Expert Diversity Consultants for
With a focus on creating lasting impact, we bring a wealth of experience to drive positive change in your organization and for your workplace.
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Our Mission
We enthusiastically engage organizations in an interactive and reflexive collaborative experience that curates transformative practices through empowering individuals and organizations to be the catalysts of their own growth centered on equity.
Partner with us to foster an inclusive environment.
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The B4U Approach
Equity Centered. People Driven.
Our approach is multifaceted, beginning with a keen focus on understanding and addressing the unique needs of marginalized populations we serve. We believe in driving change from the ground up, starting with the inclusion of entry-level staff from the most marginalized communities, extending to team, unit, and department leadership, and reaching the pinnacles of senior leadership and board governance.
B4U provides support, coaching, and strategic guidance at every level, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable transformation that leaves no one behind. Join us in reshaping organizational landscapes through our people-driven, equity-centered philosophy.
N. J. Akbar, PhD has experience in K-12, higher education, non-profit and public sectors. Dr. Akbar has served in executive and senior leadership roles in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for more than a decade.
A native of Detroit, MI., Dr. Akbar holds a B.S. in History and Language, Literature and Writing for Secondary Education and an M.A. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis Higher Education Administration, both from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education from Kent State University.
Dr. Akbar is very active in his adopted home of Akron, OH.
In 2019, he gained national acclaim by becoming the first Black LGBTQ Muslim elected in Ohio and one of the first in the nation, when he was elected to the Akron Board of Education. Dr. Akbar served one term as Vice President and two terms as President of the Akron School Board.
Dr. Akbar, a veteran of the Army, has received many honors, medals, and awards for his service to his community, some include Public Elected Official of the Year in 2020; Advocate Magazine's Champion of Pride in 2020; Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award in Education (2016).
Dr. Akbar has authored several papers and book chapters on educational equity and systemic approaches to seeking racial equity.
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I care deeply about public education. In 2012, I started offering a few schools gratis consulting on school culture and engaging students in school-based decision-making. In 2014, while speaking and training at a local conference, a few school officials from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District approached me about providing my services for a fee. This person connected me with a great business resource that helped me learn how to start my own company. From there, B4U was born.
How it all started
The timeline
B4U rebrands and launches new website - begin offering expanded services beyond DEI coaching, training equity assessments. We now offer Board Trainings and policy development and analysis.
2023
B4U starts offering keynote speaking and strategic planning support. B4U received two-year contract to support the development of a new national non-profit.
2020
B4U began offering assessments
2018
Begin offering trainings and professional developments across Ohio and Michigan
2015
B4U is founded. Cleveland Metropolitan School District becomes the first client.
2014
The B4U Process
Grounded in our core values, our process is designed to address the unique challenges organizations face in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace. By centering our approach on equity, leveraging data-driven insights, breaking barriers, building bridges, and offering innovative solutions, we guide organizations towards a holistic transformation.
Equity Centered
Focusing holistic approach, solutions and strategies on the needs of the most marginalized in the organization or those it serve.
Data Driven
Assessing staff and leadership mindsets, gauging expertise deficiencies compared to the needs and experience identified by those organizations serve or seek to reach.
Building Bridges
Bridging organization’s leadership and those they serve through collaborative and inclusive decision- making structures.
Innovative Solutions
Recommending Strategies centered on identified needs & gaps in service that are aspirational yet attainable.
What Diversity Consultants Do:
Diversity consultants play a crucial role in helping schools, non-profits, and governmental agencies foster inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote equity. Here's an overview of what diversity consultants do and how they can benefit these organizations:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to analyze the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
- Evaluate existing policies, practices, and organizational culture to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Strategy Development:
- Work closely with organizational leadership to develop tailored diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies.
- Create measurable goals and objectives that align with the organization's mission and values.
- Provide training programs for staff, leadership, and stakeholders on topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership.
- Deliver workshops to enhance awareness and understanding of diversity issues.
- Review existing policies to identify and eliminate biases and discriminatory practices.
- Develop new policies that support and reinforce a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Assist in the implementation of DEI programs and initiatives, ensuring they align with organizational goals and values.
- Provide guidance on establishing employee resource groups and other support structures.
At the heart of the impact of diversity consultants lies their ability to shape organizational culture. By working closely with leadership, HR teams, and employees at all levels, consultants help define and reinforce a culture that places diversity and inclusion at its core. This involves not just acknowledging differences but actively integrating them into the fabric of the organization.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of a thriving organizational culture. DEI consultants can help to play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and has an equal opportunity to contribute. They guide organizations in dismantling barriers and biases, promoting fair and equitable practices, and creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not only acknowledged but also celebrated.
Positive change is the ultimate goal of any effective diversity initiative. Diversity consultants act as change agents, helping organizations evolve into more equitable and inclusive entities. They introduce innovative strategies, challenge outdated practices, and instigate a shift in mindset that transcends superficial diversity to embrace the richness of diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Our strategic framework also aims to create inclusive environments that address the unique needs, perspectives, and challenges of marginalized communities, fostering trust, inclusive decision-making and collaboration.
The Impact of Diversity Consultants on Organizational Culture: A Deep Dive
How Diversity Consultants Can Help
Schools
Creating Inclusive Educational Environments:
Advise on strategies to create inclusive learning environments that embrace diversity among students, faculty, and staff.
Cultivating Inclusive Curricula:
Support the development of curricula that reflect diverse perspectives and histories.
Provide training for educators on integrating inclusivity into teaching practices.
Addressing Bias and Discrimination:
Implement initiatives to address bias and discrimination within the school community.
Foster a culture of respect and understanding among students and staff.
NON-PROFITS
Enhancing Organizational Culture:
Foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the non-profit organization.
Strengthen internal relationships and promote collaboration among diverse teams.
Diversifying Leadership and Boards:
Advise on strategies to diversify leadership roles and board memberships.
Ensure that the organization's leadership reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
Developing Inclusive Policies:
Assist in the development of inclusive policies and practices within governmental agencies.
Ensure that policies are equitable and address the needs of diverse populations.
Promoting Inclusive Decision-Making:
Implement structures for inclusive decision-making that involve diverse stakeholders.
Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among different community groups.
