Meet the Engagements Team.
Our Engagements Team has grown!
Now in our 8th year, The Equity Lab remains undaunted by our vision for a more humane and just society that is equitable, anti-racist, and steeped in action that seeks out and eradicates oppressive systems. Over the past four years, we have continued to evolve how we get there, now focusing with laser-like intention on deep, sustainable intra-organizational (multi-year long-term engagements) and inter-organizational (yearlong fellowships) change.
The Equity Lab’s Engagements Team guides organizations that are ready and committed to anti-racism through a three phase, multi-year transformative process of individual growth, structural revision, and team-level alignment to an organization-wide vision for equity. Through a multi-level race, equity, diversity and inclusion (REDI) journey inclusive of training, coaching, and consultation, the TEL Engagements Team works in close collaboration with organizational leadership to reimagine the relationships between individuals, teams, and their external impact through a REDI lens.
Grounded in the vision and theory of change established by TEL’s founder, Michelle Molitor, TEL’s Engagement Team strives to build change agents with the skill and will to engage in honest and open dialogue across difference who can lead collective anti-racist action in their organizations.
Senior Partner of Engagements Orpheus WIlliams manages the long-term engagement lifecycle from prospective partner through establishment of internal accountability structures and infrastructure to sustain equity and inclusivity through internal leaders. Orpheus, through partnership with other members of the Engagements Team and trusted external consultants, facilitates transformational change within mission-driven social sector and philanthropic organizations through audit and analysis of existing practices, co-design of equity-driven outcomes and deliverables, customized race and equity training design and facilitation, and establishment of inclusive organizational practices (e.g. REDI change teams, affinity and caucus space, equitable policies and practices, etc.)
Directors of Engagements Mario Echeverria and Sia Smith-Miyazaki cultivate client relationships and represent TEL with potential and existing partners. TEL’s Directors of Engagements execute on partnership outcomes toward deliverables and impact measures, facilitate race equity sessions for partner organizations, and codify best practices and resources to meet partner REDI needs.
Engagement Associate Ashley Hodges works closely with other members of the Engagements Team to provide administrative, research, and facilitation support for TEL’s REDI work.