Answers to commonly asked questions
You offer many services from a range of focus areas; how do you know all this stuff?
I am a curious person with many interests and because of that, in my early career, I tried on many roles. I also have over 15 years of experience working with developing organizations in positions where I had to wear many hats. I found that for-profit business start-ups are very similar to nonprofits in that a small team or even one person is likely doing everything to get things going. I have been that person and know what it takes.
I'm also a generalist, a lateral thinker. Traditionally this has been undervalued in our culture, but research is coming out that sings the generalists' praises as the true problem solvers, as opposed to the fact finders and procedural specialists. For more information, check out "Range" by David Epstein.
I've obtained specialized knowledge, however, in the fields of sustainability, art and ecology, and waste reduction and circular economy. The through-line is caring for the planet and care for the continuation of healthy communities and cultures. You have to have a range of skills and knowledge to do that. I am strategic, tend to build structures, and rely on practical creativity and elegant design to create healthy exchanges that exemplify living on the earth in respectful and ethical way.
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a movement to extend use of resources and alter systems of production that take, make, and waste. The idea is to create systems and markets that design out waste by extending the use of already extracted materials using design, partnerships, recycling, remanufacturing, connecting to other markets, and business models that rent the performance of things and other methods. My work in this area has focused on developing programs for reuse, recycling, and designing circular business models, including partnership creation.
Sustainability has shifted drastically in the last few years toward ESG (environment, social, governance) data collection to measure impacts. I work to use the data and design programs and organizations to create changes that move the needle using creativity, planning, and action. What's been missing in sustainability is the human element, equity, job creation, and wellness. It's all connected.
What is Program Design?
Design is a process of planning and defining parameters. Design creates connections between the environment or context, information, services, products, and peoples' experience. Design is best used in the beginning stages as a strategic tool rather than a middle or late-stage device.
Program design creates experiences that support an organizations goals or theory of change. The program can be a mix of resources, classes, events, and services etc. planned and delivered in a strategic way to address needs and meet objectives. Program designs build in ways to monitor and evaluate if your program is having the intended result in regards to your mission.
What I love about programs is that it can create communities and serve the marginalized and endangered.
What are art and ecology programs?
Art and ecology is a field of study, design, and art where ecology and human or social ecology is the focus. Design approaches and artistic methods are applied to the ecological systems for research. I think of it as melding strategic communications with citizen science using art and artful techniques. One may work with artists, biomimicry and sustainable designers, scientists, and permaculture professionals in this field. We have created nonprofit programs, art shows, design jams, functional sculpture, research practices using artful methods, programs, product designs, events, eco industrial villages, and educational content.
What is Ecological Art?
Ecological art is an art genre and artistic practice that seeks to preserve, remediate and/or vitalize the life forms, resources and ecology of Earth.
Ecological art is a distinct genre from Environmental art in that it involves functional ecological systems-restoration, as well as socially engaged, activist, community-based interventions.[3] Ecological art also addresses politics, culture, economics, ethics and aesthetics as they impact the conditions of ecosystems.[4] Ecological art practitioners include artists, scientists, philosophers and activists who often collaborate on restoration, remediation and public awareness projects. Wikipedia
When we remediate and restore ecological systems, we can do so in artful ways that give them reverence and beauty and provide educational opportunities.
It looks like you work with only sustainable organizations? Would you work with traditional organizations?
I'll work with anyone who has a sincere intent to find solutions to the wicked problems of our time. I don't believe in leaving this work to younger generations. There is tremendous value in connecting out of your sector for solutions. Especially since SME's are more agile and are filling the gaps for big brands.
We want to start a nonprofit. What can you do for us?
It depends on where you are in the process. Some clients want a coach to bounce ideas and stay focused on the next steps. Others have hired me to optimize operations, while others needed research, planning, and guidance during a transition. I am happy to talk to you and ensure I can support you and find the help you need for the various tasks required.
How do you typically work with clients?
I've worked with a range of clients in different circumstances and can be flexible. As a contractor and consultant, I prefer an initial meeting to discuss the projects and needs. I will typically offer a proposal and a rate. If accepted, I can create a contract or MOU or use proposals as the agreement in some instances. I tend to have weekly or biweekly check ins on deliverables, deadlines, and track my time hourly.
How much do you charge?
Of course, my rate depends on the project scope and timeline. I work at the market rate for consulting, but I am open to working with budgets as a contractor. I believe in living wages for people, especially for people doing meaningful work. If income strategies are tested it is a safer bet than a grant dependent start up. I don't write grants to pay for my service fees; however, I am open to having my services and rates written into grants. My coaching services might be a good fit if budgets are small, but please reach out regardless, there are options in the network.
