CLIENT NEWS:
The National Black Worker Center proudly unveiled the 2026 inaugural cohort of its Policy & Advocacy Institute. The 10-month fellowship is a groundbreaking leadership program designed to equip Black worker leaders with the tools, strategies, and networks needed to advance racial and economic justice. Change Consulting was honored to support the announcement of the 2026 Policy & Advocacy Institute fellows. Meet the inaugural cohort here.
Akonadi Foundation is uplifting events and campaigns from various Oakland community members and organizations that celebrate the city’s strengths and provide a platform for people to connect and feel a sense of belonging. Check it out on the We Love Oakland website. Have something to share? Reach out to them weloveoakland@akonadi.org to be included on the site.
In San Diego, home-based child care providers, particularly those of Somali descent, have faced harassment from internet content creators filming and visiting their homes without consent. Community advocates, including the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA), are stressing that these actions disrupt immigrant communities and jeopardize the safety and stability of families who rely on these trusted child care providers. “Imagine having these creepy strangers outside your child’s daycare, harassing and filming,” said Homayra Yusufi, Senior Policy Strategist for PANA. State officials have condemned the behavior as targeted intimidation and hate crimes, offering guidance for providers on how to report such incidents. Read more in this San Diego Union Tribune article.
CHANGE CONSULTING NEWS:
“Change Consulting has been an essential partner to Black Freedom Fund since our very beginning. From our initial launch in 2020 through so many pivotal moments since, they have helped shape how our story is told and understood. Their thoughtful communications support has brought clarity, strategy, and heart to our work, ensuring our values and impact are reflected with precision and care. Change hasn’t just made a difference; they have been the difference, playing a critical role in keeping our work visible, resonant, and powerful as we continue to grow,” said Marc Philpart, President and CEO of Black Freedom Fund. Dive deeper into the strategy, challenges, and measurable results behind our work with Black Freedom Fund by exploring our new case study here.
Congratulations to our very own Alexis Meisels, Vice President of Media Relations, whose pitch was selected as one of the Top 10 Best Pitches by Muck Rack and PR coach Michael Smart! Her outstanding pitch was featured in Why They Worked: A Pitch Breakdown with PR Coach Michael Smart, showcasing standout pitches that earned coverage in leading outlets such as The New York Times, Fast Company, The Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, and more. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement and what an exciting and well-deserved recognition! Download the ebook to see Alexis’s winning pitch in action here.
Change Consulting CEO Bilen Mesfin Packwood spoke with Aria Sa’id for her Substack a Lush Life. In this candid conversation, they explore what it really means to show up online especially when you’d rather stay out of the spotlight. From visibility and vulnerability to leadership and authenticity, it’s an honest look at navigating presence in the digital age. Check it out here.