I consider myself to be a thought provoker and change catalyst. As a leader in the development and implementation of change initiatives, including programs and people, my expertise in leadership and dialogue enables me to successfully lead in diverse and challenging environments while gaining and maintaining the trust of those I engage. I specialize in identity construction, team effectiveness, dialogue, group problem solving, diversity training and community building, emphasizing communication, authenticity, creativity and collective discovery. I am an International Coaching Federation trained and certified life coach. I use an ontological approach where I work with clients on who they are "being" as a way of developing a new relationship with themselves that offers a new dialogue for how to view and experience the world from a place of love and authenticity.
My passion is to support others on creating their most authentic self, focusing on "being and becoming" with a visionary, insightful, forward-thinking approach. My philosophy is that the only effective transformation is organic and internal, for both people or organizations. Using this as my foundation, I support individuals and organizations who are striving to create an environment where we are free from fear, and that we can develop, explore and express our true capabilities.
I hold a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego. My dissertation work was on collective identity construction using dialogue. My research interests include: dialogue, liminality, identity construction, social justice, racial equality and equity, collective consciousness, group dynamics and cultural understanding.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
University of San Diego
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
National University
Bachelor of Arts in History
Minor Ethnic Studies
University of California, San Diego
Certified Life Coach
Accomplishment Coaching
Dialogue Facilitator
Public Conversations Project
Certified EQ-I Emotional Quotient Assessment Administrator
Multi-Health Systems
LEAD San Diego
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Certified Core Adjunct Faculty
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Master of Healthcare Administration*
Master of Public Health*
National University
*Nominated for 2017 Adjunct Faculty of the Year, Dept. of Community Health, School of Health and Human Services
Adjunct Lecturer
Master of Arts and Ph.D. Leadership Studies
University of San Diego
Adjunct Lecturer
Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability
Goucher College
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Administrative Director and Consultant
"On the Matter of Black Lives" - A Group Relations Conference
Group Relations International
March 10 - 12, 2017
Leadership Development Consultant and Faculty Coach
Urban Leadership Development Fellowship Program
RISE San Diego
August 2016 - current
Conference Consultant
Leadership for Change: Group Relations Conference
University of San Diego Leadership Institute, July 2016
Co-Facilitator
Sharing our Stories! A Dialogue Circle on Mixed Race Identity Construction
Mixed-Remixed Festival
Los Angeles, CA - June 10, 2016
Co-Facilitator
Train the Trainer: How to Teach Leadership
San Diego District’s Attorney Office Leadership Institute
San Diego, CA - May 2016
Co-Facilitator
Open Dialogue: Activism and Resistance to Acculturation
Goucher College
Towson, MD - January, 2016
Staff Administration
Leadership for Change: Group Relations Conference
University of San Diego Leadership Institute
San Diego, CA - January 2011
PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
Workshop Facilitator
Identity, Intersectionality, and Shadow
Executive Leadership Program, California State University System
August 2018
Guest Speaker
Identity and Dialogue in Philanthropy
Sanford Institute of Philanthropy
Fundraising Academy Graduation
Sanford Education Center, March 2018
Workshop Facilitator
The Power of Dialogue
Social Entrepreneurship Institute
Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
University of San Diego, June 2017
Speaker
The Complexity of Collective Identity Construction
2nd Annual Post-Modern Social Justice Symposium
San Diego State University, April 2017
Guest Facilitator
Finding your Purpose
African American Board Leadership Institute
Los Angeles, October 2016
Keynote Speaker
Complexity of Conversation – Finding Ourselves in Dialogical Spaces
Thought Lounge 2nd Annual Gala
San Diego, CA - July 2016
Presenter
Beyond Biracial: The Complexity of Identity Construction for Women with one Black and One White Parent
Critical Mixed Race Studies Conference: Global Mixed Race
DePaul University,
Chicago, IL - November, 2014
Co-Presenter
Navigating the Complexities & Collective Realities of Non-Monoracial Identities
International Leadership Association Annual Conference,
San Diego, CA - October, 2014
Presentation Chair
Using Different Research Methods to Promote a More Conscious Form of Leadership
International Leadership Association Annual Conference
San Diego, CA - October, 2014
Co-Presenter
Liminal Passages: The Threat and Promise of Leadership in Uncertain Times
International Leadership Association Annual Conference
Denver, CO - October, 2012
Co-Presenter
Micro Credit and Emerging Leadership: The Role of Servant Leadership and Collective Models
15th Annual Meeting, American Society of Business and Behavioral Sciences
Las Vegas, NV - February, 2008