I am a curious person with many interests and because of that, in my early career, I tried on many roles. I also have over 15 years of experience working with developing organizations in positions where I had to wear many hats. I found that for-profit business start-ups are very similar to nonprofits in that a small team or even one person is likely doing everything to get things going. I have been that person and know what it takes.
I'm also a generalist, a lateral thinker. Traditionally this has been undervalued in our culture, but research is coming out that sings the generalists' praises as the true problem solvers, as opposed to the fact finders and procedural specialists. For more information, check out "Range" by David Epstein.
I've obtained specialized knowledge, however, in the fields of sustainability, art and ecology, and waste reduction and circular economy. The through-line is caring for the planet and care for the continuation of healthy communities and cultures. You have to have a range of skills and knowledge to do that. I am strategic, tend to build structures, and rely on practical creativity and elegant design to create healthy exchanges that exemplify living on the earth in respectful and ethical way.
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a movement to extend use of resources and alter systems of production that take, make, and waste. The idea is to create systems and markets that design out waste by extending the use of already extracted materials using design, partnerships, recycling, remanufacturing, connecting to other markets, and business models that rent the performance of things and other methods. My work in this area has focused on developing programs for reuse, recycling, and designing circular business models, including partnership creation.
Sustainability has shifted drastically in the last few years toward ESG (environment, social, governance) data collection to measure impacts. I work to use the data and design programs and organizations to create changes that move the needle using creativity, planning, and action. What's been missing in sustainability is the human element, equity, job creation, and wellness. It's all connected.
What is Program Design?
Design is a process of planning and defining parameters. Design creates connections between the environment or context, information, services, products, and peoples' experience. Design is best used in the beginning stages as a strategic tool rather than a middle or late-stage device.
Program design creates experiences that support an organizations goals or theory of change. The program can be a mix of resources, classes, events, and services etc. planned and delivered in a strategic way to address needs and meet objectives. Program designs build in ways to monitor and evaluate if your program is having the intended result in regards to your mission.
What I love about programs is that it can create communities and serve the marginalized and endangered.
What are art and ecology programs?
Art and ecology is a field of study, design, and art where ecology and human or social ecology is the focus. Design approaches and artistic methods are applied to the ecological systems for research. I think of it as melding strategic communications with citizen science using art and artful techniques. One may work with artists, biomimicry and sustainable designers, scientists, and permaculture professionals in this field. We have created nonprofit programs, art shows, design jams, functional sculpture, research practices using artful methods, programs, product designs, events, eco industrial villages, and educational content.
What is Ecological Art?
Ecological art is an art genre and artistic practice that seeks to preserve, remediate and/or vitalize the life forms, resources and ecology of Earth.
Ecological art is a distinct genre from Environmental art in that it involves functional ecological systems-restoration, as well as socially engaged, activist, community-based interventions.[3] Ecological art also addresses politics, culture, economics, ethics and aesthetics as they impact the conditions of ecosystems.[4] Ecological art practitioners include artists, scientists, philosophers and activists who often collaborate on restoration, remediation and public awareness projects. Wikipedia
When we remediate and restore ecological systems, we can do so in artful ways that give them reverence and beauty and provide educational opportunities.
It looks like you work with only sustainable organizations? Would you work with traditional organizations?
I'll work with anyone who has a sincere intent to find solutions to the wicked problems of our time. I don't believe in leaving this work to younger generations. There is tremendous value in connecting out of your sector for solutions. Especially since SME's are more agile and are filling the gaps for big brands.
We want to start a nonprofit. What can you do for us?
It depends on where you are in the process. Some clients want a coach to bounce ideas and stay focused on the next steps. Others have hired me to optimize operations, while others needed research, planning, and guidance during a transition. I am happy to talk to you and ensure I can support you and find the help you need for the various tasks required.
How do you typically work with clients?
I've worked with a range of clients in different circumstances and can be flexible. As a contractor and consultant, I prefer an initial meeting to discuss the projects and needs. I will typically offer a proposal and a rate. If accepted, I can create a contract or MOU or use proposals as the agreement in some instances. I tend to have weekly or biweekly check ins on deliverables, deadlines, and track my time hourly.
How much do you charge?
Of course, my rate depends on the project scope and timeline. I work at the market rate for consulting, but I am open to working with budgets as a contractor. I believe in living wages for people, especially for people doing meaningful work. If income strategies are tested it is a safer bet than a grant dependent start up. I don't write grants to pay for my service fees; however, I am open to having my services and rates written into grants. My coaching services might be a good fit if budgets are small, but please reach out regardless, there are options in the network.