Hello, neighbor
we'd like to introduce ourselves
We cultivate learner-leaders
Every member of our team first began as a participant with us. They willingly engaged in the transformation possible when we begin to believe that each of us are capable of contributing towards the end of racism. We all know what it's like to be in your shoes and are learning what it means to co-lead and cultivate the next wave of leaders.
The people who join our team are committed in 3 distinct ways:
Personal commitment
We practice what we teach and will not ask you to do something we have not or are unwilling to do for ourselves.
Communal commitment
We are propelled by love for our people and desire to co-create a white community no longer attached to racism.
Collective commitment
Our north star is ending racism, and we posture ourselves as partners with those targeted by racism.
And because we are actively cultivating learner-leaders, our team is fluid. For this present moment, here's who you might interact with when you work with us.
We cultivate learner-leaders
Every member of our team first began as a participant with us. They willingly engaged in the transformation possible when we begin to believe that each of us are capable of contributing towards the end of racism. We all know what it's like to be in your shoes and are learning what it means to co-lead and cultivate the next wave of leaders.
The people who join our team are committed in 3 distinct ways:
Personal commitment
We practice what we teach and will not ask you to do something we have not or are unwilling to do for ourselves.
Communal commitment
We are propelled by love for our people and desire to co-create a white community no longer attached to racism.
Collective commitment
Our north star is ending racism, and we posture ourselves as partners with those targeted by racism.
And because we are actively cultivating learner-leaders, our team is fluid. For this present moment, here's who you might interact with when you work with us.
Lael Petersen
she/they
Social worker, coach, and parent who believes all 👥 are good and can 🌱 and change the 🌎. 😄 playing 🧑🏻🍳while 🎧 to podcasts, 📖 memoirs in the ☀️, and having honest 💬🗨️.
Sarah Covington
she/her
Rare PNW indoorsy person who'd rather stay 🏡. Loves 📚, 😺, 📊, and 🧣 weather. 🪴 mama. 🫖 connoisseur. Research 🧑🏻🎨.
Jody Rutherford
she/her
Retired educator. Life-long learner. Alan’s 🍯. Henry’s mom. New grandma. Neighborhood walker, 🚲 rider, people connector, 📕🐛, BTS fan. Seeking to end well.
Liorah Ruitzel
she/he/they
☀️ Passion for healing. 
Uses life experiences to take accountability for the impact left on others. 🏡 PNW born and raised. 🏳️⚧️ Celebrating diverse families. ❤️
Phil Barber
he/him
Philosopher-activist often found wandering up 🌋 ridges, 🚴🏻♂️ over Willamette 🌉, reimagining the relationship between 💵 and justice or waxing poetic to the 🪴 in his garden.
Katie Stilwell
she/they
🐶 obsessed doctoral student. Educator committed to the Jewish principle of ’tikkun olam’. Runner 🏃🏻♀️, frisbee player 🥏, and dancer 🩰.
Lael Petersen
she/they
Social worker, coach, and parent who believes all 👥 are good and can 🌱 and change the 🌎. 😄 playing 🧑🏻🍳while 🎧 to podcasts, 📖 memoirs in the ☀️, and having honest 💬🗨️.
Sarah Covington
she/her
Rare PNW indoorsy person who'd rather stay 🏡. Loves 📚, 😺, 📊, and 🧣 weather. 🪴 mama. 🫖 connoisseur. Research 🧑🏻🎨.
Jody Rutherford
she/her
Retired educator. Life-long learner. Alan’s 🍯. Henry’s mom. New grandma. Neighborhood walker, 🚲 rider, people connector, 📕🐛, BTS fan. Seeking to end well.
Liorah Ruitzel
she/he/they
☀️ Passion for healing. Uses life experiences to take accountability for the impact left on others. 🏡 PNW born and raised. 🏳️⚧️ Celebrating diverse families. ❤️
Phil Barber
he/him
Philosopher-activist often found wandering up 🌋 ridges, 🚴🏻♂️ over Willamette 🌉, reimagining the relationship between 💵 and justice or waxing poetic to the 🪴 in his garden.
Katie Stilwell
she/they
🐶 obsessed doctoral student. Educator committed to the Jewish principle of ’tikkun olam’. Runner 🏃🏻♀️, frisbee player 🥏, and dancer 🩰.