about me

I would much rather tell your story than mine. Here's a bio if you're into that sort of thing. In the meantime, here are a few things you should probably know before you click other things:

I live in San Antonio, Texas and know how to work the Zoom, so where you're located doesn't matter to me.
I work in partnership with you to understand, articulate, and document purpose. This helps ground all of the work and offers us the space to pivot when necessary. Basically, I don't do things just to do them. Find out more about how I work in the FAQs.
I am interested in disrupting the way things have always been done in order to change outcomes. If you want to question and reimagine something—a program, a campaign, a strategy—let's do that together!
I know incredibly talented people who can help make your work better, so if I'm not the person to help with your project, I'll introduce you to others who can.
I seek ease in partnerships and inspiration in collaboration. So, like...working together should be fun and intentional and worth it for both us.

about my work

Below you'll find the type of work I do, along with all the buzzwords that go along with them.

strategy

We'll identify purpose, tap the people to help, and generate a process that will develop the programs, budgets, policies, and efforts to strengthen future impact, while amplifying and celebrating existing impact. We will slow down to speed up.

Buzzwords: Logic Models, Human Services Value Curve, Social Determinants of Health, Equity Lens, Design Thinking, Strategic Planning, Systems Thinking

storytelling

By understanding who you are and what you do, we'll shape and frame narratives that share your story and bring more people into your work. Plus, we'll have fun doing it! This translates to web design, event production, digital media, public speaking coaching, and anywhere else you need to share your story.

Buzzwords: strategic communications, crisis communications, social media strategy, public relations, asset-based communications, data visualization, asset-framing

evaluation

Strengthening your work by utilizing available data and/or generating the systems for tracking your own data, we'll find patterns, ask critical questions, and utilize that data to inform next steps and strengthen impact.

Buzzwords: Results-Based Accountability, Community Indicators, Targeted Universalism, Social Impact, Impact Investment, research, data analysis

community engagement &
collaborative facilitation

Co-creating solutions with the communities you serve, enhances your delivery of all programs, services, and resources. I have a deep understanding of engagement strategies and a proven track record of implementing approaches that move communities along a continuum of engagement. I can also help facilitate—across sectors, organizations, stakeholders, and teams—conversations that define shared purpose, desired outcomes, how to measure and evaluate success, and the responsibilities of parties involved.

Buzzwords: Collective Impact, Public-Private Partnerships, Collaborative Philanthropy, cross-sector collaboration, Communities of Practice, Community Visioning, Community Indicator Projects

political strategy &
public policy

Government has the power to influence and affect change for the communities they serve, and I can help you shape policies, campaigns, and communications that help deliver and inform this change.

Buzzwords: Political Strategist, Political Communications, Campaign Strategy

About: Services

FAQs

The following questions and their corresponding answers are to help save time and energy, which is exactly what a strong consultant will do for you, generally.

frequently asked questions

After I contact you, then what?

I'll research you/your organization (so it's helpful for you to provide your name/website/physical location and detailed description of why you believe I might be able to help your organization on the contact form). If I believe I can be helpful to you, I'll reach out to schedule a 30-minute virtual session to learn more. (If I don't believe I can help or need more information, I'll follow-up via email.) This 30-minute session will help me develop a proposal for your organization/project/program. The proposal will include an overview of purpose—what I gleaned from our conversation—and a recommended course of action. I will offer outcomes and goals alongside a pretty detailed list of responsibilities (mine and yours), a general timeline, and cost. As I feel very seriously about working in partnership, I anticipate we'll chat about what's in the proposal and how/when we begin.
How much do you charge?

I work by project not by hourly rate, so costs will fluctuate based on the lift of the project. Fees vary by sector, your organization's budget size, and even how excited I am about the work. (Just because I can do something doesn't mean I get excited about it.) My fees also shift based on virtual versus in-person meetings. (Putting on real pants and driving to a different location will cost more. This is how it works for me now.) If you have ongoing needs and want to spread the cost over time, I fully appreciate that, and we can talk about a retainer model. If I believe I'll need to work with someone else to complete a project, I'll let you know and pull in the folks I trust.
How long does a project normally last?

