(she/her/ella)
Queen Bee
Co-Founder, Colmena
Owner, Intrinseca Corp

I’m a philanthropy consultant, researcher, and evaluator who partners with nonprofits, philanthropies, and PSOs to drive collective impact and meaningful social change. My work is grounded in deep social justice values, and I draw from critical theories like critical race theory and feminism to guide my approach. I’m passionate about helping organizations align their practices with their values and improve collaboration for stronger community outcomes.

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on strategic learning, helping organizations navigate complex challenges and improve their ability to make a real difference. I believe in the power of collective giving and resource-sharing, and I use this to help create spaces where organizations can work together for a greater purpose.

Beyond my professional work, I’m a proud member of the Latina Giving Circle in San Diego and serve on the boards of Social Venture Partners International and the Women's Funding Network. I’m dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable environments where everyone has a voice and can contribute to lasting social change.

As a Collective Impact Strategist, I aim to create the conditions where collaboration leads to tangible results, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

(she/her)
Queen Bee
Co-Founder, Colmena
Owner, Jeanius Lab, LLC

I am a network and organizational strategist, capacity builder,  learning design specialist, and technologist on a mission to re-engineer the philanthropic,  nonprofit, and public sectors through my consulting and to align my business and livelihood with the solidarity economy. 

I have extensive experience holding space for developing emergent and adaptive structures, strategies, practices, and tools for the leaders that are courageously working to shift power and resources to the global majority. I work with partner organizations and networks to support collaborative “big thinking” efforts with multiple stakeholders and solutions within a complex system. I am an organizer at heart, helping to organize networks and people around equitable strategy, operations, learning, and technology.

I am also the owner of Jeanius Lab, LLC, a strategic consulting firm offering services through the collective at Colmena and serve as a volunteer on several local grantmaking and nonprofit committees.

(she/her)
Queen Bee
Co-Founder, Colmena
Owner, KEWL Consulting, LLC

I'm an Equitable Economic and Community Development leader passionate about helping nonprofits thrive and communities grow. My journey has taken me through a variety of roles, from managing nonprofit organizations to developing and implementing programs that make a tangible impact. I've got a knack for strategic planning and organizational restructuring, ensuring that the organizations I work with are not just surviving, but truly thriving.

In my various roles, I was able to increase the organizational budget by nearly 40% and expand our programming to tackle pressing community concerns like public safety and sanitation. These efforts led to a decrease in crime, an increase in civic education, and more opportunities for community participation—something I’m particularly proud of. I managed the Baltimore Main Street program and built partnerships that funneled investment into low to moderate-income communities. I also developed a neighborhood engagement tracking system that’s still in use today.

My experience as a fellow of the Daniel Rose Center for Public Leadership in Equitable Economic Development allowed me to collaborate with cities across the U.S. on innovative strategies for land use, workforce development, and more.

My other passion lies in supporting small food and hospitality businesses. I’m Level 2 certified in wine and spirits and help small restaurants develop their bar programs. It’s all about fostering growth—whether in a community, a nonprofit organization, or a local bar.

(she/her)
Member Bee, Colmena
Owner, Living Change Consulting 

My work is rooted in the principle of inherent power, guiding individuals and organizations in harnessing their personal agency to initiate positive change within themselves and their communities. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Living Change Consulting, I create a secure and empowering environment for navigating the challenges and uncertainties of transformation through personalized coaching and consulting services. With extensive experience in racial justice, equity and belonging, grantmaking, research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and leadership development, I am committed to supporting others in tapping into their inherent power and personal agency.

My work spans across various sectors, but my core focus remains consistent: supporting and facilitating meaningful change. I am an accomplished grantmaking strategist and justice-oriented leader, specializing in developing and implementing impactful social change strategies. My domestic and global initiatives have helped advance racial justice and equitable leadership across diverse sectors. I have extensive experience building and managing funder collaboratives, driving strategic philanthropy, and fostering cross-sector partnerships that meet the needs of underserved communities.

My approach is rooted in deep stakeholder engagement, creating learning communities, and developing evaluation tools to measure the impact of leadership programs. I have extensive experience crafting innovative strategies that build networks among transnational leaders, support social justice movements, and drive systemic change. My expertise in guiding organizations through change management processes ensures that equity remains at the forefront of their missions.

I hold a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University, a Change Management certification from Cornell University, and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from St. Olaf College.

(she/they)
Member Bee
Beekeeper/Honey Manager, Colmena
Owner, Cera Studios

I’m a facilitator, designer, and creative nerd with 20+ years experience in social mission organizations, including a decade in philanthropy. I am rooted in solidarity and the perseverance of collective liberation. 

In 2022, I founded Cera Studios to hold my consulting and coaching work focused on the transformative potential of “the organic in between”— the habits, practices, stories, gatherings, infrastructure, governance, organizing models, and systems — of organizations and individuals. 

I’ve led the co-creation of convenings like the CHANGE Philanthropy Unity Summit and the EAT Stockholm Food Forum. I’ve built and cultivated vibrant communities of donors, members, and followers who have activated change by mobilizing resources, weaving networks, and driving campaigns. I have managed brands and stories to shift focus, power, and possibility. I bring creativity and deep values to Operations leadership. And, it all began with a decade as a bilingual investigator supporting clients of groups like the Bronx Defenders, Innocence Project, and CCR.

My current board service at the Yellowhammer Fund, land stewardship efforts, facilitation experiments like Good Talk, embodiment practice with TEI’s the Practice Ground, and creative projects like Alphabet, are grounding parts of my work and life. Born in New England, I have also found home in NYC, Oslo & Birmingham, AL. I’m a commitment to truth, creation, connection, and getting free.

We currently have five active Social & Solidarity subscribers in the Hive.

We created this subscription service for consultants who want to connect with a like-minded community of consultants to offer mutual support for their work. We offer just what it says - opportunities to interact socially and to act in solidarity with the hive.

Colmena will take nominations for new subscriptions every season.