Bardo Strategy
Strategy & Learning for Social Impact
The word bardo refers to the gap or space we experience between any two states. Bardo is where transformation occurs and it's also where uncertainties can get in our way. As leaders in a time of accelerating change, we must learn to embrace this in-between state as a potent bridge to a better future.
As a strategy and learning consultant,
I work with grantmakers and nonprofit organizations
to facilitate learning and advance strategies grounded
in your organizational values and vision.
"Until now, we have been holding on to the idea of an inherent continuity in our lives, creating a false sense of comfort for ourselves on artificial ground. By doing so, we have been missing the very flavor of what we are."
- Pema Khandro
My Approach
Navigating uncertainties requires clarity and purpose. What is our vision? What is within and outside of our control? What progress must we demonstrate so that others join our path forward?
To advance the change we want to see, we need tools to navigate complexity and learn as we move.
With 15 years of experience helping nonprofits and foundations learn, build strategy, and tell the story of their work to bring others into their mission, I offer consulting services that bridge:
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Strategic Learning and Evaluation
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Strategy Development
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Impact Storytelling
Scroll down for more details on my services and approach.
Consulting Services
Below are a few of the key services I enjoy providing to clients.
For Grantmaking Foundations:
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Strategic Learning and Facilitation
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Impact Measure Development
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Developmental Evaluation
Strategy, Impact, and Learning for Funders
I help foundations incorporate qualitative & quantitative data into their learning practices to inform grantmaking strategy.
Examples of work I have done for foundations include:
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Developing impact measurement frameworks that translate impact goals into tangible measures of success
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Developing population-level indicators for systems change projects
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Developing and analyzing grantee surveys and grantee and community interview guides
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Conducting literature scans and exploratory research to understand contextual changes and emerging opportunities
With deep experience incorporating principles of equitable evaluation and training in emergent learning and participatory learning practices, I ground learning in practical application that is informed by team and community expertise.
I also design and facilitate learning sessions that bring data into shared sensemaking and strategy development.
For Nonprofits:
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Evaluation Planning
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Participatory Evaluation
- Impact Storytelling
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Evaluation Work for Nonprofits
Strong program impacts - and fundraising results - are often driven by a well-articulated strategy and demonstration of impact.
With an increasing focus from funders on demonstrating strategic impact, I work with nonprofits to articulate pathways to change, capture measurable signals of progress that can towards long-term impact, and illustrate impact with qualitative insights.
Examples of work I have done for nonprofits include:
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Designed a participatory learning project with young people for Covenant House International to shape a new workforce development program around their needs.
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Led a participatory data design process for Homeboy Industries to identify all of the program touchpoints and outcomes their new CRM would need to track.
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Faciliated the development of a new organizing strategy for Abundant Housing LA and co-wrote a proposal that secured $1.75 million in funding.
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Facilitated a program development process that created a new workforce development pathway for two workforce development organizations in Oklahoma City.
My research work is values and community-driven. I have significant experience engaging communities impacted by incarceration, homelessness, and/or family court involvement.
