Collaboratives, Strategic Planning:

“I've had the opportunity to work with Kaki in several spaces and roles. As peers, we built a strategic plan and priority action steps for the Impact Monterey County Network of over 60 organizations. In this role, Kaki always asked tough questions and challenged our team to go deeper, find what was missing, and think creatively about problem-solving. She was able to work across sectors and foster new relationships that resulted in greater success and impact for our projects and community.”

— Clare Margason - formerly United Way Monterey County

Organizational Strengthening:

“I have known and worked with Kaki for many years in supporting nonprofit organizations... She has deep knowledge of the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations, particularly those that are small, emerging, grassroots and/or led by people of color... Kaki approaches this work with vision and creativity, always looking to design opportunities that meet the organizations where they are, while introducing them to capacity building resources that reveal to them what is possible and encourage them to consider how to best realize their aspirational goals.”

— Judy Sulsona, nonprofit consultant

Community Facilitation:

“Working with Kaki and Vicente was a really good experience. We co-designed the details of each deliverable on the scope of work, made adjustments along the way and approached each tension point with care. With Kaki and Vicente as co-facilitators on our project I know we reached our full potential.”

— Mireya Gomez-Contreras, Deputy Director, Arts Council Santa Cruz County

“Kaki brings insight and understanding that comes from years of working with all manner of nonprofits on issues related to governance, sustainability, and leadership development. She is highly organized and tremendously focused on everything she undertakes.”

—Dan Baldwin, President/CEO, Community Foundation for Monterey County

Coaching:

“As a coach, Kaki started with where I was at and then she challenged me, supported me and pushed me when I needed it. And as a result, my entire agency and our work has benefitted.  Staff are happier, I'm happier, even the Board is happier. She offers a wonderful combination of being direct, kind, and offering in-depth knowledge about all those things that challenge an ED.”

— Executive Coaching client (name confidential)

Leadership Development:

“I had the opportunity to be Kaki's student as part of the LEAD program in 2019. In this role, I witnessed firsthand her skill and finesse in facilitation, conflict mediation, and teaching. Kaki has a gift of sharing knowledge in an unassuming way and always leads/teaches from a place of inquiry. Throughout LEAD, I felt encouraged to reflect on why I reacted a certain way to a lesson or discussion, and also to trust myself and understand that I had the skills and tools to meet difficult challenges in my professional and personal life. This is a special and rare trait for a teacher/coach and I'm very grateful I had the chance to learn with Kaki.”

— Clare Margason - formerly United Way Monterey County

“As the Executive Director for a regional nonprofit organization for over 34 years, I have had a number of opportunities to work with Kaki as a colleague, mentor and strategic thinker. I have seen her work in different settings; with community members, political leaders, leaders of nonprofits and with advocates. She is clearly comfortable in every role she steps into, bringing her extensive experience, knowledge and skill set to support positive outcomes.”

—  Elsa Quezada, former Executive Director, Central Coast Center of Independent Living

“Kaki’s the consultant you’re really glad you had. She always tells you what you need to know, when you need to know it, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. And when she tells you, the way she does it, you’re really glad she did.”

—  Libby McMahon, Executive Director, Read to Me Project

“ True leader helping other leaders achieve their full potential. Thank you”

—  LEAD Institute participant