Transformative consulting for just and equitable communities

Featured Publication –

Mapping the Movement:

California’s Higher Education Coalition Landscape

Mandala Strategies partners with nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, coalitions, educational institutions, public agencies, and other groups working toward inclusive social change.

Whether you are seeking support on strategy, facilitation, or research, Mandala Strategies can help ensure that your organization not only thrives individually but also contributes to and benefits from its larger sector.

Testimonials

Meredith Curry Nuñez

Executive Director, Northern California College Promise Coalition

Ria partnered with Northern California College Promise Coalition to host our first-ever Northern California Nonprofit CEOs Gathering. She offered the heart-centered, detail-oriented facilitation and program design leadership needed to host a compelling event for over 30 nonprofit leaders in person and on Zoom. Ria’s ability to facilitate complex conversations, consolidate and clarify attendee feedback, and navigate challenging topics that fostered vulnerability and trust led to an event we committed to bringing back.

Malila Becton-Consuegra

Program Officer, Stupski Foundation

Throughout our collaboration on various initiatives, including a pooled fund and convening a community of policy and advocacy nonprofits, Ria consistently brought a wealth of expertise in policy advocacy and strategy. Her sharp insights and attention to detail were complemented by an openness to new ideas and a collaborative work style. On a personal level, Ria is warm, approachable, and a pleasure to work with. After our first year of bringing together our grantee communities to strengthen their networks and capacity, I knew I wanted to partner with her again. Working with Ria challenged me to think more strategically and opened up new possibilities.

Jenni Murphy, EdD

Dean, College of Continuing Education, Sacramento State University

Working with Ria was a transformative experience for our Degrees When Due and ProjectAttain initiatives because of her remarkable ability to strategically and seamlessly connect policy to practice. Ria is both sophisticated and approachable, a rare combination that enables her to navigate complex issues and foster collaboration that results in meaningful change.

Dr. Mina Dadgar

Executive Director, Education Equity Solutions

Ria has recently been helping EES clarify and communicate its mission and strategy, as well as assisting in planning for a multi-year project.She asks the right questions, connects the dots, and writes incredibly well (and clearly). She has helped us recognize our unique strengths, and identify/plan for addressing our pain points. What makes Ria so effective in these roles are her strategic thinking, knowledge of education policy and the equity landscape, her experience in designing, funding, and managing various projects.

Regan Douglass

Principal, Sparkwise Communications

Ria is the embodiment of the phrase “we are better together.” From developing the first policy strategy for a foundation committed to social justice and economic opportunity to building a statewide network of advocacy and research partners dedicated to more inclusive communities, Ria is the magic sauce. Her unique blend of ingredients? Strategic acumen, intellectual insight, constructive practicality, deep integrity, and the ability to see people’s strengths and support them to deliver their unique best.