Espousal Strategies, LLC

our Director of Business Development, Bree Nicolello, put it best! Espousal Strategies, LLC is looking forward to COMTO Headquarters annual conference!

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, a cornerstone of equality in America. This landmark legislation ensures that no one is excluded from federally funded programs based on race, color, or national origin. For six decades, Title VI has been a powerful tool in advancing equity and inclusion across our nation. Its impact reaches into every corner of public life, from education and healthcare to transportation and housing. At Espousal Strategies, LLC we're proud to support public and private agencies and their partners in upholding the principles of Title VI through our comprehensive civil rights compliance, audit, and consultation services. Our team of experts helps organizations navigate the complexities of regulatory requirements while fostering more inclusive spaces. In today's climate, where some seek to roll back progress on equity and inclusion, Title VI stands as a bulwark against discrimination. It continues to guarantee fair treatment for people of all backgrounds, reaffirming our nation's commitment to equal opportunity. As we reflect on 60 years of Title VI, let's recommit ourselves to a vision for a more just and equitable society. https://lnkd.in/gXCktnng

We have a number of great positions open: -Equity Analyst -Equity and Compliance Support Specialist -Government and Community Engagement Coordinator Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gPwwbrwX

As a black-led firm, we pause today to honor the black giants who paved the way for a more just and equitable Country. Indeed, on June 19, 1865 -- two years after the Emancipation Proclamation -- our enslaved brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers, were given word that their tortertus chapter had ended. We remember these struggles of the past and those that lie ahead as we continue to fight for equity. At a time when so many of these hard-fought freedoms are under attack -- we renew our resolve by the courage of these individuals and the legacy they've left. Let's continue to call out injustice in every form and collectively work together for a more just and perfect nation and world. https://lnkd.in/g4EX_uUD

Espousal Strategies, LLC is a proud member of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), a leading voice for equity in transportation.   This year, we are deepening our partnership with COMTO Headquarters to sponsor the Careers In Transportation for Youth (CITY) Internship Program during its 20 Year Anniversary. For two decades, the CITY Internship Program has provided minority college students with an opportunity to explore careers in the public transportation sector. Since its inaugural year, the CITY Internship Program has evolved into a paid summer internship that offers interns a unique chance to gain professional and practical experience in transportation. The goal is to prepare the best and brightest youth to become the future leaders, decision-makers, and change agents in the industry.     Interested in hosting a COMTO CITY Intern or know a young person who could benefit from this great opportunity? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/e5dYyepm We hope to see many of you at COMTO’s National Meeting & Training Conference in Houston in July! 

We are feeling energized by our community-led collaboration with The Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health at the University of Oregon. When it comes to work that impacts our community, higher education can’t operate in a silo. Espousal Strategies, LLC is working with Atika Khurana and the forward-thinking team at the Ballmer Institute to implement best practices for community engagement, drawing upon the wisdom of community leaders to inform this essential work to support mental health and wellness for all students. Espousal Strategies has brought together leaders representing culturally-specific organizations and social service providers to form a Community Advisory Group and facilitate dynamic conversations about the needs of the students and families, and the potential to remove barriers for more people to join the behavioral health workforce. The University of Oregon is leading the way on children’s behavioral health and we’re proud to be part of this important work. 

Wow! What an amazing Day 1 at The Street Trust Oregon Active Transportation Summit. We are feeling energized and excited by the many public, private, and nonprofit partners dedicated to equitable transportation options. Attending the summit? Come say hello at our booth! Multnomah County Washington County City of Portland TriMet Oregon Department of Transportation WSP Parametrix

Thank you SMPS Oregon Chapter for hosting this wonderful event! And congratulations Nathan Webster on being named Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs Executive Director. We look forward to supporting your deft leadership.

USDOT’s Acting Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Christopher Coes recently visited the Interstate Bridge to learn more about the future of this vital trade route. During his bridge tour, Under Secretary Coes reflected on how the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is doing things differently to elevate the voices of equity priority communities: “One of the things that sets the IBR program apart is the emphasis on equity, multimodal transportation, community engagement, and community benefits.” This work to center equity in both process and outcomes is at the heart of Espousal Strategies’ role in the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program and it’s the reason we are proud to be part of this dynamic team.   We are inspired to see U.S. Department of Transportation's unwavering commitment to centering equity and community benefits in mega projects like the Interstate Bridge Replacement. To build a bridge that creates tangible transportation and economic benefits that are shared across the region, we need leadership from every level.

🌟 New Staff Spotlight: Erika McCalpine, Senior Director of Equity, People, and Culture 🌟 Erika McCalpine, M.A., SHRM-SCP has joined Espousal Strategies as Senior Director of Equity, People, and Culture. With deep experience in the private and public sectors and as an educator, Erika will work with Espousal’s clients to create and advance their DEI strategies. Most recently, she served as Chief Equity Officer and Assistant Director for the Office of Social Equity at the Oregon Department of Transportation. Previously, Erika founded and led the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lab at Oregon State University–Cascades, where she also served as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives. In her role leading Espousal’s Equity team, Erika is looking forward to helping organizations create opportunities for their workforce and the communities they serve by embracing diversity, equity and inclusion. She lives in Central Oregon, where she is a co-founder of Love Your Neighbor, a grassroots effort to promote social justice and increase visibility for communities of color. Welcome, Erika!