FAQ

1. What do you do?

I help leaders communicate effectively in the USA's increasingly multi-cultural, multi-generational workplace. My clients don't see their blind spots, are afraid of making mistakes, or think they don't have enough experience to manage diversity. They often over focus on differences that get in the way of reaching common goals, or let their teams do so. See ABOUT.

2. Who are your clients?

I work with all kinds of leaders in any sector, and especially:  

-  successful executives, often white men 
-  women who work for them 
-  small business owners and business alliances
-  prime contractors, (see Codes, below) executive directors, --and boards
-  New American leaders trying to understand or partner with --mainstream organizations
INDUSTRIES
  • Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 
  • Community & Social Services 
  • Educational Services 
  • ​Health & Wellness
  • Professional, Scientific, or Technical Services 
  • ​Retail Trade
  • Real Estate, Rental & Leasing, Property Management 
  • Media & Information, Marketing  & Advertising
  • Transportation
  • Utilities ​

3. What's a white lady know about diversity?

Racism is part of American history and culture but not the only aspect of DEI leaders want help with.

My lived experience is a journey from an all white, rural America to a multicultural, urban one.  My focus is gender, generation, class, geography, and ideology- key fault lines that can be subtle and hard to discuss. Yet, they can have a big impact on organizational culture, productivity, competitiveness, and profit. Learn more about me at HERSTORY.

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​I thoroughly enjoy working with Lee, and have come to see her as a valuable asset and white anti-racist though leader. She is an astute trainer and facilitator. She is honest and handles sensitive topics in a straight forward manner that puts people at ease.

Elmer Dixon | CEO, Executive Diversity Services

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Lee is like a midwife in understanding what we need. She was so encouraging through this process. The strategic communications audit helped us coordinate our board and resources, which  impressed donors.

Kiti Ward | Executive Director, The Agape House

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Lee's work with the Muslim Sisters group was invaluable–once again. This was so much more than meets the eye. She helped us establish new strategic partners, which will expand our funding base and visibility.

Ann Fuller, Program Manager |North Seattle Family Center / Children's Home Society of WA

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​I took Lee's recommendations to make presentations more interactive. I was amazed at the results: it wakes people up, gets them to respond emotionally, and reinforces key points. Breaking the 'third wall" isn't just for theater!

Robbin Block | CEO, Block Beta Marketing

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4. How many languages do you speak?

One. My focus is communication within USA cultures and systems. I also 'translate' ideas across sectors or functions. My work reduces misunderstandings that can cause inequities or compromise access for marginalized groups.  See examples of our cross-cultural community projects at OUTREACH.

5. What makes Zena Consulting unique?

​- SCOPE: Focus on USA cultures and systems.
- INTUITION: I listen for what is said and what it not. 
- CANDOR: Sometimes I say the quiet part out loud and direspectfully challenge assumptions. 
- ETHICS: I won't sprinkle equity dust on problems.
- ACCEPTANCE: You don't  have to endorse DEI di(diversity, equity,  and inclusion) to work with me.
- NIMBLE: I'll jump into your project mid-stream or tap Associates for expertise on for larger projects.

6. What are your credentials?

EDUCATION
MA Sociology, The New School
BA Communications, Temple University

CERTIFICATIONS
- Basic Facilitative Mediation, Skagit County Dispute IIResolution Center, 2019
- Community Adaptive Leadership, Leadership Eastside, IISaybrook University, 2017
- Cultural Detective, 2013
- Training Specialist, University of Washington, 2009
AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
- DEI Training Solutions Master contract awardee, IIWashington state DES, since  2022
- OMWBE-certified WBE and DBE, since 2015

RECENT VOLUNTEERING
- Economic Alliance Snohomish County, SNO Code, 2023
- Braver Angels, 2022
- Washington State DES, Business Diversity Advisory Group (BDAG), 2019-2023

7. How do we work together?

​​After a standard SWOT analysis, here's what's different:
  • I work alongside you to customize solutions to for your goals and budget
  • We work with small organizations and in any sector

 You don't have to know what you want. Get started with a free conversation.

8. Are you Muslim?

No. I'm wearing hijab (right) as a courtesy to my hosts at an Eid celebration during Ramadan, in Redmond, WA.

American Muslims are just one marginalized faith community I've had the good fortune to work with.

​Clients say the information, tools, and perspectives our services deliver applies to other groups they work with.