The work of repairing this world (aka systems change) begins by connecting deeply with those most impacted by the changes we seek; discovering possibilities for a different future; and experimenting our way forward. There will be chocolate involved.

[ work ]

For Funders | Philanthropic Strategy

How do we pursue change in the world and stay aligned with the needs of the organizations and communities most impacted? Our work together will involve embedding deeply with issues and people to co-create a philanthropic strategy that builds a collective vision for change.

For Networks + Coalitions | Network Strategy + Systems (Re)design

Today’s social systems chronically reinforce racial inequity. These systems were, at one point, designed— and now should be (re)designed to benefit all who are impacted. Our work together will build cross-sector, cross-issue teams that act collectively to rethink our communal structures and processes with the goal of justice and inclusion.

[ network ]

Too often in times of transition or ambiguity, leaders bypass the wisdom and solutions already present in their social networks.

In our work together, one of my first questions will be: Who do you know and learn from? It is one of my deepest convictions that any change strategy — be it personal, organizational or systemic — must be supported by all who are impacted by your vision for change. And, if you are in the right conversations, they won’t all agree with you and will care enough to tell you why. 

Here are some of the leaders and networks that are a source of continual learning, inspiration and fellowship for me.

[ about ]

I happily wear many hats in my work as a social systems strategist and philanthropy advisor. My best days at work involve sitting across the table with visionaries who share my curiosity and determination about how to amplify our efforts to create a more inclusive and just future.

In 2019, I co-founded the With/In Collaborative, a consulting collaborative that is committed to working alongside groups of cross-sector leaders to re-imagine and re-design their shared communal systems. I am also program director to the New Leadership Network, and the Philanthropic Advisor to the Peleh Fund. My client work looks to accelerate the work of leaders and funders by embedding deeply at moments of transition and uncertainty — and leveraging network strategy, human centered design and systems thinking in pursuit of a different future. Some highlight from the last few years include:

• Re-designing the birth experience of Native women in deep partnership with parents and leaders from tribal lands in northern California, and with medical practitioners from Providence St. Joseph Hospital in California’s Humboldt County.
• Designing, facilitating and stewarding the Irvine Foundation’s New Leadership Network; the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Leaders Network; and the First Five Statewide Network. 
• Setting a new strategic vision with the Organizational Effectiveness team at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. 
• Embedding with the DataKind global network of data scientists in their formative years around their organizational capacity and network strategy. 
• Coaching the Social Systems Design Fellows at Stanford’s Hasso Plattner School of Design (aka the d.School) to translate design prototypes into systems and organizations.  
• Exploring how to center equity and design more intentionally in the work of early childhood with the leaders of the First 5 Napa Network.
• Establishing the Peleh Residency, one of the country’s only family friendly artist residency programs. 

In a previous life, I was the first senior program officer at the Jim Joseph Foundation and the founding US director of the Israel Venture Network. In 2011, I received the JJ Greenberg Award for Philanthropic Leadership from the Jewish Funders Network. That was a really good day in light of what JJ Greenberg was all about.

I often write and speak about what I’m learning which is a pretty cool part of the job. I recently co-authored the book Leading Systems Change, with Heather McLeod Grant. The book, now available for free download, tells the story of two communities embracing the opportunities and constraints of living in California’s Central Valley; and provides funders and practitioners with a detailed case-study, lessons learned, and tools for equity-centered systems change.