TESTIMONIALS

Former Chief Marketing Officer at Santander Bank

by Chief Marketing Officer - Jennifer Mathissen

"Thank you for helping me grow so I can help others!"

Founder of States Strategies - A Government Relations Firm

by Founder - Ab Basu

"Birungi, thanks so much for an insightful course. Not only did I learn a lot, but I found myself actively looking for more information by the authors we covered. Sessions which forced me to think and perhaps even re-think certain things were definitely valuable to me."

Director of Calvin Hill Day Care Center at YALE University

by Director - Susan Taddei

"I am Susan Andrews Taddei, Mount Holyoke College - Class of 1991, Psychology and Elementary Education major. I am the Director of one of the YALE University's childcare programs, where we are doing our very best to build community among a diverse group of young families and create a better world, one three-year-old at a time. This was the second series I have done with Birungi Ives. As a teacher myself, I appreciate that Birungi respects the learning process. I never felt ashamed for not knowing something yesterday. I only felt encouragement while learning something new. I experienced many "A-ha!" moments as I went through the materials for each session. I loved that Birungi shared her own "A-ha!" moments with us! She established a group environment that enabled us all to be honest and vulnerable. She inspires me to continue my own learning about anti-racism and implicit bias."

Educational Developer MA, PHD at Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

by Doctor - Alexandra D'Urso

"I am so grateful to Birungi for having invited me back after having participated in her anti-racist workshop last summer. As a workshop facilitator, Birungi was warm, honest, encouraging, extremely knowledgeable, and resourceful in putting together the curriculum for the target group. Birungi recreated the positive, focused, and intellectually stimulating environment of a Mount Holyoke College classroom, and it was personally and professionally rewarding to learn with and from her. For a little background, I am MHC class of 2003 and have advanced degrees in Applied Linguistics and Curriculum and Instruction. I work as an educational developer at a highly ranked Swedish University for Life Sciences. My unit's tasks are to help implement Swedish government educational policy at the university and department levels, develop pedagogical courses and workshops for university faculty. I am a group coordinator for a five-year capacity building project on research supervision and generic skills training with another Swedish University and a University in Mozambique. Working with curriculum development in higher education, it is absolutely essential for me as a white American to continuously unpack my many privileges and learn from and with others- especially from people and perspectives often sidelined from decision-making processes in higher education. I have been trying to get university-wide support for anti-racist pedagogy training over here, and after having participated in Birungi's excellent training, I was well-positioned to not only insist upon the necessity of this work, but also ensure its ongoing status in my own context."

Lead Pastor - United Methodist Church

by Pastor - Margaret Gillikin

"As the lead pastor for a large, progressive United Methodist church located in Montana's capital, much of the work I do is oriented to educating church members and equipping them to put their faith into action. The antiracism work we do is primarily oriented to assisting people in doing meaningful advocacy work with the State Legislature and for developing antiracist, respectful partnerships with our Native American neighbors. Many, if not most, of my parishioners occupy significant roles of power, responsibility and privilege in this community. My purpose for participating in this mini-workshop was to further resource myself, in order to resource them in being allies who genuinely walk the walk. The materials offered in this workshop offered a helpful balance of challenge to examine the world newly as well as for personal reflection. The premise that racism inflicts trauma upon ALL people, regardless of role, is a key distinction that I've gotten nowhere else in the reading and training I've engaged over the past year. I find this helpful as it opens a window for compassion that otherwise might be slammed shut. Understanding that the reluctance / refusal of some white people to acknowledge the harm of racism is a form of denial and thus a self-protective response born of trauma creates space for approaching this work from a perspective of healing rather than judgment. It doesn't lessen the depth of work to do, but lowers initial barriers so that it can be done at all. I found this program to be very helpful and recommend it."

Director of Partnerships and Community Programs at Single Stop

by Director - Jen Schumacher-Kocik

"Birungi's workshop is an excellent example of the strength of these communities - not only in the caliber of the materials and Birungi's facilitation, but also in people's willingness to challenge themselves. I too did not know anyone in the workshop, but found it to be a safe space. It is important to acknowledge and reflect on race and trauma, however I have found very few settings where I was able to have this level of conversation in a thoughtful and supportive way. Birungi's workshop was the step I needed in my personal journey... "

REVIEWS FROM PARTICIPANTS

5 star rating

A much needed learning community!

