Our Team

FIONA OLIPHANT Co-Founder & Principal Consultant

Fiona’s personal mission is to create a world that centers on those living on the margins of our society by valuing their lived experiences, amplifying their voices, and realigning current systems of power. She’s primarily worked in the gender-based violence sector for almost two decades to actualize that mission. Fiona has been an intern, legal advocate, program manager, staff attorney, trainer, public speaker, and director. Each position has been a fundamental building block priming her for sustained social impact work.

Prior to working independently, Fiona served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement for the DC Coalition to End Sexual Violence. She was also the Director of the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project as well as the Director of CONNECT’s Legal Advocacy Program.

Fiona firmly believes that our identities, ALL of our identities, are sources of strength, ingenuity, and connection.  Some of her most valued identities are mother; spouse; first-generation Jamaican-American; avid reader and perpetual globe trotter. Fiona is also an unwavering optimist who believes that collectively we can end violence and oppression. 

JESS AYDEN LI, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant

Jess is a social justice activist, certified diversity coach, advocate, and consultant. She’s worked for 15+ years in the social sector with non-profits. Her background is in working to end gender-based violence, creating long-lasting social impact, and working with communities of color.

She’s previously served as the Executive Director of San Francisco SafeHouse as one of the few woman leaders of color in non-profits in San Francisco. She was also the Executive Director of the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project in Washington, D.C. Jess has worked for the United Nations Mission in Sudan and the International Rescue Committee.

Jess has also served as the Director of Impact Initiatives at the LeaderSpring Center in Oakland. CA where she focused on leadership development in the non-profit sector and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Asian Women’s Shelter in San Francisco and is also a facilitator for Women in Management groups at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. She’s a proud New Yorker who spends her free time with her rescue dogs, Hansyn and Kobe.

CASSIE WHITEBREAD, Senior Consultant

Cassie believes that transformational change will come from action-oriented communities using an intersectional lens. She identifies as a radical educator and community builder. She strives to create safe learning spaces where people can embrace their multitudes and unlearn the norms of white supremacy culture.

Prior to diving into the nonprofit sector, Cassie was a middle school science teacher, master composter program coordinator, and environmental educator. She currently works as the Education Director for Seattle Works where she facilitates a cohort-based program for folks to examine their anti-racist journeys and decolonize the non-profit sector. On a bi-weekly basis, she co-facilitates a BIPOC-only space for people to connect, share resources and heal. She spends her free time cooking with friends and going on runs with her dog, Otis.

PJ BERGSTROM, Fellow

Pj is an avid believer in the creative power of communities to shape a liberated future for all. A writer at heart, they specialize in narrative and vision alignment within organizations and grassroots movements. Pj values community care, mutual aid, restorative accountability, abolishing carceral society, and dismantling systems of power that are rooted in white heteropatriarchal norms.

Currently, Pj works as the Creative and Narrative Director for Seattle Works where they lead identity alignment and share the organization’s shift to collective liberation work through storytelling. Their past experiences have ranged from grassroots activist organizer, restaurant manager, writing tutor, research assistant, to collective co-founder. This journey has informed Pj’s passion to create widespread change through strategy-based storytelling. Other interests include listening to bossa nova, taking photos during golden hour, and deepening relationships with friends and community.