Dedicated experts with a proven record of success.
Christina Samir James, JD, MSW
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Christina has over 15 years of senior level leadership and management experience within state, federal and local government, higher education, private industry and the nonprofit sector. Her focus has been in civil rights, organizational development, strategic planning, leadership coaching, various trainings, team building, workplace assessments, mindfulness, auditing human resources policies and practices, discrimination investigations, etc., all to increase workplace productivity, health and positive climate and culture change. Christina has created and led civil rights offices for federal government agencies and the Regional Transportation District in Denver, CO. She has worked within the Colorado State Legislature and for the state office of a national non-profit focused on women’s rights. She brings an emphasis on equity to include diversity and inclusion to all work she does.
As a Government Leader, Christina has worked in leadership positions with the Department of Interior and Department of Energy. She was responsible for overseeing Civil Rights Offices across the country, created alternative dispute resolution programs to resolve matters at the lowest possible level and reduced discrimination complaint activity. She improved morale and increased employee and leadership awareness of civil rights and equity matters through all aspects and levels of the organization’s business.
As a Master Trainer/Facilitator, Christina has trained and facilitated workshops on Civil Rights issues covering Title IX, Title VI and VII, and Sexual Harassment. She is known for her easy but direct facilitation style, always leaving participants appreciative of the grace, courage, and respect with which she handles difficult topics.
As a Civil Rights Investigator, Christina has conducted 100's of investigations for school districts, universities, and government agencies. She helps institutions and agencies understand their rights and obligations, and provides findings and recommendations or moving forward.
As a Leadership Coach, Christina helps ensure that your management and leadership teams are prepared to manage a 21st Century workforce. She helps capture the strengths of a multicultural environment.
Dante J. James, Esq
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Dante J. James has over 25 years of political and legal experience, and has worked in senior leadership positions with government and civil society. An attorney by education and training, Mr. James has provided legal representation in private practice, served as an administrative hearing officer as well as political appointee and political consultant. He worked and traveled for the Clinton Administration for almost eight years leading Advance work nationally and internationally.
He served as an appointee of the Mayor of Portland, Oregon for six years, as the first director of its city’s civil rights office, the Office of Equity and Human Rights. Prior to that, he was the Colorado State Director for the Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL), a national non-profit organization focused on developing the next generation of progressive leaders. Prior to holding this position, he was appointed by Denver Mayor Wellington Webb to serve as Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Compliance, the City’s Affirmative Action office overseeing the utilization of women and minority owned businesses in city projects. Mr. James is also a long-time trainer, facilitator and teacher. As an Adjunct Faculty member, he has taught at the University of Colorado at Denver and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He also lived and worked in Japan for two years teaching English in Japanese high schools, often giving presentations to Chambers of Commerce on internationalization and cross-cultural communication.
As a Government Leader, Dante has worked for four mayoral administrations in two cities, been a loaned executive to a major west coast city, worked for the Clinton Administration, and provided his expertise in consultation with various cities around the country on the creation and implementation of equity offices and their work. He is currently a Senior Fellow with the National Civic League.
As a Master Trainer/Facilitator, Dante has led the state office for a national political leadership training organization with graduates currently in city and state elected offices. He was the founding director of the City of Portland’s Office of Equity and Human Rights, where he created the mandatory city-wide training program that trained over 5000 city employees. He has facilitated workshops for a variety of clients, e.g., University of Oregon VP’s, Deans, and other leadership, the City of New Orleans agency directors, Arizona Leading for Change, a progressive political leadership organization, and many others. He is a widely sought-after trainer and facilitator.
As a Non-Profit Leader, Dante has been director of two non-profit organizations, focusing on social justice and leadership. He understands the needs and issues of working in the non-profit environment.
As a Speaker, Dante has been a keynote speaker, moderator, and panelist at national, regional, and local conference events. He is known for his sense of humor and way of addressing difficult topics with respect and courage.