the work
BEING
Brave Ease Imagine Nourish Gather
about Black Ivy Collective
Black Ivy Collective was born from a desire to celebrate and pass the mic to the communities of color that I’m a part of and admire. Black Ivy Collective was created out of a desire for change — change for myself, change for my family, but perhaps most importantly, change for community.
Black Ivy Collective is my consulting and coaching practice, which focuses on leaders and organizations in philanthropy, empowering them to make greater impact in community.
Black Ivy Collective is also a collection of places and experiences to belong in, to chill in, to think in, and to co-create in — as well push our thinking and our growth together. The world — and this country — ask a lot from us, and not just from those who are presently here, but also of our ancestors. We need time and space to let go and lay it down, without the gaze upon us. BIPOC folks, it’s an act of liberation to rest.
In the words of the great philosopher Marshawn Lynch, “I’m all about that action, boss.”
Black Ivy Collective offerings
facilitation
My facilitation centers around truth, racial equity, vulnerability, and community-building. My facilitation style is pretty frank and direct (rooted in a place of care and love though!) because I think that it’s important to be clear on what we’re about and what we’re coming together for, when advancing racial justice.
You can often see me facilitating …
- Conversations and panels for conferences and events
- Groups in longer-term programs
- Meetings, such as board discussions and retreats
consulting
I center humanity and accountability in my consulting practice, helping organizations get deeper into their values, really internalize them — getting my clients to not only talk the talk, but also walk the talk. I tend to go right to strategy in my consulting work, so I’d say that my style is very solutions-focused — but at the same time, very people-centered and pretty improvisational and flexible — because at the end of the day, this work is about building and strengthening relationships.
What I love to lend an ear on …
- Doing organizational change work — primarily around philanthropy, organizational strategy, giving, and community engagement
- Assisting organizations in finding the right folks for their needs, drawing from my personal network of professionals ‘cause the best folks aren’t always on LinkedIn
- Joyfully coaching and partnering with individuals so that they find happiness, balance, and strategy in their professional lives
speaking
As a speaker, I center the concept of love of humankind (the literal translation of the word Philanthropy) — rooted in real talk — whether I’m a panelist, presenting a keynote, or giving my testimony and sharing lived experience with folks.
Topics that I speak most on include …
- The tenets of trust-based philanthropy
- Reparative actions (aka reparations to individuals and communities)
- Fundraising that is actually community-centered and not exploitative
- Holding ourselves accountable to the work and to community
coaching
For my entire life, I’ve always had this overwhelming and natural tendency of telling people what to do and I have discovered that it’s a job! Like, a real profession — there’s a certification and everything (side note, my mother would be so proud of me!).
As a Hudson Certified Coach, I am a truth teller and my coaching centers honesty (with ourselves and with each other) as well as forward movement. I often apply a tough love approach that asks for a lot of introspection and challenging oneself (for both you and me!).
Folks that I enjoy coaching are …
- Folks who are at a crossroads in their career. I love working with early- to mid-career folks the most, but of course I also work with directors and executives. We all need support out in these streets.
- Groups and teams who are in the midst of culture-setting and amplifying inclusiveness at their organizations or companies.
- Folks who need this kind of support in their personal lives — who have found themselves a little bit lost in the constant loop of naming/finding their purpose and passion and who want to reignite these things in themselves again.
the Manor & the Cottage: Spaces for advancing justice
Black Ivy Collective has two places: the Manor in Detroit and the Cottage in Martha’s Vineyard, both of which host salons, retreats, organizing events, all that good stuff.
In addition to offering gathering spaces, Black Ivy Collective also can do event coordination and provide dope vibes for social justice-oriented organizations and projects.