Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca.
Hi Rebecca, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am what some call an “accidental entrepreneur”–which names the idea that my pathway to being a small business owner focusing on social justice matters wasn’t planned in a clear and intentional way. Nonetheless, now that I’m here, I can see that being a small business owner totally aligns with who I am and the imprint I want to make in the world.
Although I’ve always had a bend for fairness and justice, I started my college career in African-American studies and journalism and later did some masters course work in critical race theory and curriculum and instruction. After an abrupt interruption in my graduate studies, I began working for community organizations focusing on marginalized communities-primarily in North Minneapolis. I loved doing that work and eventually ended up working at a small charter school / early childhood organization in South Minneapolis where I worked under the executive director. There I experienced great deal of racial discrimination in and when I left what I thought was a 3 month maternity leave, the executive admins unfairly and unexpectedly told me I had to come back in six weeks or not come back at all. This was very different than the 3-month-working-from-home-plan that we had previously agreed upon. This felt like a pressure moment–I knew that if I went back I would continue to experience more racial bias and that my family circumstances would be in chaos. On the other hand, I didn’t have a plan in place for stable income. I decided not to go back and to start an LLC that has blossomed into my current curriculum and consultation business. That was thirteen years ago and while there have been many twists and turns in my journey as a social entrepreneur, I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to use my skills to help realize needed change.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many points to overcome along the way. As the head of my household I’ve had to learn how to navigate family responsibilities and run a business. During Covid I was leading and teaching sessions and also trying to keep my kids on task. It felt so crazy and it felt like keeping order was a joke. Somehow, even during the pandemic lockdown, my business revenue doubled.
I also had to learn, and am continuing to learn to think of myself as a business owner rather than a skilled practitioner. I had to learn to speak and think of myself as capable of running and entire business. It’s been difficult when I’ve leaned on professionals to help with the back end elements of my business that weren’t a good fit. All in all I’ve learned from each misstep and mistake. I am certain that my faith has allowed me to keep growing and thriving and move past struggles.
As you know, we’re big fans of Aviellah Curriculum and Consulting, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My name is Rebecca Nathan, and I am the owner of Aviellah Curriculum and Consulting (ACC). At ACC, we walk alongside individuals and organizations that want to go beyond good intentions to realize relevant on the ground change. We offer instructional design (curriculum design, facilitation, evaluation), community engagement, coaching and consultation services–most often focused on the pursuit of needed change. We are known for learning interactions that address mindsets or barriers in order to get to sustained change….we often say it’s the micro level shifts that create the macro level change.
As the Founder and Principal Visionary Officer, I am a learning strategist and thought leader. I’m passionate about all that’s involved in helping people effectively take in information. I’m usually thinking about marginalized learners in some way or another; essentially thinking about meaningful learning for folks who are often discounted, underestimated, marginalized, or written off.
Some of our change work includes
Developing the Bulbinella Project– a program that supports unlicensed caregivers to nurture well-being in Black children in the midsts of systemic racism and Anti blackness
Informing policy through a racial equity policy audit for the Golden Valley Police department or ensuring state policy regarding swimming curriculum isn’t weaponized against students of color
Coaching educators, directors, organizational leaders, physicians and other professionals on effectively implementing inclusive and fair practices in their work,
Developing equity focused learning for Americorps academic volunteers around the country
Training facilitators and leaders on effectively sharing justice-focused learning with others
Co-developing culturally relevant assessments for young children
helping state leaders respond effectively to concerning attendance patterns
I’m most proud of the instances when those who have traditionally been marginalized express how our work has added value to their lives, reduced harm and/or positioned their priorities to be seen and centered. Below are some these expressions shared via video:
Video that share’s how others think of my leadership–which I am very proud of:
‘https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/search?q=Video
Testimonial Videos Bulbinella Program–a program I developed:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/search?q=Video
What does success mean to you?
I define success as creating change that adds life and reduces harm. I feel successful when:
*Someone shares how some aspect of our work has made space for a child to realize their potential that would otherwise be diminished (through no fault of their own)
*When people at a community engagement event are able to meaningfully talk with people with whom they disagree and shift their lens–even a little bit
*When we’re able to create policies that hold decision-makers accountable their impact
*When coaching clients make waves of needed change within themselves and within their spheres of influence
*When our work serves as a catalyst for humanizing those most vulnerable to dehumanization
Given that change is the currency we pursue I feel successful in being able to use my skills toward that end.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aviellah.com
