My Work
My work centers the needs of marginalized groups. I rely on my expertise in human diversity, law, counseling, lobbying, fundraising, and direct practice to form the basis of my work in community change.
I am deeply proud of the people I have had the opportunity to work with, learn from, and lift up through my career. It is my goal to continue to apply these skills to build ecosystems, economies, and organizations that include everyone.
Media Channel
Enlightened Solutions
In 2018, my friend and colleague, Chinenye Nkemere, and I sat down to talk about our frustrations working in Northeast Ohio. We discussed feeling like no matter whose advice we took, how many hours we put in, or how perfect we tried to be, our careers remained stagnant.
This is how we founded Enlightened Solutions. From that inception, we have grown to complete ground-breaking research into the reality of marginalization, and expanded to implement best practices for organizations and employers.
Bethany and ChiChi present to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Bethany and ChiChi are recognized with the 2023 Unsung Heroes Award from the Cleveland NAACP
Bethany and ChiChi present to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Legal
I am a licensed attorney. My legal work has focused on blending my social justice lens with the traditional insights of the legal profession. After completing my Master's degree, I earned a full scholarship to the University of Akron and pursued my law degree part-time while working full-time.
During my time at the University of Akron, I completed my first year in the top 30% of my class, completed and presented historical redlining analysis, engaged in mock arguments at the local circuit court, and participated in the SEED clinic to offer start-up advice to local entrepreneurs under the guidance of a licensed attorney.
Bethany and ChiChi celebrate the passage of an ordinance creating the first commission on Black Women and Girls in Cleveland
Bethany and ChiChi awarded as 2023 Unsung Heroes.
Bethany and ChiChi celebrate the passage of an ordinance creating the first commission on Black Women and Girls in Cleveland
Social Work
Social work is my first passion. I started working in nonprofits in high school at a rural domestic violence shelter. From then, I knew that my interests would always lie with people who are vulnerable.
My career has included many different positions in direct care. I have worked with individuals with mental and physical challenges, youth at risk of dropping out of school, community members traumatized by violence, and a wide variety of people and populations who have been pushed to the margins of society.
Today, my research and practice weave together both micro and macro perspectives of social work. I believe that true community change will come from revolutionary work and vision completed alongside diverse people.
