My name is Jessica Havens and I’m a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Facilitator, Strategist & Bridge-builder.
I’ve dedicated the last 10 years to institutional DEI work, specializing in a heart-based approach to the work.
What is a heart-based approach?
Often in this work, we blindly rush forward with urgency, viewing the issues and the process in a very black and white, detached way. We sometimes value “product” over “process”, downplaying the human and spiritual dynamics of this work. I started using the idea of a “heart-based approach” inspired by the work of feminists of Color (shout out to Audre Lorde), who argued that engaging our emotional selves was not only valuable, but absolutely vital to the work. HOW we do the work is as important as WHAT we do.
In my leadership coaching, a heart-based approach looks like: supporting equity leaders continued development of their own self-awareness- how is their - ego, triggers, unhealed stuff, sense of self - all impacting how they lead and engage with others… and how can they engage greater self-awareness, decolonization and love when leading equity initiatives at work.
In my organizational consulting, a heart-based approach looks like: cultivating a relationship with the client and the institution, entering into the partnership as a learner first and strategist second, and helping to shed light on the interpersonal, social-emotional dynamics at play amongst all stake-holders
In my trainings, it looks like: facilitating individual and group reflection, reading the room for the emotional pulse, engaging with intersectional frameworks, and creating space for true dialogue and community building across diverse identities.
Racial Affinity Groups:
Incubator Sessions
Fall 2023 Sessions
Join us for a 90 minute introductory Incubator Session
on all things racial affinity groups…
After attending, you will know:
The definition & purposes of affinity groups
The role of identity
The role of leadership
Considerations for set-up
Common push-backs & useful responses
Future sessions will be announced soon!
A little bit about what I do…
The following two presentations were created for C.A.S.E. to kick off their spring and fall 2021 DEI series. The audience was composed predominantly of higher ed administrators, so the presentations were created with that audience in mind. These presentations can be adjusted and replicated for a multitude of audiences.
#1 Racial Literacy 101: Building Blocks for Equity Work
#2 Building Blocks for Gender Equity Work
Offerings
Catalyst Coaching & Consulting: This option is a good fit for: New and veteran DEI leaders, equity conference planning committees, board members new to DEI, DEI Committee, DEI meeting facilitation…. 6-hour and 12-hour packages available.
Training & Capacity-building Cohorts: Custom-built training series per the needs of the organization: 4-8 90-minute sessions or multiple all-day sessions
Circle-Keeping and Affinity Group (ERG) Facilitation: Great option for organizations in need of support with: relationship-building with an equity lens, racial healing circles, white antiracist affinity group creation and facilitation,
Public Speaking: Available for 30-90 minute interactive talks on a variety of topics. Some favorite topics include: introductions to racial and gender equity, addressing cancel culture & toxicity in equity work, white identity development, connecting spirituality healing and social justice, my personal story around identity and consciousness, solidarity amongst women across race, bridging the political divide and countering either/or us/them thinking, engaging the divine feminine, what new strategies for liberation does the future require of us….
Testimonials
“A major complexity and complaint of 'equity work' is that the terminology means many different things to different individuals and organizations. Jessica holds that complication and works closely with partners to clarify intentions and methodology. We at Transform the Collective repeatedly collaborate with Jessica Havens because: 1. her experience in implementing equity initiatives at both the interpersonal and institutional level is stellar 2. she aligns her practice as both organizational shift and heart shift 3. with over two decades of experience, she is versatile in her approach and implementation. She is firm in both compassion and expectation and this is most evidenced in her work with white women. To work with her is a healthy victory for your organization. You will be pleased.” -Stacey Gibson, Equity Strategist & Organizational Thought Leader, Transform the Collective, Chicago
“Mile Hi's partnership with Jessica has been a critical turning point in our organization, leading us into a new era for our church. Her trainings provided us with the foundational knowledge, tools and confidence to not only build our awareness and understanding of DEI, but also the confidence to integrate them into our work. Her expertise, skill and compassion allowed the entire staff to go through a transformative process that will have an impact in our organization for years to come and we are deeply grateful for what she brings to the work she does in the world.” - Masando Hiraoka, Social Justice Minister, Mile Hi Church, Colorado
“Jessica’s passion, expertise, and adaptability are incredible assets in her consulting work. She has a wealth of knowledge in equity issues, and pairs that with intentional but bold moves to take individual and systemic action in order to address these issues head-on. She is authentic and empathetic in her approach, calling people into the conversation while still encouraging them to hold themselves accountable to the role they play in ending injustice.” -Rana Razzaque, Equity & Diversity Specialist, Jeffco Schools, Colorado
"I wanted to send you a personal note of thank you. Through your guidance and leadership in WERJ(White Educators for Racial Justice) I was able to discover a whole new aspect of myself and the world that was previously unknown to me. You created a safe space for us all to do some important work together..." - Teacher & WERJ member, Francis Parker School, Chicago
Writing
2012 Masters Thesis: Of Heart, Mind & Belonging: Reflections on Anti-Racist White Identity Development
Chapter 2: It’s All About the Rhythm: Birthing Sisterhood (co-authored with Stacey Gibson) from the book Uncommon Bonds. (For the Colorlines review, click here.)
