CONSULTING SERVICES
RDE’S CONSULTING SERVICES
Today’s complex and large-scale challenges require a holistic approach and innovative solutions to tackle problems affecting communities around the world. We are all invited to bring our contributions. I focus on the informal, at both the individual and societal levels. I believe that transformational changes must start with awareness and needs of the individual and community levels, making it most effective and sustainable.
WHAT I OFFER
POPULAR DESIGN WORKSHOPS
Structural oppression often leaves Individuals, groups, and communities grappling with injustice, inequities, and unequal power dynamics. They may struggle to understand how these complexities affect their lives. Societal norms and mainstream media can further normalize and perpetuate harmful influences on self-image and efficacy, leaving vulnerable communities feeling isolated and disconnected, with diminished confidence and agency.
Through Popular Education, I empower individuals and groups, equipping them with the confidence and skills to act individually and collectively. My workshops help foster a deeper understanding of structural inequities and systems of oppression, enabling participants to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Participants leave my workshops with a newfound confidence and agency. Communities and individuals become better equipped to identify and address structural inequity within their communities.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Marginalized voices are often unheard, leading to a lack of representation and exclusion from decision-making processes. In addition, they are also victims of the “divide and conquer” strategy, which maintains positions of power by sowing discord and division among groups. In my work, I amplify and analyze the ideas of marginalized voices. I facilitate inclusive spaces for dialogue and encourage diverse perspectives and contributions, leading to more inclusive and representative discussions. I communicate in ways that resonate with people who are being engaged and challenge traditional gender roles, advocating for equitable norms within communities. Community engagement supports dialogue and debate on issues affecting communities and people’s lives.
PROGRAM DESIGN SERVICES
Even well-intentioned organizations can struggle to design and implement programs that effectively address the needs of vulnerable individuals, groups, and communities facing disempowerment due to systemic oppression and limited access to resources.
I help organizations create meaningful and lasting impacts on vulnerable groups by designing programs rooted in community needs. This involves proposing solutions and effective actions on the priority issues identified through public engagement. This approach drives transformative change within vulnerable communities and among individuals.
Interested in learning more? Let’s talk!
Key Areas of Expertise
With over a decade of experience in global and community development, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the services I offer. My expertise is deeply rooted in areas directly benefiting the individuals and communities I work with.
RELEVANT PROJECTS
I played a crucial role in advising the NGO Save the Children on a Multi-Country Assessment of Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Youth in High Growth Potential Value Chains within the Agriculture Sector. Working with communities, leaders, and government institutions, the assessment resulted in identifying high-value training and employment opportunities for youth in Ethiopia’s Amhara region’s agricultural sector designing and implementing a comprehensive program that would support young people and adolescents from 12–to 18 years across five countries.
Save the Children NGO
I supported the assessment of the social and economic impact of the Internet in Senegal. The study examined the Internet’s impact on, and potential contribution to, social and economic development in several Sub-Saharan African countries. It reveals how Internet-enabled services affect the public and private sectors in agriculture, health, finance, education, governance, energy & transport, and SME growth. The report also analyses the pre-conditions for impact, looking at both business and ICT infrastructure as well as factors that influence how and why users get online. The findings were based on a survey of 1,300 organizations in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. The study led to recommendations on leveraging technology for development in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and more.
Google “Internet Economy Project"
I have facilitated “Allyship at Work” training, promoting inclusive and supportive workplace environments.
Global Affairs Canada
Solar Lighting for the Base of the Pyramid - Overview of an Emerging Market - "Lighting Africa" Program, International Finance Corporation (IFC)/World Bank Group
I played a crucial role in identifying and cataloging distribution channels for portable solar products in Mali and Senegal. We produced a report assessing the current distribution chain (and opportunities for improvements). We identified opportunities to enable consumers from the pyramid's base in Mali and Senegal to access portable solar products. The main outputs included (i) identifying the major players in solar energy in Senegal and Mali, (ii) defining the distribution models of portable solar lamps, (iii) identifying critical success factors and lessons learned, and (iv) identifying distribution channels for similar or alternative products whose distribution model could be applied to portable solar products.
