Our Approach
The Intentional Evolution approach centers on Five concepts:
Mindset
How we conceptualize the work of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Lenses of identity
This framework helps organizations understand and value the diverse identities individuals bring into the workplace.
dimensions of success
How we conceptualize the work of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Foundations of sustainable community
This framework emphasizes a balanced approach to equity work
Strategic Human Capital Investment
Mindset
Systems
Theory
We operate from a systems-theory perspective which emphasizes relationship as a primary source of meaning-making, community-building, and progress.
Strengths Based
“What you water is what grows”
Because we aim to achieve a healthy, positive, and thriving community, we identify the strengths, skills and resources that already exist and use these as the foundation for transformation as we help individuals and organizations to develop additional skills to strengthen their capacity.
Intersectional
We believe humans are multi-dimensional creatures. Being intersectional means that we take a both/and approach to understanding the dynamics of individuals and organizations and the complexities that come with being diverse.
Lenses of Identity
What it is:
The “Lenses of Identity” framework helps organizations understand and value the diverse identities individuals bring into the workplace. It highlights dimensions of diversity, including:
Primary Characteristics
such as race, gender, age, ethnicity, physical ability, and sexual orientation, which significantly shape life experiences.
Secondary Characteristics
such as education, family background, socioeconomic status, geographical location, and work experience, which influence perspectives and interactions.
Community Characteristics
Traits, habits, beliefs, and behaviors associated with and/or influenced by one’s community (macro-level).
Era Characteristics
Traits, habits, beliefs, and behaviors associated with and/or influenced by a period of time, or societally-significant events.
How we use it:
Intentional Evolution uses this framework to help leaders and teams recognize the complexity and richness of identity within their organizations. By acknowledging diverse identities explicitly, we help organizations better support employees, improve workplace relationships, and reduce unintentional harm or exclusion.
Adapted from Loden, Marilyn and Rosener, Judy B. Workforce America! Managing Employee Diversity as a Vital Resource. McGraw-Hill, 1991.
Dimensions of Success
What it is:
This framework emphasizes a balanced approach to equity work, focusing simultaneously on three essential dimensions:
Relationship
Building trust, respect, and meaningful connections among staff and leadership.
Process
Ensuring organizational procedures and decisions are fair, inclusive, transparent, and participatory.
Results/Product
Creating clear, measurable goals for equity and inclusion to track meaningful progress.
Adapted from the Interaction Institute for Social Change
How we use it:
At Intentional Evolution, we apply this framework to ensure your equity initiatives are balanced and sustainable. We help you create strong relationships through inclusive leadership coaching, fair processes through policy and procedural adjustments, and measurable results through data-driven evaluations.
Foundations of Sustainable Community
(Equity Scholarship)
What it is:
The Foundations of Sustainable Community framework highlights that genuinely equitable organizations do more than just hire diverse individuals. They foster a sustainable environment of equity, belonging, and community by focusing on:
Justice
Fair treatment of all people, addressing historical and systemic inequities.
Equity
Ensuring people have what they need to succeed based on their unique circumstances.
Diversity
Embracing and actively valuing differences in identity, perspective, and experiences.
Inclusion
Creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, respected, and able to contribute fully.
How we use it:
We support organizations in embedding these foundational principles into their core practices, helping them move beyond superficial efforts into long-term, meaningful change. We guide you through building strong, inclusive policies, training leaders, and facilitating restorative practices that cultivate genuine community and belonging.
Strategic Human Capital Investment
(Regier & Rouen, 2022; Bernstein & Beeferman, 2015)
What it is:
This framework views people (human capital) as an essential asset, emphasizing that strategic investments in employee development and well-being directly influence an organization’s success and value. Key principles include:
- Personnel Expense Future Value (PEFV) (Regier & Rouen, 2022): Identifying and investing in employee expenses that create long-term value, such as training, mentoring, and leadership development.
- Materiality of Human Capital (Bernstein & Beeferman, 2015): Recognizing and measuring how human capital practices (like training and inclusion initiatives) impact organizational performance, risk management, and competitive advantage.
How we use it:
Intentional Evolution helps organizations understand and measure the return on investment (ROI) of their human capital and equity initiatives. We use data-driven approaches to show how strategic investment in employees—such as identity-responsive job training, leadership development, and inclusive HR practices—leads to tangible, measurable business outcomes like improved productivity, reduced turnover, stronger workplace culture, and enhanced market competitiveness.
In Summary:
By integrating these six foundational frameworks, Intentional Evolution, LLC offers a holistic, strategic approach to embedding identity-based equity within organizational structures, policies, and practices. Our approach ensures sustainable change, clear accountability, and measurable outcomes that leaders at all levels can appreciate and implement effectively.
Email: tabitha@intentional-evolution.com
Intentional Evolution Consulting, LLC. All Rights Reserved.