Leslie Avant-Brown, MPA, MCC
Chief Executive Officer at Blooming Willow Coaching- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Damon Azali-Rojas
Leslie is one of those individuals that feels like family. Leslie and I were certified in the same Coaching for Transformation cohort back in the day. Leslie from Detroit and myself from South Central LA. There is no wonder that we connected. Leslie and I have coached each other, trained each other and are both building out coaching programs infused with an anti-oppression analysis for the world. Leslie is a soul sister, disciplined comrade, community builder, social justice organizer, master strategic thinker, trauma-informed innovator and all around gift to humanity. Whatever you are looking for support with, Leslie should be the first call you make. You will thank me later.
Lisa Korwin
I have had the pleasure of working with Leslie Brown for the past three years. As an evaluator, Leslie is an innovative analyst, a strong trainer and capacity builder, and a willing and effective partner. She has a way of thinking outside the box, and bringing a whole different and valuable perspective to each project. I am grateful for our partnership.
Haydée (eye-day) Cuza, EdD
Leslie brings a unique combination of complete acceptance of the people she works and an authentic, thoughtful approach to feedback that pushes one to grow. Leslie has been working with us as a coach for about a year - both with individual staff and as a whole team. In the last year I have witnessed the increased ability of staff members to express their needs while also considering the context of the organization. Leslie is skilled with challenging me to put certain processes in place once I've identified the need. She provides a safe space to discuss the difficult parts of the job and reminds me to celebrate the many successes. We are very blessed to have Leslie as a part of our professional development team. She is an incredible person and coach!
Damon Azali-Rojas
Leslie is one of those individuals that feels like family. Leslie and I were certified in the same Coaching for Transformation cohort back in the day. Leslie from Detroit and myself from South Central LA. There is no wonder that we connected. Leslie and I have coached each other, trained each other and are both building out coaching programs infused with an anti-oppression analysis for the world. Leslie is a soul sister, disciplined comrade, community builder, social justice organizer, master strategic thinker, trauma-informed innovator and all around gift to humanity. Whatever you are looking for support with, Leslie should be the first call you make. You will thank me later.
Lisa Korwin
I have had the pleasure of working with Leslie Brown for the past three years. As an evaluator, Leslie is an innovative analyst, a strong trainer and capacity builder, and a willing and effective partner. She has a way of thinking outside the box, and bringing a whole different and valuable perspective to each project. I am grateful for our partnership.
Haydée (eye-day) Cuza, EdD
Leslie brings a unique combination of complete acceptance of the people she works and an authentic, thoughtful approach to feedback that pushes one to grow. Leslie has been working with us as a coach for about a year - both with individual staff and as a whole team. In the last year I have witnessed the increased ability of staff members to express their needs while also considering the context of the organization. Leslie is skilled with challenging me to put certain processes in place once I've identified the need. She provides a safe space to discuss the difficult parts of the job and reminds me to celebrate the many successes. We are very blessed to have Leslie as a part of our professional development team. She is an incredible person and coach!
Damon Azali-Rojas
Leslie is one of those individuals that feels like family. Leslie and I were certified in the same Coaching for Transformation cohort back in the day. Leslie from Detroit and myself from South Central LA. There is no wonder that we connected. Leslie and I have coached each other, trained each other and are both building out coaching programs infused with an anti-oppression analysis for the world. Leslie is a soul sister, disciplined comrade, community builder, social justice organizer, master strategic thinker, trauma-informed innovator and all around gift to humanity. Whatever you are looking for support with, Leslie should be the first call you make. You will thank me later.
Lisa Korwin
I have had the pleasure of working with Leslie Brown for the past three years. As an evaluator, Leslie is an innovative analyst, a strong trainer and capacity builder, and a willing and effective partner. She has a way of thinking outside the box, and bringing a whole different and valuable perspective to each project. I am grateful for our partnership.
Haydée (eye-day) Cuza, EdD
Leslie brings a unique combination of complete acceptance of the people she works and an authentic, thoughtful approach to feedback that pushes one to grow. Leslie has been working with us as a coach for about a year - both with individual staff and as a whole team. In the last year I have witnessed the increased ability of staff members to express their needs while also considering the context of the organization. Leslie is skilled with challenging me to put certain processes in place once I've identified the need. She provides a safe space to discuss the difficult parts of the job and reminds me to celebrate the many successes. We are very blessed to have Leslie as a part of our professional development team. She is an incredible person and coach!