Alexandra D'Urso

I am an activist, educator, and dual citizen living outside of the US. I had been looking for the right context in which I could devote time to reflect upon ...

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I am an activist, educator, and dual citizen living outside of the US. I had been looking for the right context in which I could devote time to reflect upon my different roles and responsibilities-- I felt I needed to consolidate and strengthen my efforts and work in more effective and meaningful ways. Participating in "The Path to an Anti-Racist Society" workshop with Birungi gave me a structured opportunity to tie lots of thoughts together and build upon my existing knowledge. This workshop also reminded me to dig deeper into policies that, in my context, provide further justification for the kind of organizational development and change I wish to see in the workplace and in society at large. Birungi was flexible in accommodating my participation from a different time zone, and I appreciated her openness and honesty as a facilitator. The different kinds of materials Birungi selected were very engaging and thought-provoking. I am so glad that I took the time to participate in this workshop! Thank you, Birungi, for your inspiration and solidarity in this long-term work to build a better world together!

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5 star rating

Emily Dietrich

Birungi Ives has developed a curriculum that goes deep. The readings and exercises offer ways into thinking and rethinking race, and they model ways to talk ...

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Birungi Ives has developed a curriculum that goes deep. The readings and exercises offer ways into thinking and rethinking race, and they model ways to talk about this difficult subject. Ms. Ives leads the sessions with an openness and lack of judgment that encourage participants to share honestly and with vulnerability. Generous with her own thoughts and exploration into the issues, Ms. Ives leads the way to overcoming discomfort and posturing into authentic self-assessment. Following the topics of the news and the interests and comments of participants, Ms. Ives also immerses herself in the issues, not holding herself at a remove. My experience shook me loose from a place I had been stuck involving the shame that comes up when looking at my own complicity. The Path to an Anti-Racist Society was a powerful, useful workshop.

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5 star rating

A wonderful learning experience

Susan Taddei

Thank you Birungi, for designing and facilitating an excellent overview of systemic racism and anti-racism theory and action. As a teacher, I was so impresse...

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Thank you Birungi, for designing and facilitating an excellent overview of systemic racism and anti-racism theory and action. As a teacher, I was so impressed by YOUR teaching. You created a perfect learning environment, established trust among our group members, invited participation, and helped us all make connections and move along our own paths. This is very important work that brings up all kinds of feelings. You helped us name and work through what came up. You are making the world a better place, one person at a time. Your impact will ripple out from your workshop and bring important change to our world. A million thanks.

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5 star rating

Fantastic Anti-Racist Course

Emily Schoch

For many, the most effective anti-racist education is one that pushes you to confront the racial injustice in the country, but gives you the space to be unco...

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For many, the most effective anti-racist education is one that pushes you to confront the racial injustice in the country, but gives you the space to be uncomfortable in its existence and your complicity in it. In this regard, "The Path to an Anti-Racist Society" didn't disappoint. Birungi Ives does a fantastic job curating resources, asking questions that produce true self-reflection, and moderating discussions about the tough issues. While I did the work for each session, I could note the shifts in my understanding of systemic racism and how that understanding would change my actions going forward. It was in the discussions, however, that Ives's mastery as a leader truly shone through. In the session I attended, most of the participants were a few steps along their anti-racist education path, and Ives was able to meet us where we were and bring us forward in our understanding and how that might affect our lives going forward in the anti-racist work we wanted to do. She had the perfect balance of sharing her wisdom and knowledge and letting the participants discuss and speak about their own knowledge and experiences. I think she would do a wonderful job tailoring the discussions to groups with differing levels of experience with anti-racist work, whether they be just starting on that journey or well down the road in it. I'm so grateful to Ives for the work she has done to put together this course, and absolutely recommend it to any people or their companies if they're looking for a strong anti-racist course.

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5 star rating

Work for Meeting #1

Elizabeth Wilkins-McKee

I am looking forward to seeing how all of these pieces will be woven together in class. While some of the material is familiar to me, I’ve listened or read i...

