Systems Concentrate Power. Technology Accelerates It.
I help organizations redistribute power while implementing technology responsibly.
I'm a strategic consultant investigating one fundamental question: How do systems redistribute power, especially as technology enters the picture? Whether designing participatory grantmaking processes, implementing AI tools in philanthropy, or reimagining homelessness response systems, I've seen the same pattern repeat: systems concentrate power, and technology accelerates that concentration—unless we're intentional about designing differently.
I help organizations redesign their systems to center community voice and redistribute power. Whether designing statewide shelter operations, reimagining how millions flow to communities through participatory grantmaking, or auditing AI tools for bias in funding decisions, I ensure lived experience drives every decision.
Right now, I'm actively researching how AI mechanics create and amplify bias in philanthropic systems—investigating a question that cuts across everything I do: When systems adopt technology "for efficiency," who benefits? And whose voice gets sidelined? I'm documenting the hidden costs of algorithmic decision-making, developing auditing frameworks, and working with a national coalition of foundations and homelessness systems leaders to create responsible technology adoption guidelines that protect community voice rather than replace it.
The thesis: Systems can either reinforce or challenge inequity. Technology can either amplify community power or concentrate it further. My job is to help organizations choose the latter intentionally and transparently, with communities leading the way.
How It All Connects
My work across three sectors reveals the same underlying challenge: how do systems and technology either concentrate or distribute power?
Housing Systems
Designed low-barrier shelter operations that center the voice of people experiencing homelessness in decision-making. Question: How do we create systems where those most impacted lead the design, not just fill out paperwork?
Power Pattern: Systems that extract from vs. systems that include.
Philanthropy
Established participatory grantmaking processes where communities lead funding decisions rather than foundations deciding for them. Question: How do we shift millions of dollars to community control while maintaining accountability?
Power Pattern: Systems that hold resources vs. systems that share them.
AI Ethics
Researching how algorithmic tools in grantmaking and social services either amplify or silence community voice. Question: How do we use technology to serve community power instead of replacing it?
Power Pattern: Systems that automate away vs. systems that amplify human wisdom.
The Common Thread: Every system I work in has the same choice: concentrate power (efficiency, speed, centralized control) or distribute it (relationships, participation, community voice). Technology doesn't make this choice for us—it amplifies whichever we choose. My job is to help organizations choose intentionally.
How I Work
My approach is grounded in these core principles
Radical Collaboration
I don't impose solutions. I facilitate spaces where the people most impacted by the challenge lead the design process. Real change requires genuine partnership.
Critical Analysis
I ask hard questions about how systems work, who benefits, and who's left out. I examine technology critically, not as neutral, but as shaping power relationships.
Community Expertise
People with lived experience aren't stakeholders to consult. They're the experts whose knowledge must guide every decision. Period.
Practical Frameworks
I translate theory into actionable frameworks that organizations can actually use. Guidelines, processes, and structures that embed equity from the start.
Transparency
I publish my research, share my thinking in public, and invite collaboration. Thought leadership is only credible when the work is visible.
Systems Thinking
I don't treat housing, grantmaking, and AI separately. I look for the patterns: how each system either redistributes or concentrates power.
Why This Work Matters
Mission
To co-create equitable systems by shifting power to communities, ensuring those most impacted by systemic challenges lead the way toward sustainable, just, and community-driven solutions.
Vision
A world where all systems are designed with and for the communities they serve, resulting in thriving, resilient, and equitable societies where every individual has the power to shape their future.
Values
Radical collaboration, authentic leadership, racial equity, and a commitment to centering lived experience. We operate with integrity, courage, and a deep respect for community wisdom.
Follow My Research & Thinking
I publish research findings, field insights, and critical reflections on AI, power, and systems change regularly on LinkedIn.
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