About Me
My background is in social work and urban planning. I bring a systems thinking approach. I prioritize,
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understanding people and teams,
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the use of quantitative and qualitative data,
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Targeted Universalism as an approach to equity and inclusion, and
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a bias toward action - making the right first move in the midst of complexity.
I have 20 years of experience leading initiatives and integrating equity-centered strategies across nonprofit, philanthropic, and government sectors.
Services
Customized consulting to meet your leadership, management, and organizational needs.
Youth Development | Community Partnership | Organizational Development | Child Welfare Cross-Sector Collaboration | Network Management | Community Partnership
Strategy
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Strategic Planning & Program Development
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Change Management & Collaboration
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Management Training
Facilitation
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Executive Sessions & Team Retreats
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Cohort & Network Learning
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Community Conversations
Thought Partnership
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Executive Coaching
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Team Development & Alignment
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Special Initiative Development & Implementation
Testimonials
Paula always shows up in service, able to hold a big-picture organizational lens separate from self amid complex conversations and decision-making. She possesses the rare ability to see a long-term strategy, identify the necessary steps to get there and lead others forward through discussions that are carefully planned to produce actionable results.
Nicole McLaughlin
Plummer Youth Promise, CEO
Paula pushed our entire organization's thinking and helped us create excellent work products, strategies, and smart approaches to tackling complex initiatives.
Paula is also an expert facilitator and is skilled in working both with junior colleagues, laterally, and in managing up with VPs and C-suite team members.
Drew L. Jacobs
Kaboom!, Director Evidence and Insights
She is insightful, she is passionate, she challenges the status quo, and above all else, she is committed to doing work that is truly transformative for community. She’s brave. She’s bold.
Lysa Ratliff
Kaboom!, CEO
From the moment I met Paula, I was truly touched by her presence. She exudes insight, intelligence, and a wonderful sense of humor. Her leadership is rooted in genuine empathy.
I was deeply moved when I witnessed her exceptional skills as she facilitated a group, I was part of, and we formed a meaningful connection over our shared background in social work.
Ellen Krouss
Director of Partnerships, Fundraise Up
Education, Training, & Certification
University of Michigan, Master of Urban Planning
University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Leveraging Generative AI for Social Impact Organizations, University of Michigan
Prosci™, Change Management Practitioner
Fundamentals of Facilitation for Racial Justice, Interaction Institute for Social Change
Results Based Accountability and Facilitation, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Groundwater Training, Racial Equity Institute
Undoing Racism by The People’s Institute.
Innovation in Action Workshop, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
Introduction to Adaptive Leadership, Adaptive Change Advisors