Welcoming the 2026 DEIB for Consultants Cohort

Nonprofits continue to face funding volatility, chronic underinvestment in organizational infrastructure, and systemic inequities. At Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE), we believe strengthening nonprofit infrastructure includes advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and ensuring that the people who support organizations have the tools to center equity in their work. 

That commitment is behind our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for Consultants Program, which helps nonprofit consultants deepen their equity-centered practice, strengthen their awareness of systems and power, and build skills to work thoughtfully and effectively with clients. 

We are excited to welcome the newest cohort of consultants to the program. 

Over the course of eight interactive virtual sessions, participants will learn with and from one another through dialogue, reflection, and practice. Together, they will explore how equity shows up in consulting work, strengthen their approaches to navigating complexity and challenging conversations, and add new tools to support meaningful, sustainable change within the organizations they serve. 

Learn more about the DEIB for Consultants Program and join us in welcoming this year’s cohort.

Meet the Cohort

Daniel Gonzalez (he, him) is a nonprofit consultant and philanthropy professional who helps mission-driven organizations strengthen their operations, fundraising, and data systems. He currently serves as a Senior Associate at Geneva Global, where he supports major philanthropic initiatives through donor engagement, research, and project management. In addition to his full-time role, Daniel partners with nonprofits and small businesses on Salesforce administration, operations, financial systems, and organizational strategy. As a first-generation college graduate, Afro-Latino, and Muslim leader, he is passionate about building equitable systems that help organizations better serve their communities. He is excited to join this cohort to deepen his equity-centered consulting practice while learning alongside fellow nonprofit consultants.

Focus Area: Philanthropy, Social Impact, Nonprofits, Foundations, Donor Advising, Grant Making, Systems & Processes 

Frank Velásquez Jr. (he/him/él): Storyteller Extraordinaire, Social Justice Warrior, and Relationship Cultivator. In relentless pursuit of racial and gender equity, Frank’s warmth brings folks together to talk through the tough stuff. Whether he’s delivering a keynote onstage or talking one-on-one with a new connection, his real-talk energy remains consistent, powerful, and generous. Because for Frank, every person’s story matters like each ingredient in a yummy bowl of gumbo. Each standing on its own, but collectively making something unforgettable.

From major conferences like AFP ICON, AFP Lead, AADO and the Collective Impact Action Summit, to training rooms everywhere from Walt Disney World to MGM Grand Las Vegas, Frank has reached thousands of folks with sessions that hit different, leaving each group invigorated with his unique blend of storytelling magic, quick wit, and social justice fire!

As the Founder of 4 Da Hood and the visionary behind the Ascending Leaders in Color program, Frank continues to forge pathways for Peeps of Color to step into their power. Authentically. Courageously. And with unapologetic joy. And he’s doing it one connection, one story, one courageous conversation at a time.

Focus Area: Restorative Circles, First-Person Storytelling, Community-Centric Fundraising Practices, & Asset-Based Language

Gina Cruz Taveras (she, her): As a systems thinker, facilitator and coach, Gina’s work has always centered on creating space for people to cultivate the skills to advocate for themselves. Gina is a native of Lawrence, MA, and a proud first-generation Dominican-American, so her work is motivated by her lived experience. As founding principal of TogetherWorks, Gina believes that magic happens when teams that have never worked together before get the opportunity to build a different way of being. Gina is passionate about helping teams work better together by fostering understanding, collaboration, and shared purpose. 

Gina has led and supported initiatives across sectors to drive meaningful change; most recently helping redefine how community and municipal government work together as an equity partner and planning vendor in the MVP 2.O Project to surfacing key challenges and recommendations through the United Way Wellbeing Community of Practice. As a consultant, she has partnered with organizations like Sika Consulting, StarLuna Consulting,  Linnean Solutions, RogersLeads, Reframe Evaluation, and Collective Next to transform culture and a systemic level, guiding teams through complex conversations on the issues that are most pressing to them. As a TA at Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Gina supported leaders in exploring increasing societal inequalities and constructive approaches to redefine leadership within their industries. As a fellow in the Habitus Community Facilitation Fellowship, Gina continues to refine her skills as a facilitator.

Across all her work, Gina is committed to creating environments where people can connect, communicate, and move forward together. Everything she does is focused on supporting and amplifying marginalized voices in nonprofit spaces, municipal government processes, and corporate spaces. That’s what she’s good at and what she cares about.

Focus Area: Facilitation, Coaching, DEIB Committee Support, Strategic Planning, Climate Resilience, & Project Management 

Gladys Muñoz (she, they) MBA, MPH is the Founder and Principal Consultant of IntiNova Consulting, a bilingual strategy and operations consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, healthcare organizations, public sector agencies, and small businesses to build equitable, sustainable, and community-centered organizations.

With more than 10 years of experience spanning healthcare, public health, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, Gladys specializes in strategic planning, operational improvement, stakeholder engagement, community partnerships, and organizational capacity building. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that strengthen systems, improve access, foster cross-sector collaboration, and embed equity into organizational strategy and decision-making.

As a first-generation Peruvian American and bilingual consultant, Gladys brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She is passionate about helping organizations move beyond intention by designing practical strategies, inclusive processes, and sustainable systems that create meaningful impact for historically underserved communities.

Prior to founding IntiNova Consulting, Gladys held leadership and project management roles within academic medical centers, public health organizations, and nonprofit institutions, where she led cross-functional initiatives focused on operational excellence, program implementation, and community engagement.

Gladys holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is based in Lynn, Massachusetts, where she continues to support mission-driven organizations throughout Greater Boston and beyond.

Focus Area: Marketing & Communications Strategy, Fundraising Strategy & Pipeline Development, Operations, & Organizational Strategy 

Melissa Elmira Yingst’s (she, her) work is deeply rooted in the Deaf community, shaping every aspect of her career and advocacy. From amplifying untold stories to creating spaces where Deaf voices are celebrated, Melissa’s mission is to foster equity, authentic connection, and community empowerment. 

Born and raised in Southern California, Melissa’s passion for meaningful dialogue began early and evolved into a lifelong commitment to advocacy and storytelling. 

After earning degrees in Psychology (Gallaudet University) and Social Work (Arizona State University), Melissa worked as a social worker and school counselor in New York City and Phoenix. She now serves as a Consultant with Innivee Strategies — a Deaf-owned executive search and organizational development firm — supporting executive searches, community needs assessments, strategic planning, and board governance for mission-driven organizations across the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community. Her portfolio spans national organizations, state commissions, schools for the Deaf, and Deaf services nonprofits, always centering community voices and advancing equity. Melissa also teaches courses at CSUN, Framingham State University, and RIT, continuing to educate and inspire future leaders in the field. 

Melissa’s commitment to the Deaf community extends to her volunteer leadership, including her service on the board of Council de Manos and her BoardSource certification, reflecting her deep expertise in nonprofit governance and board development. 

As a reporter for The Daily Moth, Melissa keeps her finger on the pulse of stories that matter most to the Deaf community — bringing her trademark blend of rigor, accessibility, and heart to every piece she covers. 

Beyond consulting and leadership roles, Melissa brings her passion for media to life through MELMIRA, her groundbreaking talk show and media platform that sparks real, unfiltered conversations about identity, social justice, and Deaf experiences. What began as a personal project has evolved into a dynamic platform that challenges norms, inspires dialogue, and builds connection across communities.

Now based in New York City while maintaining deep roots in Southern California, Melissa embraces a bicoastal lifestyle that reflects her mission of bridging cultures and perspectives. Known for her signature red lipstick — a symbol of strength, resilience, and authenticity — she continues to be a driving force for change, inspiring others to embrace their stories and lead with purpose. 

Focus Area: Executive Search, Leadership Transitions, Organizational Development, Strategic Planning, Search Committee Facilitation, Anti-Bias Training, Board Governance, Bylaws & Policy Development, Community Needs Assessments, & Stakeholder Engagement 

Michelle A. Nicholas is a visionary executive, strategist, and transformational leader known for driving meaningful change at the intersection of leadership, strategy, culture, and impact.  

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The NICO Consulting, Michelle partners with organizations, institutions, and leaders to navigate complexity, accelerate growth, and build stronger, more effective organizations. Her work spans strategic advisory, organizational transformation, leadership development, stakeholder engagement, and culture change. 

With more than two decades of executive leadership experience across corporate, nonprofit, philanthropic, and community sectors, Michelle has built a distinguished reputation as a trusted advisor, dynamic facilitator, and influential thought partner. She is recognized for her rare ability to combine strategic rigor with emotional intelligence, helping leaders move beyond vision into bold, measurable action. 

Michelle’s leadership has shaped transformational initiatives in organizational strategy, community investment, philanthropy, governance, and inclusive leadership. Whether advising executives, boards, or emerging leaders, she is known for bringing clarity, insight, and a powerful ability to align people, purpose, and performance. 

At the heart of Michelle’s work is an unwavering commitment to leadership that creates lasting impact. She believes the most powerful organizations are built when strategy, humanity, and purpose work in alignment.

Focus Area: Executive Coaching & Leadership Development, Organizational Culture & Change Management, Fund Development & Strategic Fundraising, Board & Executive Leadership Engagement, Strategic Planning & Facilitation, Equity-Centered Leadership & Organizational Practices 

Dr. Regina Phillips (she, her) is the co-founder of Cross Cultural Community Services (CCCS). Before establishing CCCS, Dr. Phillips worked for five years at the Westbrook School Department as the Equity Resource Coordinator and Grants and Community Engagement Coordinator. For nineteen years, Dr. Phillips worked at the City of Portland Social Services Division as the Program Manager of Refugee Services and Family Shelter Programs. Dr. Phillips was also an adjunct professor at the University of New England and the University of Southern Maine. She has served on countless boards and committees, including Coastal Enterprises, Inc., and United Way of Greater Portland, known now as United Way of Southern Maine, and was a longtime member of the Greater Portland NAACP branch. She has a Master of Social Work from UNE and a Doctor of Social Work from Tulane University. Dr. Phillips is a ninth generation Mainer, and is currently serving her second term on the City of Portland Council.

Focus Area: EDI & Health Disparities 

Ros Everdell (she, her) spent her career in the nonprofit sector with a focus on social, economic and racial justice. She has played many roles including youth leadership development coordinator, urban planner, community organizing director and Interim and Executive Director. She has extensive experience with program planning, evaluation, advocacy, staff hiring, supervision, board development, community outreach and engagement, volunteer engagement, fundraising and strategic planning. Ros closed out her career as Deputy Director of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and after retiring coordinated a Neighborhood Voices oral history project. In addition, she is an election inspector, worked as a contact tracer, was a Board member of the Dudley Street Neighborhood School and an advisor on a Racial Wealth Gap project at MIT. She is currently a nonprofit consultant with SOAR Management Consultant Group having joined in 2017.

Ros is a resident of Jamaica Plain/Boston and holds a BA from Hampshire College, a Masters in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and a certification from Boston University’s Institute of Nonprofit Management and Leadership.

Focus Area: Strategic Plans, Operational Plans, Needs Assessments, Board Development, Start-Ups 

Samia Walker (she, her): Through MANSA Consultants, Samia applies her executive expertise to strengthen businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations through high-touch consulting, strategic planning, leadership development, and ecosystem-focused problem solving. Her work reflects a commitment to translating lessons learned in the entrepreneurial and nonprofit sectors into innovative, scalable solutions for clients across industries. 

Samia also serves on the Board of Directors for BankFive, having been appointed in 2023. In this capacity, she contributes her operational leadership, community engagement knowledge, and cross-sector experience to support the bank’s mission of strengthening economic opportunity across the region.

Born and raised in New Bedford, and now a wife, mother, and homeowner, Samia remains deeply invested in the long-term prosperity of the South Coast. Her professional journey reflects both her passion for inclusive communities and her strategic ability to build networks, develop leaders, and elevate organizations.

Focus Area: Cross-Sector Collaboration & Community Awareness and Engagement 

Sharon S. McDonald (she, her): President of Effective Grants, LLC, has been working in the field of fundraising and development for thirty-seven years leading domestic and global grant programs for diverse nonprofit organizations and NGOs. Her expertise is focused on high-quality grant development, prospect research, writing, and nonprofit consultation. 

In the last twenty-seven years, she has taught grant writing and provided customized grant development for more than 75 nonprofits. Her extensive consulting experience has supported a variety of causes including the environment, higher education, human services, youth development, and more.  Over the last two decades, she has raised nearly $40 million in grant funding to help these organizations flourish.

Sharon is the past President of the Worcester State University Alumni Association’s Advisory Board (AAAB) and 2018 recipient of the AAAB Distinguished Alumni Award. She is a former trustee of the Marlborough Regional Community Foundation, former Co-Chair of the MetroWest Nonprofit Network, Chair of the Hudson Area Arts Alliance and members of the Massachusetts Department of Education’s Parent Advisory Boards.

Sharon holds a B.A. in English from Worcester State University, is a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, Grant Professionals Association, BoardSource, Women in Development Boston & Central Massachusetts, Nonprofit Consultants Network, Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, MetroWest Nonprofit Network, NH Center for Nonprofits, and the Montana Nonprofit Association. 

Focus Area: Grant Development (Foundations, Corporations, & Public Funding) 

Dr. Tia Morris (she/her), a St. Louis native, holds a Doctor of Human Services- Leadership & Organizational Management from Capella University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her formative education was received from the Special School District of St. Louis County Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

Dr. Morris has made it her life’s work to be an instrument of change in the lives of those she encounters. Her professional experience includes: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, American Red Cross-St. Louis Chapter, Special School District of St. Louis County (DHH Program), St. Louis Psychiatric Stabilization Center, Metro St. Louis Dialysis, BJC Behavioral Health Deaf Services Team, and DEAF, Inc. Currently, Dr. Morris is the owner and therapist at TJM Therapy & Wellness, Founder/Coach of Purpose + Presence Coaching, as well as a consultant for human service Organizations.

As a consultant, Dr. Morris partners with human service organizations to strengthen leadership, build organizational culture, and deliver customized training and workshops, with deep expertise serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

Dr. Morris is a licensed clinical social worker in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and New York, providing telehealth therapy to D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing populations. Her board and civic service is Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Business Seat Commissioner). Previously Dr. Morris volunteered with FamilyForward, the Young Professionals Board, MoAD-Missouri Association of the Deaf (Education Committee Chair), and Missouri Society of Clinical Social Worker. During her tenure at Special School District, she served on the Area Leadership Team for Social Workers, was recognized with the Social Worker Star Stakeholder Award, and was selected for the Teacher Leadership Academy. When she isn’t working, Dr. Morris enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading nonfiction books, creating new experiences, and watching TV shows from the 90s.

Focus Area: Leadership Coaching, Organizational DEIB & Belonging Consulting, Equity & Intersectionality, Deaf/Disability Inclusion & Accessibility, Staff Development Workshops, Trauma-Informed Practice, & Identity-Centered Practice 

Yvette Rollins is a dynamic, highly accomplished event producer with over two decades of experience creating and managing exceptional events. Her career spans from producing high-profile corporate conferences to community-centered festivals, reflecting her versatility and passion for impactful gatherings. 

Yvette’s career began at EMI Music Publishing, where she produced domestic and international conferences and organized showcases for some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, and more. Her ability to manage complex logistics and deliver seamless experiences has earned her a reputation for excellence in the event industry. 

In addition to her corporate work, Yvette has made significant contributions to nonprofit organizations. She has produced events for the NAACP Boulder Chapter, focusing on their signature Freedom Fund events, and provided over 500 hours of pro bono services to nonprofits. Her work has supported organizations like Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation, Sting’s Rainforest Foundation, Alicia Keys’ Keep A Child Alive Foundation, Patricia Velazquez’s Wayuu Foundation, and the Caron Foundation. Yvette has also played key roles in political and philanthropic initiatives, including Hillary Clinton’s Beijing 20 campaign, President Barack Obama’s Change Campaign, and events for Bill Clinton and President George H.W. Bush. 

Yvette’s passion for community and culture is reflected in her leadership roles. She serves as Board Chair of the Family Learning Center, where she leverages her expertise to support educational initiatives, and is an active Campaign Committee Member for the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA), championing the arts and cultural enrichment. 

She is also the visionary producer of Boulder’s annual Melanin Funk Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and community. This festival showcases her commitment to diversity and inclusion, bringing people together through the universal language of art and music.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Yvette is deeply committed to personal growth and well-being. She’s walked on fire with Tony Robbins, practices Bikram Yoga, and maintains a daily meditation practice. While she rarely watches television, she’s an avid fan of OWN’s Super Soul Sunday, drawn to its inspiring content. 

With her extensive experience, dedication to community, and passion for creating transformative experiences, Yvette Rollins continues to be a driving force in the event production industry and beyond.

Focus Area: Nonprofit Capacity Building, Event Strategy & Production, Community Engagement, Stakeholder Relations, Organizational Operations, Partnership Building, Collaboration, & Inclusive Experience Design 

What’s Next for the Program

As we welcome this year’s cohort, we look forward to the learning, reflection, and connections they will build throughout the program. Each participant brings their own experience, perspective, and expertise to this shared learning community. Through their time together, they will deepen their practices, learn from their peers, and strengthen how they support nonprofit organizations working toward more inclusive and equitable cultures. 

We look forward to seeing how this community of consultants carries their learning into their work with nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.