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I am looking forward to seeing how all of these pieces will be woven together in class. While some of the material is familiar to me, I’ve listened or read it before; I found more was “revealed” to me each time. I am in turmoil (like most Americans.) The people in my church, a group of conservative Evangelicals while I am a liberal Episcopalian - long story about how I landed where I am - are intent in celebrating the myth that “because I am nice, b/c I follow God’s rule I can not be racist.” I hear comments about reverse racism and the list goes on. I am in Manassas, VA - a place that literally has the first blood of the Civil War in it’s soil. A place where the human trafficking and torture of African’s was celebrated. It is in our ecosystem. I’ve been noticing and working towards opening church members hearts, minds and spirits to their participation in white supremacy. In conversation I hear he most common white supremacist Evangelical pronouncement, “Where in the Bible does it talk about what we should do about racism? I am not a racist. The sins of the owners of African’s who were trafficked are not my sins.” For those of you who are interested in Christianity, read Scripture and theologians, the message is clear in Christianity; how can we not work to dismantle white supremacy? How can we not work for reparations? This series clarified more of where I need to grow, lean in and where I might seek to move those in my faith community. The material was thought and soul provoking. The materials and activities had just the right amount of necessary gut punches, aha moments, push towards compassion, vulnerability and intellectual stimulation. To move towards something radically new our hears, minds and spirits must also be radically changed. This week was part of a new beginning for me in this journey. This is the work we are all called to do to actualize God’s kingdom here on earth. (BTW: I am not someone who will try to convert anyone. Christianity doesn’t have a corner on faith or Godliness. In fact, the Church, as it was and is, is one of the most powerful seats of white supremacy. I also don’t, contrary to most, think anyone else has to believe in God, the divide etc. I honor your path.)

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REVIEWS FROM CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS

5 star rating

Read. Watch. Listen. DON'T WAIT...

Alev Sezer-Jacobs

I recently completed, Corporate Path to an Anti-Racist Society, a course taught by Birungi Ives through Aligne Academy. And If you read anything, read this: ...

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I recently completed, Corporate Path to an Anti-Racist Society, a course taught by Birungi Ives through Aligne Academy. And If you read anything, read this: Don't wait to participate in this anti-racist training. Don't wait to have this innovative and revolutionary training at your disposal. Don't wait to suggest this training to the decision-makers at your organization. In other words, “Don’t wait for a person, such as George Floyd, to die or a public relations crisis to bring equality to your business,” as Birungi Ives says. After spending the better part of my life studying cross-cultural communications and/or participating in many racial sensitivity trainings as part of professional development training, I believe that nothing comes close to the breadth and depth of what this course has to offer attendees. Whether from a non-profit, academic institution, faith-based group, government entity, or private sector etc., participants have an opportunity to evolve their humanity skills in new and innovative ways through Birungi’s training. This is not a racial sensitivity training workshop or module. This is design thinking and thought leadership training from the ground up. Birungi's teaching style is empowering and the flow of the course sets one up for success. Through a series of “read, watch, listen, reflect, write, discuss” offered as content guides, participants have an increased chance of fully grasping the content. The course is especially well-suited for the dynamic learner. Full disclosure: Although this workshop was sponsored by Science is US, as an employee of the organization, there was no cost for me to attend. However, it's worth mentioning that I would after have gladly invested in this training for my own personal and professional development. Invaluable tools and training for anyone embarking on the journey and practice towards anti-racist living. Thank you so much for the having the opportunity to attend this course.

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5 star rating

An Essential Course That Every Manager Should Take

Rachel Kerestes

Over the course of my career I have attended numerous "required" diversity and inclusion trainings. During this workshop we actually delved into why those st...

