Cultivating Cultural Sensitivity, Allyship, and Heritage Appreciation in Our Work

As we enter November, a month that holds both Native American Heritage Month and, for many, the celebration of Thanksgiving, it feels especially important for us to reflect on what it means to engage with communities and cultures in a way that is both respectful and inclusive. At Sage D, cultural sensitivity is not just a principle that we follow, it is a guiding force in how we approach every engagement, every partnership, and every moment of community-building.

Sage D was built on values that champion inclusivity and connectivity. Our mission has always been to lead with intentionality, honing in on the beauty and wisdom embedded in each culture, each person, and each life that we encounter. This is a core aspect of how we work with clients and communities: we do not simply aim to support solutions, we commit to fostering spaces where diverse voices and traditions are not only heard but celebrated. Whether we are partnering with an organization on equitable food system initiatives, advising on community-centered leadership, or cultivating intentional healing spaces, our goal is to support an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.

“For me, this time of year is an important reminder to slow down and hold my loved ones close. The holiday season often feels chaotic and stressful as our attention is being pulled in so many directions, and I try to intentionally invite myself to reflect on the love and community I have built throughout the year. 

Friendsgiving is one of the most impactful ways I celebrate within our team. Sagdrina and I began hosting Friendsgiving celebrations in 2021, and large or small, it has remained the way we intentionally show gratitude and love to our Collective. It means so much to me to gather together and break bread at this time of year.”

~Rachel Dekom, Development Specialist 

To promote cultural sensitivity in our consulting work, Sage D takes a personalized approach to each client and community. We focus on understanding the cultural nuances that shape each partner’s experiences and priorities, incorporating these into our recommendations and strategies. We see it as our responsibility to do this work with genuine curiosity, humility, and respect. Through open dialogue and a commitment to learning, we foster relationships rooted in allyship rather than assumptions. Such cultural appreciation strengthens our ability to support our clients in building programs and initiatives that resonate authentically with their communities.

“For me, this time of year is about holding space for both gratitude and awareness. It’s a time to reflect on the impact of this holiday and what it signifies and it’s a chance to rethink how we carry traditions forward within our communities.” 

~Maia Monchek, Operations

For the Sage D Team, authentic leadership is about embracing the richness of diverse cultural identities while also fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their whole selves. It’s about balancing the honoring of traditions with the nurturing of inclusivity. We aim to model a kind of leadership that doesn’t shy away from complexity but rather sees it as essential to growth and unity. By approaching each interaction with respect and cultural awareness, we hope to contribute to a world where allyship is not an act but a way of being. 

“As we move into November, I am reminded of how this time is all about making space and recognizing the profound role that gratitude plays in the lives of ourselves and others. Coming together with those around us to reflect on the privilege of having a community is a powerful way to honor and appreciate those who came before us.”

~Joslyn Orji, Program Coordinator

“This time of year holds a lot of layered meaning for me. I spend Thanksgiving on my family’s farm in southeast Georgia, surrounded by loved ones, great food, and familiar traditions. My mom takes the lead as chef and hostess, putting together a spread we all look forward to. The weekend after, we join a community of Black cowboys and cowgirls for a trail ride that feels like a celebration of our roots, resilience, and togetherness. There is something grounding about being with family, meeting the new little ones, and catching up over styrofoam cups of Brunswick stew by the bonfire after a long day. 

At the same time, I’m deeply aware of how the history we often commemorate during this season has been sanitized, erasing the truth of what Indigenous communities endured. Being a descendant of those who also suffered under these systems, I can’t ignore that reality. So, while I gather with my family, I’m mindful not to honor the colonizer’s narrative but instead focus on communion with those I love, who, like me, carry the weight of this history. It’s complicated, but this honesty brings me peace, and I hope it allows space for reflection and truth in our shared work.”

~Myesha Thornton

The work that we do is often hyper-local; whether it’s supporting a local farmers market in a specific neighborhood or helping a company identify and nurture high-potential talent, our approach is grounded in the unique ways that good leadership manifests. We use assessments like DISC, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram to understand leadership styles. However, we go beyond these tools to consider the broader lived experiences of the members of our Collective. We also consider the historical and current contexts that play a role in shaping the conditions of our community of participants, enabling us to better support the development of meaningful and impactful leadership.

I am so thankful that I get to coach so many brilliant and dynamic leaders. I am awestruck by their innovative problem-solving as well as commitment to personal growth. Being able to support the 'Ah-ha!'  moments that come as a result of our time together is inspiring. It reminds me that we all have a role to play in making spaces healthy and strong. 

As we move through November, let’s each take a moment to honor the heritages that have shaped our communities, our partners, and ourselves. And let us strive to create spaces where these traditions are cherished, and where inclusivity is not just a value but a lived practice.