THE DREAM TEAM!

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Maria Monica Andia, JEDI Trainer & Communications Composer

Maria Monica (she/they) is a passionate and dedicated consultant, facilitator, and coach with a decade of experience in the fields of education, non-profit, and wellness. Their focus is working with individuals and organizations as they engage in generative dialogue to imagine & re-imagine creative solutions and cultivate practices that co-create inclusive environments designed for everyone to thrive. Maria Monica brings a people-first approach to her work, ensuring solutions are grounded in equity, collaboration, and human-centered design. Maria Monica has a Masters in Social Work with a focus in Organizational Management and Clinical Practice.

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Kameisha L. Bennett, Senior JEDI Trainer & Administrative Advisor

Kameisha (she/her) has spent her career focused on health, race, gender and social justice. She has taken on the role of student, teacher, trainer, researcher, analyst, writer, advocate, and leader. Her experience includes research, development, training, and technical assistance. One of her greatest strengths is guiding organizations in addressing challenges and working to implement sustainable and effective solutions. She has vast experience in social and health equity, conflict analysis and dispute resolution, mental health, substance abuse, and misuse, sexual health, and health disparities. Kameisha has an M.A. in Sociology.

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Shari Davis, Client Relations Jedi

Shari (she/her) is a strategic leader and consultant in human capital management (HCM) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), with a keen understanding of the intersection between human resources, organizational culture, and strategy. For over 20 years, Shari has partnered with clients to develop high-performing leaders and teams, enable business transformations, and create equitable and inclusive cultures that respect the identities and experiences of team members and the communities they serve. With experience across diverse industries, Shari deeply understands the unique challenges clients face in aligning HCM and DEIB priorities with their organizational strategy. Shari has an M.S in Human Resource Management and several leadership and team assessment certifications.

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Zewud Debebe, JEDI Trainer

Zewud (she/her) brings 25+ years of expertise in Human Capital Management and Development and Corporate Culture Change. She has worked with start-ups experiencing early-stage to rapid growth and those under organizational change and restructuring. Her experience extends to supporting international organizations, as she has served as a change agent for cultural integration and management. Her portfolio includes due diligence and compliance, integration of acquisitions, and mergers. She’s conducted numerous pay equity analyses, designed, and developed employee classifications and grading systems to ensure companies are closing inequitable gaps. Zewud has a M.A. in General Administration & Human Resources.

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J. Russell Fugett, Client Relations Jedi

Russell (he/him) is a bridge builder who excels at building consensus and organizing teams that make an impact. By leading with a listen, Russell fosters an environment of inclusive collaboration and community that makes a difference in people’s lives. Drawing on his experience as Chair of the Multicultural Affairs Council while a College student, Russell worked at The George Washington University Multicultural Student Services Center where he was Senior Program Coordinator. Recently, Russell worked as a Project Manager at Cook Ross, a global training and consulting firm focused on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.). Russell has a M.S. inProject Management.

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Betsy Griffith, JEDI Trainer

Betsy (she/her) is a historian who teaches the past to improve the future. She was a nonprofit executive at Monticello, the Phillips Collection, and National Public Radio; dean of the MBA Evening Program at Georgetown University; and a partner at Venture Philanthropy Partners. She has an MBA from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University. She has previously taught history for adult learners at Georgetown’s Liberal Studies program, the Smithsonian, and on shipboard with Viking. Betsy has a Ph.D in Liberal Studies

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Felicia Ishino, JEDI Trainer

Felicia (she/her) has over 20 years of experience in Seattle area K-12, higher learning institutions, and nonprofits. She holds degrees in English and Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington. In Felicia’s free time, she enjoys camping, spending time with her children, and finding inspiration in the teachings and writings of Toni Morrison and Adrienne Maree Brown.

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Robyn Jones, Chief Finance Officer

Robyn (she/her) provides finance and administrative support to Equity Through Action’s leadership team. Robyn is a native Hoosier from the great state of Indiana and has worked in the nonprofit community for several years. She received a BS and an MS in Human Development and Family Studies and Housing, respectively, from Iowa State University. Robyn developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector and believes this work serves a greater purpose.

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Jackie Kindall, JEDI Trainer

Jackie (she/her) is the founder of Kindall Evolve Consulting LLC where she helps driven, committed executives build cohesive teams that thrive. A born go-getter, Jackie’s greatest satisfaction is witnessing the transformation that takes place as her clients and their teams enjoy the accomplishments and accolades of working as one to surpass their goals. Jackie has an M.S. in Organization Development & Leadership.

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Essence Revels, JEDI Trainer

Essence (she/her) is a passionate advocate for under-valued populations and has devoted her healthcare career to advancing a culture where all are valued, included, and afforded the high-quality care they deserve. For over a decade, Essence has been empowering organizations to create and sustain fulfilled teams through igniting engaging and inclusive workplaces. Her ability to effectively coach is rooted in her value for service excellence and her deep understanding and appreciation of the learning and development process. Specifically, Essence’s strength lies in her ability to guide stakeholders in articulating their equity aspirations, as well as identifying and recommending strategic solutions to sustain organizational transformation. Essence has an M.B.S. in health equity.

C.Marie Taylor, President & Principal Consultant

C. Marie (she/her) is a leader who works with companies interested in changing their work environment to become a safe, inclusive, and people-focused space. C. Marie believes we can re-imagine a workplace that sees the full value of Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, other people of color. She knows when this intentional work is done, innovation ignites, authentic personal relationships are formed, and productivity and morale rise. Recently, C. Marie created a new leadership training program that increased civic engagement and increased revenues by thirty-five percent. C.Marie has M.B.A., Non-Profit Management.

Juan Toscano-Madrid, Office Jedi

Juan (he/him) has been involved in administrative programming and community-based work for over a decade. He joins the team with experience in program development and building partnerships. Born in Honduras, raised in Maryland, and with a studio art and art history education, he brings a cross-cultural and creative lens to the table. He understands the importance of equity, making space, and being open to different approaches. Juan invests his time and efforts in work that is inclusive, meaningful, and promotes connections. Juan has a B.A., Art History & Studio Art.