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Over the course of my career I have attended numerous "required" diversity and inclusion trainings. During this workshop we actually delved into why those standard diversity trainings don't have the impact they should. Unlike those traditional trainings, this workshop is not designed as a lecture. It is interactive and requires thoughtful participation. Each participant is given advance materials in a variety of formats - videos, podcasts, articles to read - and an assignment that requires them to think through the materials and write out specific learnings from the material. That work is then supplemented with facilitated conversation sessions that take more the format of a critical thinking advanced college course. Approaching the subject and material in this way allows participants to move at their own pace, to absorb the content through the format that most appeals to their learning style, spend time reflecting and challenge what they are learning through the facilitated discussion. It is the most innovative and impactful methodology I have ever seen in this space. But it's not just the methodology that sets this course apart. Ms. Ives approaches the curriculum with a thoughtful eye to systemic racism. This isn't a course designed to paint over disagreements that HR wants to avoid in the office. This course is designed to get participants focused on the problem of systemic racism and how to actually address it personally. It provides tools and strategies for individuals to understand their role in the system and how to challenge that system. By working through this course participants can see the world more clearly, can see their colleagues more completely and see how they can break down the systems of racism endemic in American society. I highly recommend this course to every manager.

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5 star rating

Excellent Course! It Forced Me To Think And At Times Even...

Ab Basu

I enjoyed this course and learned much regarding systemic racism and how to help support a path towards an anti-racist society. Birungi developed and moderat...

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I enjoyed this course and learned much regarding systemic racism and how to help support a path towards an anti-racist society. Birungi developed and moderated highly engaging discussions as well as planning a selection of readings and podcasts to prepare for each of them. I am fortunate to have been included in the corporate course by a valued client. I would rank this course as a must do! Thank you! Ab Basu Virginia

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5 star rating

Perfect for Company Workshops, Churches, Communities, or ...

Kristin Boscan

Corporate Path to an Anti-Racist Society was so well-laid out and so impactful. Birungi set a foundation with historical readings and led us into present-da...

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Corporate Path to an Anti-Racist Society was so well-laid out and so impactful. Birungi set a foundation with historical readings and led us into present-day discussions. She covered law, beliefs, and philosophy. Coming from an educational background, I appreciated her addressing various learning styles with readings, podcasts, movies, and graphic art. The podcasts allowed for working parents to listen to some of the homework, uninterrupted, on work commutes. Each week we had some independent learning, then gathered together to discuss. The conversations were intense and real. Each time it was difficult to end, as there are so many levels and layers that we could have continued discussing. I encourage any organization, group, community, or family to participate. I hope Birungi develops a Round 2; I would definitely participate.

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PEOPLE OF SCIENCE INTERVIEW

with Science is US

People of Science: Birungi Ives, Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Integration Specialist, Strategist, and Founder of ALIGNE Consulting (Kentucky) - “I developed an anti-racism program called, ‘The Path to an Anti-racist Society’. It’s my signature workshop that offers a transformative, interactive and practical training session for individuals and organizations wanting to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society that’s EFFECTIVE..."

Instructors

Founder of ALIGNE

Birungi Ives

Birungi Ives, the founder of Aligne Consulting. She brings to Aligne Academy the highest level of expertise, global experience, and established relationships with internationally renowned brands, individuals, and organizations. Ives graduated with an Interdisciplinary degree in both African and African-American studies from Mount Holyoke College in 1996. The first professional position of her career, she served as the communication liaison between the Afro-Caribbean community and Nottingham City Council in Nottingham, England. It has been her purpose to communicate on behalf of marginalized communities to date. Ives' workshops lead participants to a deeper understanding of how Racism manifests in our society in overt and covert ways. Participants continue on a path of healing the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual (a non-religiously affiliated approach to spirituality) impacts of Racism on all of us. Participants have included executive leadership and employee populations at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, CVS HEALTH, Santander Bank, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SACRED CHANGEMAKERS PODCAST

Episode #45

I welcome you to listen to this latest podcast interview with Jayne Warrilow of Sacred Changemakers about my diversity and inclusion work! ENJOY!

AWAREPRENEURS PODCAST

Episode #164

Want to learn why I developed my successful Anti-Racism workshop and how I got here? Then, listen to my AWAREPRENEURS podcast interview today! Interviewed by Paul Zelizer, he has me take a deep dive into why this workshop upends typical diversity trainings and takes participants to places they never thought they had to go to bring racism to an end!
Awarepreneurs Podcaset featuring Birungi Ives