Damon Azali-Rojas
Leslie is one of those individuals that feels like family. Leslie and I were certified in the same Coaching for Transformation cohort back in the day. Leslie from Detroit and myself from South Central LA. There is no wonder that we connected. Leslie and I have coached each other, trained each other and are both building out coaching programs infused with an anti-oppression analysis for the world. Leslie is a soul sister, disciplined comrade, community builder, social justice organizer, master strategic thinker, trauma-informed innovator and all around gift to humanity. Whatever you are looking for support with, Leslie should be the first call you make. You will thank me later.
Lisa Korwin
I have had the pleasure of working with Leslie Brown for the past three years. As an evaluator, Leslie is an innovative analyst, a strong trainer and capacity builder, and a willing and effective partner. She has a way of thinking outside the box, and bringing a whole different and valuable perspective to each project. I am grateful for our partnership.
Haydée (eye-day) Cuza, EdD
Leslie brings a unique combination of complete acceptance of the people she works and an authentic, thoughtful approach to feedback that pushes one to grow. Leslie has been working with us as a coach for about a year - both with individual staff and as a whole team. In the last year I have witnessed the increased ability of staff members to express their needs while also considering the context of the organization. Leslie is skilled with challenging me to put certain processes in place once I've identified the need. She provides a safe space to discuss the difficult parts of the job and reminds me to celebrate the many successes. We are very blessed to have Leslie as a part of our professional development team. She is an incredible person and coach!
Credentials
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International Coaching Federation Level 1 Accredited Coach Training Program
International Coaching FederationSep, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
Master Certified Coach (MCC)
International Coaching FederationJan, 2021- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Blooming Willow Coaching & Training
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United States
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E-Learning Providers
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Executive Officer
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Sep 2012 - Present
Blooming Willow is a Black Woman owned Coaching and Training firm that was created to support ChangeMakers to grow and heal as they design a future that propels collective liberation. Our unique Healing Centered Coaching™ approach was designed to ensure that individuals and communities receive culturally relevant, cutting edge, coaching that propels sustainable change. Our firm is focused on supporting BIPOC Changemakers and white Changemakers committed to centering healing and growth in communities. Our team prides ourself on our commitment to supporting deep sustainable change and we achieve that through our signature Blooming Willow Healing Centered Coaching approach. Our approach is facilitated through a partnered, planning and processing strategy that invites Changemakers/clients to consciously design growth strategies that support them to shift from an undesired state to a desired state, hence healing themselves while growing. In Healing Centered Coaching the aim is not about fixing the client, it’s about supporting them to move from where they are now, to where they want to be in the future. So our powerful Healing Centered Coaching approach, provides an opportunity for clients to Pause moving away from doing, Ground in intention, Align opportunities to maximize impact and step into Action that honors growth and healing with the support of an accountability partner. Show less
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Leadership that Works India
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India
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Professional Training and Coaching
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1 - 100 Employee
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Coaching Faculty and Community Trainer
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Jan 2014 - Jun 2020
Leadership that Works trains people all over the world to fully empower themselves and others. We're a consortium of seasoned practitioners committed to helping people awaken to their personal power, no matter what their sphere of influence. We have especially deep roots in organizational coaching, where we've seen how one leader's transformation can catalyze positive change, recharging employees and reconnecting leaders at all levels. This professional experience—combined with an extensive network of contacts in for-profit, nonprofit and government sectors—allows us to offer programs unparalleled in depth and real-world application. Show less
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Director of Programs (International and US)
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Jan 2017 - Jun 2019
Leadership that Works trains people all over the world to fully empower themselves and others. We're a consortium of seasoned practitioners committed to helping people awaken to their personal power, no matter what their sphere of influence. We have especially deep roots in organizational coaching, where we've seen how one leader's transformation can catalyze positive change, recharging employees and reconnecting leaders at all levels. This professional experience—combined with an extensive network of contacts in for-profit, nonprofit and government sectors—allows us to offer programs unparalleled in depth and real-world application. Show less
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Beyond Emancipation
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United States
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Individual and Family Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director Of Coaching
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Sep 2013 - Sep 2016
Beyond Emancipation (B:E) is Alameda County's primary provider of services for former foster youth. The mission is to support Alameda County’s current and former foster and probation youth to make successful transitions to adulthood and living independently. B:E now serves over 1000 youth ages 16-24 annually. Beyond Emancipation (B:E) is Alameda County's primary provider of services for former foster youth. The mission is to support Alameda County’s current and former foster and probation youth to make successful transitions to adulthood and living independently. B:E now serves over 1000 youth ages 16-24 annually.
