Evidence-based solutions for community-minded organizations.

We believe that community-driven solutions are the key to creating positive change. As a Native American, Black and women-owned firm, we bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the importance of cultural competence and authentic engagement.

Our team of diverse experts is passionate about empowering organizations to make a real-world impact. We work at the intersection of research, strategy, and communication, offering a holistic approach that delivers measurable results.

Our Approach

We partner with businesses, governments, NGOs, foundations, and nonprofits to develop tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and opportunities. Our process is rooted in:

  • Community-Centered Insights: We conduct rigorous research, utilizing both social science and UX methodologies, to gain a deep understanding of your stakeholders and their needs.
  • Culturally Intelligent Transformation: We guide you through change processes that are inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
  • Authentic Community Engagement: We help you build trust, inspire action, and foster lasting relationships with your communities through communication strategies that resonate.

Our Commitment

  • Growth Mindset: We believe in continuous learning and growth, actively seeking out diverse perspectives to challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of the world we work in.
  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and collaboration. We work in close collaboration with our clients, valuing their expertise and input throughout the entire process to achieve shared goals and create positive change within their communities and spheres of influence.
  • Impact: We are driven by a passion for making a positive, measurable difference in the world and strive to create solutions that have a lasting impact.

Co-Creating a Brighter Future

Partner with us to build a brighter future together. Let's start a conversation about how our community-centered approach can transform your organization and the communities you serve.

About the team

We're a passionate group dedicated to delivering the best results for our clients.

  • Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

    Dr. Lamsam is a seasoned consultant and researcher with a passion for empowering organizations to make a real-world impact. Combining extensive experience in both grassroots initiatives and academia, she excels in bridging the gap between research insights and communication strategies to tackle complex socio-economic and health challenges.

    Specializing in culturally competent solutions, Dr. Lamsam partners with organizations across sectors—from nonprofits and government agencies to businesses and foundations—to design and implement strategies that drive meaningful community engagement and enhance organizational effectiveness. Her research expertise coupled with her deep understanding of diverse cultures and communities (spanning Europe, Asia, and the U.S.), enables her to deliver tailored solutions that resonate with target audiences and achieve measurable results.

    Dr. Lamsam's career includes serving as the Executive Editor of the Native Health News Alliance, a nonprofit news service for American Indian media and mainstream outlets. She is also an Emeritus Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she taught journalism and conducted research on development communication, media framing, and the role of information and communication technologies in Native American communities.

    Dr. Lamsam's research has been published in numerous academic journals and presented at national and international conferences. She is a recognized expert in culturally competent research and communication strategies, and her work has been instrumental in helping organizations connect meaningfully with diverse communities.

    Key Skills & Expertise:

    • Culturally Competent Research & Evaluation
    • Strategic Communication Planning & Implementation
    • Community Engagement & Outreach
    • Leadership Development & Training
    • Media Relations & Public Affairs
    • Grant Writing & Funding Strategy
    • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Consulting
    • User Experience (UX) Research & Design

  • Christin Smith, Ph.D.

    Christin is a communications, culture, and media practitioner passionate about curating research, art, and stories about people, communities, and organizations. She holds a PhD in Culture, Communications, and Media Studies from Howard University and holds research expertise in user-centered design, oral history, critical discourse, image research, and qualitative research.

    Christin has participated in or led research teams for various organizations, including NGOs, media centers, and nonprofits. A published cultural expert in both mainstream media and peer review research that focuses on Black representation, hip hop studies, Afrofuturism, women, gender studies, and popular culture.

  • Mitchel Kiyotakitsune

    Dr. Mitchel Kiyotakitsune is a distinguished expert in cross-cultural communications and diversity education, with a rich tapestry of professional experience that spans continents and industries. With a background deeply rooted in law enforcement investigations and a profound understanding of Indigenous cultures, Dr. Kiyotakitsune serves as a pivotal bridge between diverse communities and organizations.

    Holding a Ph.D. in Leadership and an MA in International Studies, Dr. Kiyotakitsune has dedicated his career to fostering cultural awareness and inclusion. His academic credentials are complemented by his extensive hands-on experience, which includes serving as an employee and consultant to various U.S. federal agencies such as the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and the Forest Service. Additionally, he has been contracted to provide his expertise to the U.S. Department of State.

    As a Veteran, Dr. Kiyotakitsune's disciplined approach and dedication to service are evident in his extensive research and consulting initiatives. He has developed, authored, and taught numerous courses on diversity awareness and support, cross-cultural education, and effective communication strategies in tribal communities. His instructional methods have been lauded for their ability to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.

    Dr. Kiyotakitsune's contributions to the field of cross-cultural communications are complemented by his hands-on experience in Native American consulting. He has acted as a crucial link between Indigenous communities and various governmental and non-governmental organizations, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are represented and respected in decision-making processes.

    Dr. Kiyotakitsune’s service as a veteran has endowed him with a unique perspective on leadership and cross-cultural dynamics. His international research and consulting endeavors have taken him to diverse regions, including Afghanistan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous Indigenous communities across Indian Country. These experiences have enriched his understanding of global cultural intricacies and enhanced his ability to guide organizations in effectively navigating complex cultural landscapes.

    As a cultural awareness consultant and Indigenous Community Liaison, Dr. Kiyotakitsune has been instrumental in developing, authoring, and teaching courses focused on diversity awareness, cross-cultural education, and communication. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to supporting and empowering tribal communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in broader societal contexts.

    Dr. Kiyotakitsune’s contributions to the field of cross-cultural communications are not only academic but also practical. He has developed comprehensive training programs that equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to engage meaningfully and respectfully with diverse cultures. His expertise in this area is sought after by both public and private sectors, underscoring his reputation as a leading authority on cultural competence.

  • Pier Paolo Bozzano

    Pier Paolo is a journalist and technologist with over 20 years of experience integrating media and technology. He is passionate about discovering new ways to engage with audiences through innovative content, data-driven insights, and user-friendly tools.

    Pier Paolo has led newsrooms, built content management systems, and developed AI-powered solutions for journalism. He also has experience in product design and project management, from ideation to completion, collaborating with development teams to deliver services that resonate with users.