"The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house." -Angela Davis
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DEIJ Facilitation & Coaching
My approach is one that is rooted in non-violence, anti-shame, and cultivating brave learning spaces for everyone to grow, no matter where they are in their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) journey.
I work with government, non-profit, academic, and private groups seeking organizational cultural transformation around DEIJ through:
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Thought partnership / consulting
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Training and workshop facilitation
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Executive and leadership coaching
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Assessments and strategic planning
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Action Plans
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Resource Kits
I specialize in working with organizations that have a social mission and/or desire to serve the greater public.
Topics:
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Power, privilege, oppression
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Unconscious bias
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Anti-racism and anti-oppression
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Gender Equity
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Intersectionality
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How did we get here? The history of race in housing & neighborhood development
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Implementing DEIJ strategies
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Recruiting & retaining diversity in the workplace
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De-centering whiteness at work
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Team development and community-building
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Truth and reconciliation
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Generative conflict & non-violent communication
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Equitable supervision and partnerships
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Culturally humble & trauma-informed community development
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and more!
While the industry more formally categorizes this work as "consulting," I see myself more as a thought-partner and coach, helping to facilitate inclusive, equitable, and accessible transformative growth towards healing, justice, and liberation.
Giovania carries more than a decade of experience in racial/social equity and cultural competency-building in the community development field. They are nationally recognized for “Elephant in the Planning Room” their participatory-research graduate thesis on overcoming barriers to recruitment, retention, and advancement of people of color in the planning and policy fields. Their work has been featured at the American Planning Association National Planning Conference, the GovLove Podcast,
Giovania has worked as a consultant and facilitator with clients such as Habitat for Humanity International and affiliates, the Udall Foundation, New York University Steinhardt, The Transit Center, Pratt Center for Community Development, and the National Association for City Transportation Officials (NACTO). Giovania also partners with other equity and liberation consultants, including Daniel Lim Consulting and others.
Giovania holds an M.S. in City and Regional Planning from Pratt Institute, and a B.A. in Sociology from Dickinson.
When it comes to diversity, Giovania is the most powerful voice I have heard in a generation. Their message and insights about diversity are refreshing and will change the way you think. It changed the way I think."
-Mitchell Silver, NYC Parks Commissioner
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I absolutely loved working with G! Their unique style of coaching combines profound compassion with accountability that encourages constant self-reflection followed by intentional action. I feel I have come out of our sessions a stronger, more confident and centered leader with a clearer vision for the work that needs to be done to acheive our organization's mission as well as my own personal and professional goals.
-Janette (she/her)
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This coaching opportunity was incredibly meaningful to our organization. In this DEI work, we were guilty of completely pressing pause at times, out of fear of taking the wrong steps. This work instilled a confidence in us that encourages us to lead this work with grace and courage. We now have a better understanding of our neighbors, our community members, and ourselves.
-Kristin (she/her)
"Our movements themselves have to be healing, or else there's no point." -Cara Page, Kindred Southern Healing Justice