Depends on the project. I give a clear timeline of deliverables in my contract, and also...what is time now? Urgency and productivity are less important to me than why the project exists in the first place and what we're trying to achieve together. We'll start by defining purpose and outcomes, so that we can determine, together, what might happen. This also helps us see where we might shift the work as we're doing it. The work we'll do together will take time and energy, so my hope is that you're prioritizing the work as much as I am.
But, like, how do you work?

In partnership with you. In fact, if we move to contract, I write in principles of this partnership and ask you to contribute any additional ones. I seek partnerships that: 1. Are characterized by mutual trust, respect, and commitment to mission. 2. Build upon identified strengths and assets. 3. Balance power—real and perceived—and respect expertise and experience across organizational hierarchy. 4. Uphold clear, transparent, and asset-based communication. 5. Prioritize continuous learning and improvement. 6. Reimagine what is possible in the work by defining purpose and documenting outcomes. 7. Prioritize purpose over productivity.
I am looking for you to do something as a volunteer or favor. Cool?

Here's the deal: I am serious about investing my time, energy, and money in my community. I pay very close attention to San Antonio, and the organizations that are doing the thing. I reach out to offer free services to the organizations that align to my interests and show the greatest impact on the community. I am most interested in systems change, electoral politics and policy change, theatre and the arts, and college access and attainment. If you still believe your volunteer opportunity or favor is something I won't be able to pass up, feel free to contact me and note that you are asking for my services for free in your message. I will let you know if I'm available/interested.
I'm just looking to pick your brain on my next project. Cool?

If you want to "pick my brain" for free, please note that in your message. (Then see my answer to: "I am looking for you to do something as a volunteer or favor.") Otherwise, what you're requesting is a consultation, which is what I do for a living. Separately, should I accept your offer to pick my brain, we can do that virtually. No need to eat or drink while we do it. (This is just to head off the inevitable, "Let's happy hour" or "Have breakfast/lunch" to "get to know each other's work better.")
I'm hoping you'll present/come speak at/emcee/join a panel for my event. Do you do that?

I have done this a lot. Sometimes, I have things to offer. Sometimes, I don't. I'll ask the following questions if they're not addressed in the request: Why am I the person you want for this? ('Cause I know lots of brilliant people who may be better suited for your event/topic.) Who else is speaking/serving on the panel? ('Cause I look for diversity in race, gender, and age—to start—when considering if my voice should be added.) Is there a speaker's fee? (If not, please see the answer to "I am looking for you to do something as a volunteer or favor.") What relationship do I have with you or your organization?
I'm not exactly sure I need a consultant/I'd love to know more about your work/I'd like us to get to know each other better...maybe we should grab a coffee/lunch?

No, thank you. Forced relationship over a hot beverage or food is not my jam. I get that some folks love this so much. (I know many who do, and they happen to be some of my dearest friends. I rarely go to coffee with them either.) Feel free to use my contact form to help me understand how we might work together, and, if all makes sense, we'll rock a virtual meeting that can keep us both in pajama pants.

about me

I would much rather tell your story than mine. Here's a bio if you're into that sort of thing. In the meantime, here are a few things you should probably know before you click other things:

​

I live in San Antonio, Texas and know how to work the Zoom, so where you're located doesn't matter to me.

I work in partnership with you to understand, articulate, and document purpose. This helps ground all of the work and offers us the space to pivot when necessary. Basically, I don't do things just to do them. Find out more about how I work in the FAQs.

I am interested in disrupting the way things have always been done in order to change outcomes. If you want to question and reimagine something—a program, a campaign, a strategy—let's do that together!

I know incredibly talented people who can help make your work better, so if I'm not the person to help with your project, I'll introduce you to others who can.

I seek ease in partnerships and inspiration in collaboration. So, like...working together should be fun and intentional and worth it for both us.