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Korwin Consulting
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Business Consulting and Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Jr. Evaluation Associate
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Sep 2012 - Jan 2016
KORWIN CONSULTING, an evaluation and planning firm, advances social justice solutions by identifying community strengths, building organizational capacity, and evaluating impact. We know that many organizations struggle to find time for the thoughtful reflection that leads to program refinement and true social change. KORWIN CONSULTING, an evaluation and planning firm, advances social justice solutions by identifying community strengths, building organizational capacity, and evaluating impact. We know that many organizations struggle to find time for the thoughtful reflection that leads to program refinement and true social change.
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CompassPoint
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Associate Project Director
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Jun 2010 - Sep 2011
Provides project management, research, evaluation and design support for a variety of CompassPoint’s leadership and consulting projects, including the Leadership Development Program for Executives Serving Transition-Age Youth, the Fundraising Academy for Communities of Color, the Leadership Development Program for Next Generation Leaders of Color and the 2011 Daring to Lead national research project on executive leadership. Provides project management, research, evaluation and design support for a variety of CompassPoint’s leadership and consulting projects, including the Leadership Development Program for Executives Serving Transition-Age Youth, the Fundraising Academy for Communities of Color, the Leadership Development Program for Next Generation Leaders of Color and the 2011 Daring to Lead national research project on executive leadership.
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Coro Northern California
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Campus Manager
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Jan 2010 - Jun 2010
An achievement gap exists within Bay Area public high schools. The Coro Exploring Leadership Program aims to support its school partners in closing the achievement gap by equipping students with leadership tools, connecting them to resources, and instilling in them the confidence and courage to take an active role in their communities. An achievement gap exists within Bay Area public high schools. The Coro Exploring Leadership Program aims to support its school partners in closing the achievement gap by equipping students with leadership tools, connecting them to resources, and instilling in them the confidence and courage to take an active role in their communities.
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United Way Bay Area
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Honoring Emancipated Youth Program Coordinator
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Jan 2009 - Jun 2010
Since 1922, United Way of the Bay Area has been combining forces with Bay Area nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, labor and individual donors to address our region's most pressing challenges. But we’re not the United Way of the past. We’re building a movement to cut poverty by harnessing the collective power of our community. As an employee of HEY I managed several community collaborative projects and three community work groups focusing on employment, education, and emancipated foster youth needs at intermediary advocacy organization. Show less
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Ozone House
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United States
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Individual and Family Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Associate Director
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2006 - 2008
Ozone House is a community-based, nonprofit agency that helps young people lead safe, healthy, and productive lives through intensive intervention and prevention services. Since 1969, Ozone House has actively developed unique, high-quality housing and support programs and services that provide support, intervention, training, and assistance to runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth and their families. Through these support services, we help youth develop essential life skills, improve their relationships, and enhance their self-image so that they may realize their full potential for growth and happiness. At Ozone House I managed the daily operations of a non-profit agency, with a $2 million/year operating budget, providing services 24 hours/day at multiple residential locations for homeless and runaway youth between 10 and 20 years old. Show less
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Program Associate
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2003 - 2006
New Detroit's mission is "to work as the coalition of Detroit area leadership addressing the issue of race relations by positively impacting issues and policies that ensure economic and social equity." The coalition is comprised of leaders from civil rights & advocacy organizations, human services, health & community organizations, business, labor, foundations, education, and the media and serves as a private, non-profit, tax-exempt organization. At New Detroit I managed the implementation of the Compassion Capital Initiative (CCI), a $500,000, 3-year, federal grant that assisted community and faith-based nonprofits to build and strengthen their organizations. Show less
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Eastern Michigan University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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King - Chavez- Parks Program Coordinator
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2001 - 2003
The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) partners with Southeastern Michigan school systems in working toward the goal of enriching and enhancing the lives of students in their pursuit of learning. As part this goal, OAMI sponsors a variety of pre-college programs that work annually with over two thousand 7th-12th grade students who are underrepresented in post-secondary education. The focus of these pre-college programs is academic motivation, exploration of ethnic heritage, scholarship and achievement. These programs are designed to increase student interest and representation in higher education. At EMU I supervised the daily operations of a university sponsored, pre-college summer program to introduce middle school students to the benefits of a college education. Show less
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Education
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2006 - 2008
University of Michigan
Masters of Public Adminstration, Non Profit Leadership -
1996 - 2000
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science, Political Science -
Leadership That Works
Community
