I know how small- to mid-sized social purpose organizations tick.
I’m Lisa Towne
I can help you take stock of your organization’s health, prioritize what you need to focus on, and then help you to actually focus: inclusively, regularly, and strategically.
Unlike other organizational consultants who address discrete aspects of organizational health, I help organizations and their people address their challenges and amplify their assets with an integrated, inclusive approach.
I bring more than 25 years of experience serving public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit organizations that lift up young people, schools, educators, and communities, especially those that have experienced systemic inequities.
I have deep expertise in K12 education, with a focus on college- and career-readiness, equitable and effective grantmaking, teacher preparation partnerships, and student-led social and emotional learning. I’ve helped strengthen organizations, networks, and leaders as a strategist, program director, knowledge manager, research director, facilitator, talent leader, and faculty member.
I partner with my clients with these values:
Humanity.
We all deserve respect, understanding, and compassion. And we all embody intersectional identities that shape how we walk in the world. I am an empath and firm believer in the value of every human life. I never lose sight of that belief.
Humility.
Social purpose work is serious business, but I don’t take myself too seriously. We are all teachers and learners. When we work together well, we become smarter and better humans. I’ll share my knowledge, apply my skills on your behalf, and provide you with top-notch service. But I won’t ever position myself as the single source of truth, and I’ll share openly what I’m struggling with and learning while we work together. I hope you’ll do the same.
Transparency.
No one wins when things are unsaid or vague. I’m a wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve, call-it-like-I-see-it human, and that shows up in how I work. You’ll always know where I stand, and I’ll always seek to understand where you stand. I state things directly and with kindness.
My commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion:
I am trying, succeeding, failing, and trying again to live into this commitment every day. I actively interrogate, name, and seek to minimize my biases across lines of difference, especially race, age, and gender. I listen to and celebrate multiple perspectives, identities, histories, and stories. I am an anti-racist who fights daily against the white savior complex that animated my early career. I seek out diverse perspectives in all of my interactions, strive to cultivate truly inclusive work environments, and take aim at the systemic inequities--especially systemic racism--that poison us all. I’ll bring this commitment to our work, and will invite you to do the same.
Here’s how we can work together:
