Who is Rachel?
I'm a consultant, with a background in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. I've been in the industry for three years, and I continue to develop content for the Black Velvet Collective - a collective space for Black women, femmes, and gems to fellowship - as well as consult with organizations, groups, and individuals.
What is the Black Velvet Collective Consultancy?
The Black Velvet Collective Consultancy is a consultant extension of the Black Velvet Collective. The Black Velveteen, Rachel Hicks, works with groups and organizations offering content to help them establish a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion framework to their work. Based in Washington, DC and operating virtually, Black Velvet Collective Consultancy uses a solution oriented approach to the common issue of “failing to launch” culture change or organizational DEI efforts. Through specific content development and specially curated strategies to meet the needs of the organization while centering those that have been historically oppressed and intentionally marginalized.
BVCC prides itself on designing an EDI Framework guide for organizations . This guide is designed to help organizations take that first step in organizational change by building a foundational understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion. With justice guidance, BVCC supports organizations and groups as they work to establish a safe and equitable space. BVCC is prepared to provide the following options:
- Support the conceptualization and creation of EDI and JEDI frameworks for organizational and affinity group structures.
- Collaborate with leadership to produce a goal impact, clear vision, and informed mission statement for the organization.
- Support the creation of inclusive and equitable hiring and on-boarding materials, professional development packages, and workplace policies.
- Manage affinity groups within the organization and support their mission within the organization.
- Support Board efforts to diversify and become more inclusive.
- Continue technical support upon request by the organizational leadership and/or affinity group.
Design & Development
Trainings
BVCC is available to create and curate content specifically related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. BVCC has experience coordinating, collaborating, and creating their own training and is capable of training identified groups. The BVCC follows these steps when training:
- Identify the training need and goal impact: In order to provide the appropriate training, it is crucial that BVCC and the client meet to discuss the training needed and the goal impact. If the client is not sure what specific training may be needed, the BVCC may schedule a consultation meeting to help the client identify their most pressing issue area.
- Collaborate with the client to build a training outline: BVCC wants to empower all of our clients. Therefore, BVCC would work closely with the client to create or customize their training experience. This will include BVCC conducting independent research and survey assessments for the client and sharing deliverables, such as a report of the findings, with the client. This will ensure the client is aligned at all times with their goal impact.
- Create the training or training series: By utilizing the outline and taking time to create the client’s training, BVCC may lead or coordinate with collaborators to present the training or training series; depending on the scope of the training(s).
- Conduct feedback assessment with the client: BVCC is committed to quality training to help our clients reach their goal impact. A part of that is collecting valuable feedback from training participants and our client.
BVCC Theory of Change
The Black Velvet Collective Consultancy is dedicated to support organizations, groups, and individuals to create a safe and equitable space through justice, equity, diversity, and radical inclusion.
The BVCC has done work with the following groups as the primary stakeholders for BVCC's Theory of Change:
- Organizational affinity groups
- Reproductive justice organizations
- Black led organizations
- LGBTQIA+ groups
BVCC Values
Skills
JEDI Specific Skills
- Advanced Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative & Strategy Development
- Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Content Creation & Development
- JEDI Initiative & Strategy Implementation
- Panel Creation, Organization, and Moderation
- Data Management (Salesforce Expertise)
Globally Applied Skills
- Relationship Building
- Exceptional Leadership
- Strategic Organizing
- Visionary
- Project Management
- Organization
- Research
Some Past Projects
How Do You Identify? The Importance of Intersectionality
A webinar focused on defining intersectionality and establishing a shared knowledge of the term and its importance.
Unpacking the Black Woman Responsibility Knapsack
An intergenerational discussion on the pressures Black women and femmes face and how they can best set boundaries and demand equity.
Understanding Reproductive Justice
A presentation on the Reproductive Justice framework and the necessity for intersectionality within that framework.
Black Velvet Collective Consultancy Collaborators, Partners, and Friends.
Let's Collaborate.
theblackvelvetcollecitve@gmail.com
Check out the Black Velvet Collective on Social Media