Our Vision & Values
Our vision is a world where policies and practices are liberatory and systems that cause or uphold inequities based on race and ethnicity are disrupted.
Toward this vision, we are guided by these values– both internally in how we operate, and externally in service of our work with partners:
RACIAL JUSTICE
Economic prosperity and access to opportunities have been inextricably linked with race and ethnicity, by design. We center racial equity in our work - in process and in outcomes - knowing that the impacts of racism, patriarchy, capitalism, ableism, and heteronormativity are compounded for people of color who share other historically marginalized identities. We operate from the premise that by designing process, policy, and products from the perspectives of those who live at these intersections, everyone will benefit.
RELEVANCE & RESONANCE
Each partner and situation is unique and we adapt our approach in ways that respond to the myriad complexities of the moment. We ensure that our work is relevant to the context that our partners are operating in and create resonant impact that reverberates long after our work is completed.
CREATIVITY
We know that creativity is essential to disrupt oppressive systems and make lasting change. We know that progress is not linear or a formula, so we constantly interrogate our own processes and commit to a stance of learning and openness to new ways of being.
INTEGRITY
We believe integrity is showing up as our full selves and constantly striving to speak and act in alignment with our values and purpose. We hold ourselves to account to ensure our work is advancing our core value of racial justice. We support our partners to do the same.
INCLUSION
Every person has inherent value and wisdom. We make better decisions, better policy, and build more resilient communities when we as individuals and communities create and uplift our own strengths. We support our partners with building systems that support this empowerment through process, policy, and resource distribution.
Our Team
Pooja Bhatt
CO-FOUNDER &
MANAGING PARTNER
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Pooja is a seasoned public policy strategist, collaborative coalition builder and facilitator, and creative problem-solver. She is equally capable of leading the development of a collective vision and stewarding the strategy and work to make it come to life. All of this is in service of forging and strengthening partnerships, policies, processes, and outcomes that improve the lives of people and increase access to and transparency of public investments.
Over two decades, Pooja has helped leaders working in nonprofits, community coalitions, school districts, elected office, government agencies, and philanthropy work together with community members and experts to create shared vision and priorities; understand the landscape of what’s happening and make investments and operational shifts to build on what’s working and transform what isn’t. Pooja has advised three elected offices at the State and local levels, including two Governors. She was often the convener, facilitator, and dot connector in spaces to develop shared understanding of problems and possible solutions and co-develop policies/investments and plans. She engaged in these efforts with bipartisan groups of State legislators; K12 and postsecondary educators and lawmakers; community and tribal education leaders, and State agency and educator workforce and association leaders. Among the work she is most proud of is creating access to pathways of transparency and information for communities that have been historically underserved by State systems. By partnering with community leaders and leaders who model this practice in pockets around State government, Pooja bridged gaps for communities on the ground to inform and improve State-level design and administration of programs and funding applications.
Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, Pooja has worked with organizations around the United States and in India.
Aimee Craig
CO-FOUNDER &
MANAGING PARTNER
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Aimee Craig is an experienced facilitator and strategist. She is skilled at guiding groups to shared decisions and creating processes that honor lived experience and diverse perspectives.
Aimee works with leaders to clarify and live their mission, vision, and values through their meeting and process design, engagement, and communications. Directing communications and public affairs in the non-profit and government sectors, Aimee has led engagement processes with students, teachers, families, and school administrators and designed multi-year strategic communications plans. With partners in early learning, K-12 education, and philanthropy, Aimee has facilitated multi-year learning communities and short-term, decision-making workgroups. She prioritizes joy and connection as tools for change.
Aimee has worked with large government agencies and foundations and small non-profits and individual leaders. Clients include the Oregon Community Foundation, Northwest Regional Education Service District, the American Indian/Alaska Native Professional Learning Community, Chalkboard Project, and the Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division.
Aimee also volunteers at the Dougy Center for Grieving Children, listens to many podcasts, and loves instigating karaoke.
