My Approach

I think of my work in human exploration, particularly DEI, as a beautiful mermaid.

Maybe it’s because my favorite book growing up was Sukey and the Mermaid. I got it when I was 6 years old, and I still have it to this day.

Traditionally mermaids were seen as dangerous and scary — luring sailors away and dragging them out to open sea.

And sometimes that’s what DEI feels like -- a trap.

But the mermaid in this story was so nurturing and exposed Sukey to a world she was completely unaware of.

That is the way I see Guides of this work —compassionately holding us as we navigate very deep, unfamiliar waters.

DEI creates division when it is rooted in fear, judgement, shame, and guilt

– the byproducts of which are denial, projection, and assimilation.

My approach to DEI is rooted in curiosity, humility, and awareness – the byproducts of which can be transformation, ownership, and expanded capacity for difference.

Whether it’s DEI or somatics, my work provides the tools to journey deeper and connect with the inherent wisdom within and between our experiences.

That connection has served as my foundation for transitioning from judgment to curiosity, and has given my body the resilience needed to embrace the discomfort that comes before bravery.

Since I’m asking people to show up authentically and bravely, I will also be modelling the same.

The Bullet Points…

  • I don’t do kumbaya — I prefer to directly tackle what makes us most uncomfortable.

  • I seek to love, honor, and respect God by loving, honoring and respecting all that they’ve created.

  • I strive to see myself as a part of all things and all things as a part of me.

  • I am a Virgo through and through.

  • I’m a Tarheel born; I’m a Tarheel bred; and when I die, I’m a Tarheel dead.

  • My favorite colors are rhinestone, metallics, and animal print.

  • Random personal passion: empowering others to have an unmedicated, out-of-hospital birth experience.

  • My favorite movies of all time are The Wiz and The Godfather.

  • I married my high-school sweet-heart, Justin Leak, who is an elementary school teacher.

  • I have three beautiful children: Malcolm Ali, Jamal Hassan, and Khadija Eve.

“ When I was young and clever I used to try to change the world, and now that I’m old and wise I try to change myself. ”

— Rumi