Meet Shelley

A GLOBAL CITIZEN & WELCOMER

I'm a proud Washingtonian (D.C.) originally from Georgia (Peach State). Extensive work, research and travel in Africa and Asia since 2009 lends me global perspective and a hefty dose of cross-cultural acumen. While my curiosity stays piqued in any new context, many commonalities surface across communities. One consistent theme is without a doubt, climate change and economic development are happening unevenly.

Many folks are innovating to turn these realities on their head. I've learned a lot about organizational and systems change methodologies over my 15 years in social impact and enjoy aligning groups with disparate interests towards a well-crafted shared goal. Gifts of mine that support this include pattern observer, tool builder, dialogue opener, movement amplifier, boundary spanner, and translator. I also hold a MA in International Development from Eastern University, a BA in Sociology & Poverty Studies from Furman University, and completed a unique Regenerative Systems Change Fellowship with RegenIntel.

AN EQUITABLE IMPACT STRATEGIST

Intersectional equity–gender, racial, disability and beyond–is the path towards a just and livable planet. As a partner of companies, investors, donors, and coalitions, I've helped shift practice to advance Indigenous leadership, human rights, women's employment, and community empowerment. My work is at home in the green and blue economy, as well as transitional spaces striving for more regenerative economics.

With experience spanning strategic planning, impact management, and research, I've honed an equitable systems lens. Community voice is at the center, nature is a stakeholder, and "expertise" is cultivated in the margins by people closest to the issues. Solutions are co-designed to address structures that drive inequities and risks. Colleagues and clients agree this integrated approach leads to more effective climate efforts, healthier organizations and supply chains, and interrelated systems that ultimately tilt toward justice and resilience.