Maria Monica Andia, JEDI Trainer & Communications Composer
Maria Monica (she/they) is a passionate consultant, facilitator, and coach with a decade of experience in education, non-profit, and wellness sectors. They focus on engaging individuals and organizations in generative dialogue to imagine and re-imagine creative solutions, cultivating inclusive environments where everyone thrives. Maria Monica adopts a people-first approach, ensuring solutions are grounded in equity, collaboration, and human-centered design. They hold a Master's in Social Work, specializing in Organizational Management and Clinical Practice.
Kameisha L. Bennett, Senior JEDI Trainer & Administrative Advisor
Kameisha (she/her) has dedicated her career to health, race, gender, and social justice, serving as a student, teacher, trainer, researcher, analyst, writer, advocate, and leader. Her expertise encompasses research, development, training, and technical assistance. She excels in guiding organizations to address challenges and implement sustainable, effective solutions, with extensive experience in social and health equity, conflict analysis and resolution, mental health, substance misuse, sexual health, and health disparities. Kameisha holds an M.A. in Sociology.
Betsy Griffith, JEDI Trainer
Betsy (she/her) is a historian dedicated to teaching the past to improve the future. Her career includes roles as a nonprofit executive at Monticello, the Phillips Collection, and National Public Radio; Dean of the MBA Evening Program at Georgetown University; and partner at Venture Philanthropy Partners. She has taught history to adult learners at Georgetown’s Liberal Studies program, the Smithsonian, and aboard Viking cruises. Betsy holds an MBA from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University.
Martha Hurwitz, Guest JEDI Trainer
Martha Hurwitz (she/her) is an equity/anti-oppression educator, applying a distinctly non-pedantic approach to the tender work of understanding how systems of oppression function societally, and live within each of us individually. She’s pursued an interest in power, liberation, and society for decades, formally and experientially, from The Evergreen State College to the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Over a wide-ranging career, she co-founded a profoundly democratic non-ageist school, coached sole proprietors, directed qigong programming for cancer survivors, and instructed mountaineering courses. The granddaughter of Eastern European immigrants fleeing antisemitism, Martha is currently reflecting on her family’s transition away from Judaism into white-identity.
Juan Toscano-Madrid, Office Jedi
Juan (he/him) supports internal operations and team culture at Equity Through Action, bringing his deep commitment to equity, healing, and leadership to every facet of the organization. Juan holds a dual B.A. in Art History and Studio Art from Hood College and certifications in Joven Noble, peacekeeping circles, and advancing youth development. He brings deep knowledge of mental health, trauma-informed care, and culturally grounded leadership.
Felicia Ishino, JEDI Trainer
Felicia (she/her) has over 20 years of experience in Seattle-area K-12 and higher education institutions, as well as nonprofits. Her work focuses on creating equitable and inclusive environments for learners and professionals, emphasizing the importance of cultural humility and understanding. Felicia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Education, both from the University of Washington.
Essence Revels, JEDI Trainer
Essence (she/her) is a passionate advocate for underrepresented populations, dedicating her healthcare career to fostering a culture where all individuals are valued, included, and receive high-quality care. With over a decade of experience, she empowers organizations to create and sustain fulfilled teams by promoting engaging and inclusive workplaces. Essence excels in coaching, valuing service excellence, and understanding the learning and development process. She guides stakeholders in articulating equity aspirations and recommends strategic solutions for sustainable organizational transformation. Essence holds an M.B.S. in Health Equity.
C.Marie Taylor, President & Principal Consultant
C. Marie (she/her) is an accomplished leader, consultant, and advocate with a deep commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice. As the Founder and Principal of Equity Through Action, she brings over two decades of experience working with organizations to build equitable cultures and sustainable leadership practices. C. Marie’s approach is rooted in her belief in the power of humanity, inclusion, growth, and action to drive systemic change. Her expertise spans nonprofit management, executive coaching, and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) training. C. Marie holds an M.B.A. in non-profit Management. and is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in creating inclusive systems and practices that foster meaningful transformation.