Comprehensive consulting solutions for courageous conversations and transformative change
Fig Leaves and Thorns specializes in helping organizations navigate complex conversations around race, equity, justice, and education. Our services are rooted in decades of experience across education, policy, and community leadership combining practical expertise with deep commitment to meaningful change.
We partner with you to build capacity, challenge systems, and create environments where equity is not just discussed, but actively practiced.
Who We Serve
We work with K-12 administrators and educators, college professors, executives and business owners, government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations across the nation both virtually and in-person.
Our Services
We provide practical, evidence-based, and empowering solutions to help organizations and individuals advance equity, leadership, and inclusion. Whether you’re building capacity, reviewing policy, or developing leaders — we meet you where you are and help you grow.
Public Speaking & Leadership Coaching
Inspire your audience and develop leaders who champion equity with confidence and authenticity.
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What’s Included:
- Keynote presentations on equity, justice, and education
- One-on-one executive and leadership coaching
- Identity awareness and equity lens development
- Courageous conversation facilitation
- Personalized action plans and accountability support
Ideal For: Leadership teams, conferences, professional development events, and executives seeking to lead with an equity lens.
Training & Workshops
Engaging, evidence-based sessions that challenge thinking, build skills, and foster meaningful dialogue on critical topics.
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Available Formats:
- Half-day and full-day workshops
- Multi-session series
- Virtual webinars
- Custom-designed programs
Focus Areas:
- Juvenile justice and race relations
- K-12 education and reading science
- Engaging priority populations
- Understanding and addressing sophisticated racism
- Critical Race Theory vs. Practice
Ideal For: Staff development, leadership retreats, community forums, and organizations committed to ongoing learning.
DEI Strategy Development
Build a comprehensive roadmap for diversity, equity, and inclusion that aligns with your mission and creates measurable impact.
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- Organizational assessment and equity audits
- Stakeholder engagement and listening sessions
- Custom DEI framework and strategic planning
- Goal-setting with accountability structures
- Implementation support and timeline development
Ideal For: Organizations launching or refreshing their DEI efforts with a data-driven, strategic approach.
Policy Review & Development
Ensure your policies reflect equity values and address systemic barriers.
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- Comprehensive policy review through an equity lens
- Identification of gaps and inequitable language
- Development of equity-centered policies
- Staff training on policy implementation
- Ongoing consultation and updates
Ideal For: School districts, government agencies, HR departments, and nonprofits seeking policy alignment with equity commitments.
Career Planning Support
Empower individuals to navigate career pathways with focus on apprenticeships and college preparation.
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- One-on-one career coaching and advising
- Apprenticeship program guidance
- College application and preparation support
- Resume development and interview skills
- Professional development planning
Ideal For: Students, young professionals, career changers, and organizations supporting workforce development.
Budget Review & Fiscal Analysis
Apply an equity lens to budgeting and resource allocation to ensure fair distribution and impact.
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- Budget analysis through equity framework
- Resource allocation assessment
- Recommendations for equitable funding priorities
- Fiscal policy guidance
- Community engagement on budget processes
Ideal For: Government agencies, school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations managing public funds.
Empowerment Seminars & Professional Development
Specialized training for educators focused on building confidence, capacity, and culturally responsive practices.
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- Teacher empowerment workshops
- Culturally responsive pedagogy training
- Classroom management and student engagement
- Supporting diverse learners
- Educator self-care and resilience building
Ideal For: K-12 teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, and education support staff.
Ongoing Advisory Services
Long-term partnership and strategic guidance tailored to your organization's evolving needs.
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- Regular consultation meetings (frequency customized)
- Real-time guidance on emerging challenges
- Progress monitoring and adjustment
- Access to resources and tools
- Strategic support: "How can I best help you?"
Ideal For: Organizations committed to sustained DEI work and continuous improvement.
Featured Workshop Topics
Dr. Brown delivers powerful, evidence-based sessions on topics that matter most in today's complex landscape. Each workshop is designed to spark insight, challenge assumptions, and inspire actionable change.
Navigating Through Sophisticated Racism
Understanding and addressing the subtle, systemic ways racism manifests in modern institutions and interactions.
Critical Race Theory vs. Practice
Clarifying misconceptions and exploring practical applications of equity frameworks in education and policy.
The Science of Reading
K-12 focused training on evidence-based literacy instruction and closing achievement gaps through effective reading practices.
Engaging Priority Populations
Strategies for meaningfully connecting with and serving communities that have been historically marginalized.
Understanding Juvenile Justice
Advocacy, reform, and support for young people navigating the justice system with focus on equity and rehabilitation.
Our Process
Every engagement is personalized to your context. Here's what you can expect when working with us:
1. Initial Conversation
We begin with a personable discussion to understand your goals, challenges, and organizational culture.
2. Custom Proposal
Based on your needs, we develop a tailored approach with clear objectives and expected outcomes.
3. Engagement & Implementation
We deliver services through speaking, training, coaching, or strategic consultation—adapting as needed.
4. Ongoing Support
We remain available for follow-up questions, adjustments, and continued partnership as you progress.