The program aimed at promoting the role of leasing as an innovative and alternative financial mechanism for small businesses in sub-Saharan Africa and has been at the origin of the development and adoption of laws governing leasing in a few sub-Saharan African countries. IFC worked with governments, financial institutions, equipment suppliers, insurance providers, and small business owners to help make leasing a viable tool to step up operations, increase revenue and add value to local communities. I supported the Africa leasing program for partnership development with justice, SME’s ministry and association in Cameroun. I also supported training and awareness raising among SMEs and judiciary systems in Cameroun, Nigeria, and Mauritania.
Africa Leasing Facility program
I provided critical support to Crossroads International in evaluating and implementing projects for women and girls in Africa, along with advising on program design, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Crossroad International
I have worked with organizations such as Le Refuge pour les Femmes de l’Ouest de l’Ile, La Rue des Femmes, ETS’s Bureau du respect de la Personne on essential issues like gender-based violence, sexual minorities concerns, sexual harassment and violence, homelessness, power, privilege and allyship. I advised, raised awareness, and designed facilitated discussions, trainings, and workshops for their participants and beneficiaries.
Communities Based Engagements
“Let’s create a space where we can experience and express the complexity, the diversity, and the depth of our human experience.”
Recommendations
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“Rachel-Diane is an incredibly thoughtful and effective leader with a passionate drive for diversity, equity, and the celebration of culture. Her expertise in these areas, coupled with her strong strategic communication skills, enable her to create a deep impact with everyone she works with. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of partnering with Rachel-Diane over the last year on her strategic and leadership growth. The authenticity she brings to each one of our encounters always leaves me feeling inspired.”
Lauren E. Morrison, ACC Personal & Business Development Coach
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“Rachel-Diane is an incredibly competent, pleasant, efficient and collaborative individual. From the moment I met her, Rachel-Diane demonstrated her depth of knowledge, passion and reflective capacity on many subjects, and most particularly related to equity, diversity and inclusion of marginalized groups...I cannot recommend Rachel-Diane highly enough. Her motivation to bring change to vulnerable peoples across the world is an inspiration, and of great practical benefit to organizations.”
Geralyn Klassen Manager, Human Resources at Crossroad International
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"Rachel-Diane is an insightful, determined, and active person with great empathy and a thirst for learning. ...She immediately impressed me with her drive and ambition to positively impact the world despite her young age. As I am older, at times she requested my advice and directions and valued my council. However, I also learned a lot from her by looking at the world through her eyes."
Rudolph P. Saint Jean, Managing Director at JESCA Solutions
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“I had the opportunity to work with Rachel-Diane when she was working in the Office for prevention and harassment resolution at the École de technologie supérieure. Her ability to listen and clearly communicate her ideas are among the qualities that facilitate collaborative work. Rachel-Diane has a keen understanding of diversity and inclusion issues and puts the needs of marginalized and vulnerable people at the very heart of her work.”
Alissa Lauriault, Conseillère en équité, diversité et inclusion École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) de Montréal
MY APPROACH & VALUES
01
Hold Space for Growth
My transformational approach serves as a catalyst for change bothin individuals and social systems. Drawing on my psychology training and intervention background, I prioritize building trust and creating a safe environment. Whether during community engagement or popular education sessions, I approach each interaction with an open mind, free of judgement, and ask questions that foster critical thinking, empathy, and connection.
02
Centre those Impacted by the Current System
My commitment to community engagement involves providing a platform and support for public engagement, dialogue, and debate on issues that deeply affect communities and individuals. My approach is firmly rooted in understanding the lived experiences of the most vulnerable and crafting recommendations that empower them. I apply social work theories to help individuals and communities confront the systemic oppression and barriers hindering their full potential. This includes initiatives to foster critical consciousness, self-efficacy, access to resources, and strategies for attaining personal and collective goals.
03
Impact and Outcome-Driven
I focus on building robust systems that prioritize dismantling inequity. I design programs and propose effective actions on the priority issues identified through public engagement. Public engagement serves as a crucial avenue for collecting qualitative and quantitative data, revealing hidden growth opportunities. Subsequently, I develop action plans with accountability mechanisms to ensure organizations are held responsible for achieving defined outcomes.
READY TO WORK TOGETHER?
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