We started
Collective
to bring a bolder,
more human
approach* to DEI
A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER
Before starting Collective, I worked in a number of industries and companies of varying sizes. Some might say I was your classic job hopper with a resume that would make any recruiter cringe. I thought there was something wrong with me that I was so unhappy in my workplace. But as I spoke to more and more people like me—female, queer, disabled, POC—whose workplaces didn’t seem to work for them either, a lightbulb went off. What if it wasn’t me that was the problem? What if the truth was that the typical workplace just wasn’t designed with me in mind. In fact, it wasn’t designed with a lot of us in mind.
Enter Collective. In 2017, I quit my job and dedicated myself to tackling the biggest challenge faced by companies today—how to attract, engage, and retain the workforce of the future (read: a diverse one). Collective was founded on the belief that employees that feel seen, understood, and valued do their best work, and I’m so proud to lead a team of passionate, brilliant individuals who are committed to helping you do just that. We’re excited you found us— now let’s get to work!
Sincerely yours,
Our mission is to cultivate the power of difference at work as a force for human connection, collaboration and progress.
OUR APPROACH
We’re over stuffy trainings and ineffective videos that do little but make people cringe (you know the type). We approach DEI in a fresh way and are committed to creating real, sustainable change — vanity metrics are no good to us, or to you. Whether it’s building out a DEI strategy or getting a pulse on your culture, we believe in a few core tenets when it comes to our work: honest partnership above all else, human-centric is better than data-centric, and change stems from short-term tactical wins and true personal transformation.
Consider a long-term relationship over a one-time thing
We work with partners who value long-term partnerships over one-and-done solutions. We’ll immerse ourselves in your employee experience. We know that this work is never one-size-fits all. Our consultants craft customized strategies that go much deeper than generic recommendations. Now is a great time to get to know each other better.
Keep it real
Tuning in to what a team needs to feel empowered and productive is the key to working through DEI challenges. Employees are more than a data point, so we go beyond checking boxes. (If you’re here to just check this off your to-do list, kindly look elsewhere.) Statistical insights are most effective when coupled with a strategy of listening, so we facilitate an environment where everybody feels heard. And we focus on amplifying marginalized voices. It’s essential.
Make your best practices better
We’re intentional in the ways our process touches people, companies, and broader systems. We want our work to last. We tackle important technical problems, providing tools and building skills to minimize bias. We also confront adaptive challenges, taking the next step towards a larger shift in how we challenge bias. There’s a magic that happens when people rise to the occasion.
Requires
commitment
Our values
Embody Integrity
How we do the work matters just as much as the work itself. For us, impact and culture matter more than just a paycheck.
Lead with Curiosity
We let curiosity, not judgement, guide us, choosing to expand our perspectives and understanding of the world and those around us.
Support and Challenge
We co-create honest and compassionate partnerships that foster change by supporting one another and speaking the hard truths with care.
Practice Bravery
We commit to this process with heart and mind by bringing forth our true selves and showing courage in the face of difficult work.
Show Grace in Growth
We learn from practice, and believe with each new challenge comes another chance to grow. As we do, we show humility and grace.