Founder's bio

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Welcome to my website!  

I am passionate about partnering with Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Disability-led (BIPOCD) organizations, guiding them through the lenses of Accessibility, Cultural Responsiveness, and Trauma-informed approaches to foster Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with and beyond these organizations. I offer expertise in Executive Coaching, non-profit Infrastructure Support, and Grant Consultation. 

 As a woman of color Executive Director serving some of the most vulnerable community members navigating the landscape of resources, I deeply understand the challenges that BIPOCD-led and serving organizations face.  I have mentored many executive directors of color before creating Rising Initiative Consulting.  

Establishing this consulting firm was a natural progression, driven by my firm belief that nurturing and empowering BIPOCD leaders serves as the ultimate catalyst for creating positive, meaningful change within our community. 

I have a strong background in directly advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, primary women of color with all forms of disabilities, and homeless women with children. My work focuses on gender equality, racial justice, and disability justice. 

My primary goal is to empower BIPOCD nonprofit leaders by establishing sustainable leadership and a robust infrastructure that maximizes their impact. My extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and involvement in numerous nonprofit boards, government committees, and foundation funding groups enhances my understanding of effective organizational strategies and funding mechanisms. My educational foundation is in Sociology, Psychology, and Ethnic Studies. 

Please connect with me: 

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlee-lewis-4164bba2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlee.lewis.444

Instagram: Instagram.com/love.2.play.outdoors

Instagram: instagram.com/whipping.it.up.with.LOVE