We are a woman-owned, women-led social impact consulting practice that collaborates with visionaries, doers, and learners to tackle complex, intergenerational challenges. Our name represents who we are and how we work.
groundwork
: work done in preparation
partners
: two+ people who do or share something with each other
Together with our clients and members of their community, we develop, implement, and adapt strategies, programs, and experiences that make a powerful, lasting change. In doing so, we remain rooted in our approach and live into our vision for a just and equitable world.
Our Approach
Deep Listening: We arrive with no pretensions. We appreciate who you are, meet you where you’re at, and journey together. We engage multiple perspectives and experiences to define problems and potential solutions.
Intersectional Analysis: We examine root causes by looking at interconnected systems of power and different group’s experiences and identities, including but not exclusively those associated with race and gender. We identify patterns of marginalization and amplify the insights of directly impacted people.
Possibilities, Not Paucity: We imagine with a spirit of abundance, not scarcity. We elevate comprehensive, not singular, solutions.
Structure and Momentum: We create clarity amidst complexity. We bring intention to who makes decisions and how they are made, build buy-in, and translate ideas into action.
Mindful & Adaptive Execution: We help you implement your programs, align operations, and build teams in ways that are clear, flexible, inclusive, and equitable. We support you when you hit roadblocks, and exit when your team is poised to carry work forward in-house.
Be the Change: We act with empathy, respect, and integrity. We create a sense of belonging and honor unique lived experiences. We practice grace and accountability, knowing that living into a radically different future is a developmental journey.
Our Team
We are collaborators, conveners, dot-connectors, and companions, committed to achieving racial and gender justice. Led by Lauren Marra, an experienced social sector strategist, team leader, facilitator, grant maker, and advocate, Groundwork utilizes a consortium model. It partners with other practitioners to build nimble, multi-functional teams of varying sizes and lived experiences that meet our clients’ needs and budgets.
