Testimonials

Sam is an advocate for inclusive changemaking and roots all of her work in a level of care, commitment, and thoughtfulness that makes every project better. It's challenging to find someone with Sam's unique and valuable mix of skills and experience - she is able to think strategically while seeing what that strategy would take to implement. Sam can facilitate a conversation where everyone is heard and that follows through to the goal just as skillfully as she facilitates projects and decisions. Working with Sam means collaborating and partnering, a model of the way she operates and leads toward change. 

- Amy Sample Ward, Executive Director, NTEN

When I first met Sam I remember being impressed by her deep knowledge of the nonprofit sector. But moreso than her knowledge, I was struck by her willingness to surface issues of power that challenged the success of the work we were doing together. She wasn't your typical consultant trying to sell you a service, but instead wanted to understand how her support could advance systemic change. My experience working with Sam over the past few years has only reinforced that initial perception. She challenges the groups we've been a part of to surface tensions that stand in the way of real change and isn't afraid to ask the important questions about race and power others avoid. Her passion for equity and commitment to learning from others is truly unique. 

- Claire Robertson-Kraft, Executive Director, Impact ED

Sam shared invaluable vision, guidance, and expertise as a board member for the TechShift Alliance. Sam’s thoughtful facilitation created space for our members to articulate both a long term vision and short term priorities. They provided knowledge non-profit legal structures and modes of self-governance — consistently supporting student leaders through important decisions as we grew our organization. Ultimately, Sam’s compassion, advice, and coaching were critical to TechShift’s growth from barely an idea to a powerful, student-let organization. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am for Sam’s incredible mix of confidence in our work and commitment to guide us through tough conversations and hard decisions. 

- Ruby Goldberg, Founder, TechShift Alliance

Sam’s career has centered in the nonprofit sector and her depth of understanding of the challenges and joys of working in this sector is exceptional. Her ability to navigate and educate others on complex topics of race, gender and class is integral to her approach, as is her strong commitment to bringing about systemic change.

On projects that Sam and I have worked on together, I’ve always appreciated her ability to facilitate meetings through difficult topics, actively engaging all participants in the process, and being able to read the nuances of relationships and feelings in the room. She is able to communicate and bond with all levels of an organization from the most technical to the senior staff. Sam grew our department from a concept to a committed, dynamic team of highly skilled individuals. Within a few years she built a strong, committed work family who works hard together while supporting each other and having fun.

Though my career has spanned 25+ years and many organizations, Sam is one of the few people I’ve met in my professional life who’ve made a lasting impact on my work and life.

- Lee Broderick, Consultant, Tech Impact

Sam has deep technical knowledge of IT solutions for nonprofits, as well as facilitation skills that help participants unearth and trust their own expertise. She brings a holistic and technical knowledge to her work, with a particular eye for how tech can be abused and how folks at the margins are impacted by use and abuse of technology… It is rare to find a technical expert who centers empathy in their work.

- Amanda Bennett, Program Manager, Digital Defense Fund