THE SQUAD

When a project calls for a specific skillset that’s outside my wheelhouse, I bring together flash teams of consultants, artists, creators, and other freelancers to collaborate. The result is always better with more brains on the project. Need a referral to someone great?

Here are some of my go-to collaborators:

Mike Bencze @ Hive Design

Specialties: Graphic Design, Illustration, Logos and Visual Identity

Website: designwithhive.com

Mike has a background in graphic design and a mild obsession with screenprinting and illustration. He is endlessly inspired by alternative comics, science fiction, cartoons, and the various textures of things. His work fluctuates between a free-flowing stream of reminiscent forms and peculiar mutations. His recent jam is revisiting hiking trips through landscape studies. When I have a project that requires a sharp design eye, a sense of humor, and a calm presence, I call Mike.

Dr. Rebecca Hernandez @ Hernandez Consulting

Specialties: American Indian Affairs, Museum Didactics

Learn More: One-Pager

Rebecca has 20 years of experience working in Indian Country, so if you need some guidance on how to engage with tribal governments and tribal members, Rebecca is your person. She can also provide expert advice on museum materials such as didactics, labels and exhibit brochures. She also delivers workshops and presentations on American Indian history and policies, and has also taught courses in Ethnic Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, American Indian Studies, Museum Studies and Art History in universities and community colleges.

Summer Kunst @ Williams+Kunst

Specialties: Art Direction, Graphic Design, Illustration, Marketing Collateral

Website: williamsandkunst.com

Summer has well over a decade of design experience under her belt and she’s worked on a wide range of gigs with clients all over the world. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Graphic Communication + Design from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and now lives and loves in San Francisco. Summer is a huge font geek with a passion for traveling, social justice, pizza, Taika Waititi, and live music. When I need to make things happen and make it beautiful, I call Summer.

Susan Pierson-Brown @ Seven November

Specialties: Communication Strategy, Media Relations, Thought Leadership

Website: sevennovember.com

Prior to starting her consulting practice, Susan served as senior communications advisor to philanthropist Paul G. Allen and was head of communications for Vulcan, Inc. She has 20+ years public relations experience for leading brands including Nike, Microsoft, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Time Warner, and now dedicates her time to advising foundations, education institutions and purpose-driven organizations (like Skoll Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Blue Sky Funders Forum, and the University of Washington). Susan and I will put our brains together on projects that call for serious “word nerds” with an analytical approach.

Camille Ramani @ Ramani Consulting

Specialties: Program Development and Implementation, Monitoring/Eval, Operations, Performance and Impact Measurement

Website: linkedin.com/in/camilleramani/

Camille is a capacity builder, thought-partner, and organizational development and leadership coach focused on mission-driven non-profit/NGO and philanthropic organizations to create a strong and sustainable social sector. She brings 20-plus years proven experience in the international and economic development, social enterprise, nonprofit, nongovernmental, and public sectors. Camille has been a mentor of mine under the guise of a “mutual” friendship, but don’t blow my cover!

Julie Ann Rivers-Cochran @ Blackbird Consulting

Specialties: Strategic Planning, Board Governance, Program & Policy Development, Facilitator

Website: blackbirdnonprofits.com

Julie Ann is a social worker and nonprofit consultant by trade and a fervent advocate at heart. She works with social impact organizations to design and deliver customized programs supporting organizational needs to meet learning goals around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) When I need an empathetic lens on how to approach a problem, I call Julie Ann.

Teresa Ruiz Decker @ Dream Catch Consulting

Specialties: Copywriting + Communications for Social Justice

Website: dreamcatchconsulting.com

Teresa is a marketing and communications consultant for nonprofits and social good organizations. She’s a skilled strategist, content writer, and project manager who works with changemakers on impactful communications. “Dream Catch” is a beautiful reminder of Teresa’s indigenous heritage and she’s a proud LatinX, first-generation college graduate and mother of two amazing girls. When I need to talk shop, get creative about an approach to a project, or get my head back in the game, I call Tere.