offers specialized training and educational programs for organizations to foster inclusivity. Their curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership, ensuring employees at all levels are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to an inclusive workplace.

The Inclusion School is a business consulting agency focused on fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. Their approach includes somatic practices, self-awareness, mindfulness, and self-regulation to deepen understanding and empathy. They offer comprehensive DEI certificate courses, business consulting services, and training programs tailored to organizational needs. The Inclusion School emphasizes a trauma-informed perspective, providing ongoing support and resources to maintain DEI efforts and foster a supportive work environment.

Grounded in evidence-based practices and real-world applications, The Inclusion School tailors its programs to specific organizational needs and challenges, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. They emphasize creating safe spaces for dialogue and learning where employees can openly discuss their experiences and perspectives. The Inclusion School helps individuals and organizations build a more robust, more cohesive workforce by facilitating honest conversations about diversity and inclusion.

LIZ CRUZ CONSULTING

Liz Cruz Consulting is a premier leadership coaching and DEI consulting firm dedicated to empowering queer leaders and fostering inclusive workplaces. Founded by Liz Cruz, a seasoned leadership coach and DEI expert with over a decade of experience in the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, the firm specializes in helping organizations navigate complex diversity and inclusion challenges. Liz's unique approach to coaching is rooted in emotional intelligence and wholehearted leadership, enabling clients to break free from self-doubt and imposter syndrome and to embrace their authentic leadership styles.

Liz Cruz brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked with senior leaders at top companies like Amazon, Spotify, and Aditi Consulting, as well as various non-profit organizations and local government agencies. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ leaders, Liz Cruz Consulting offers a range of services tailored to meet each client's specific needs. These services include strategic planning, policy development, leadership development programs, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Liz's commitment to liberation-minded practices and a critical stance against white supremacy culture ensures their consulting approach is transformative and sustainable.

At Liz Cruz Consulting, the focus extends beyond traditional DEI training. The firm provides comprehensive assessments to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for growth within organizations. Through employee surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, Liz Cruz Consulting develops targeted action plans that address specific challenges and leverage existing strengths. The firm's dedication to transparency and accountability ensures that all DEI initiatives are measurable and impactful, ultimately helping organizations create inclusive environments where all employees can thrive.  

ALK CONSULTING

Ali Kane is also the founder of ALK Consulting, a firm providing expert guidance on implementing effective DEI practices within organizations. ALK Consulting offers a range of services, including diversity audits, strategic planning, and employee training programs, aimed at building inclusive cultures where all employees can thrive. By integrating DEI initiatives into every aspect of business operations, from recruitment to employee development and retention, ALK Consulting helps organizations achieve lasting success.

Ali Kane is a Queer nonprofit leader and lifelong learner dedicated to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. With over a decade of experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community, Ali has specialized in supporting cultural institutions, ensuring they become more inclusive and welcoming. Currently, Ali advances health equity as a Grants Management Specialist at the Family Health Center of Worcester and serves as Treasurer for Love Your Labels and Trans Visibility of Central Massachusetts. They hold a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and a Diversity & Inclusion Champion Certificate from Bentley University.

Beyond their professional endeavors, Ali enjoys playing board games and supporting community-building efforts. Their commitment to continuous learning and development in DEI ensures that ALK Consulting remains at the forefront of the latest trends and best practices. Through ongoing training and workshops, ALK Consulting empowers organizations to address unique challenges and foster a sense of ownership and commitment among employees, driving long-term, sustainable change.

ROOTED RESPITE

Rooted Respite, founded by Taj M. Smith, is dedicated to promoting wellness and diversity within the workplace, particularly for DEI professionals and marginalized groups. Their mission is to address the unique stressors and challenges faced by those engaged in emotionally demanding work. Rooted Respite provides 1-on-1 and group coaching, courses, webinars, and community support to help individuals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. Their services include individual and group counseling, wellness workshops, resilience training programs, and support for developing holistic well-being policies.

Rooted Respite focuses on uprooting the causes of burnout and compassion fatigue, helping people plant themselves in a world where they are rested, resourced, resilient, and exploitation-free. By offering comprehensive support, including individual and group counseling, wellness workshops, and resilience training programs, Rooted Respite ensures that mental health and well-being are prioritized within organizations. They also assist in developing policies that foster a culture of care and holistic well-being.

Taj M. Smith, a coach, writer, speaker, and transgender educator, explores the intersections of spirituality, justice, and identity. As a Black transgender man with a BA in Politics from UC Santa Cruz and an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School, Taj is passionate about creating hopeful futures by merging faith and identity. His work with Rooted Respite embodies this passion, offering specialized programs for leaders and managers that cover essential topics such as stress management, compassionate leadership, and building supportive environments.

As DEI initiatives face increasing political scrutiny and opposition, the importance of service providers dedicated to promoting inclusivity cannot be overstated. Partnering with these experts enables companies, schools, and organizations to withstand external pressures and maintain a steadfast commitment to equity. By integrating their services, your institution can not only survive but thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

The benefits of a diverse and inclusive environment extend beyond moral and ethical considerations. Entities that prioritize DEI are often more competitive, resilient, and adaptable. They are better positioned to meet the needs of a diverse community and navigate the complexities of a global society. Creating an inclusive environment boosts satisfaction, enhances innovation, and drives long-term success.

Investing in DEI also sends a strong message to current and prospective members that your organization values diversity and is committed to equity. This enhances your reputation, making you more attractive to top talent, students, and members. A robust DEI commitment also fosters a sense of belonging, leading to higher engagement, productivity, and retention rates across all sectors.

You can easily support these service providers by hiring them, referring them to others, following them on social media, and subscribing to their email lists. Visit each of their profiles to learn more and support them on our services page.