FAQ

1. What types of consulting services do you offer?

I offer a range of consulting services tailored to the unique needs of your organization, including:

• DEI Strategy Development: Crafting comprehensive strategies that align with your institutional goals, including strategic planning, bias response team development and training, and strategies for hiring and retaining diverse staff and student populations.

• Training and Workshops: Engaging sessions designed to enhance cultural competency and awareness.

• Program Development: Creating innovative programs that support diverse populations.

• Customizable Cultural Competency Plans: Utilizing the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment.

2. What is your approach to developing DEI strategies?

I take a comprehensive approach to developing DEI strategies, which includes:

• Assessment and Data Collection: Conducting focus groups and surveys to understand the current state of inclusion and diversity within the organization.

• Analyzing Demographic Data: Identifying areas for improvement and establishing a baseline.

• Defining Goals and Objectives: Setting clear and measurable goals and aligning them with the organization’s overall mission and values.

• Engaging Leadership and Stakeholders: Securing buy-in from top leadership to demonstrate commitment, and including a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure varied perspectives.

• Developing Training and Education Programs: Implementing training sessions that cover a variety of related topics, and providing ongoing education to reinforce the principles.

• Creating Inclusive Policies and Practices: Reviewing and revising recruitment, hiring, and promotion processes to ensure they are equitable, and establishing clear policies that promote inclusion and address discrimination or harassment.

• Fostering an Inclusive Culture: Encouraging open dialogue about diversity and inclusion within the organization and creating support resources for underrepresented communities.

• Implementing Accountability Measures: Establishing metrics to track progress toward DEI goals and regularly reporting on DEI initiatives and outcomes to maintain transparency and accountability.

• Continuous Improvement: Gathering feedback and assessing the effectiveness of DEI strategies regularly, and being willing to adapt and evolve strategies based on feedback, changing needs, and best practices.

3. Can you customize training for our specific needs?

Yes. Prior to any training or workshop, I will meet with individuals within the organization to understand the challenges your organization is experiencing and how my workshop or training can fulfill those needs. The training or workshop can be customized to focus on the goals necessary for your organization.

4. What is the typical duration of your training sessions?

The average training or workshop can range from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the group in attendance. These trainings will include engagement activities. Longer assessments, such as the IDI, can take 2 to 3 days because of the steps required throughout the process.

5. Do you offer virtual training options?

Yes. Many of the trainings can be conducted virtually over Zoom or Google Meet.

6. How do you measure the effectiveness of your programs?

I use pre-training and post-training feedback forms. These forms are submitted anonymously so that participants can provide honest feedback. I establish a follow-up action plan with the organization to analyze how the training or workshop is being applied within the organization and the metrics being utilized to assess their impact.

7. What are your qualifications and experience in higher education and DEI?

I hold a Doctorate in Education, specializing in the experiences of Black/African-American students, which provides me with a deep understanding of equity issues relevant to diverse organizational settings. Currently, I serve as the Dean of Students and Equitable Community at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, where I lead DEI initiatives that enhance engagement and improve workplace culture.

With extensive experience in organizational development and leadership, I have successfully developed comprehensive frameworks for employee and student support that prioritize inclusivity. I design and implement innovative programs that promote social justice and culturally relevant practices across various sectors. Additionally, I conduct professional development training for leaders and staff, equipping them with the skills to foster inclusive environments.

As a published author, I contribute to the discourse on effective DEI strategies and am committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to create transformative experiences that drive systemic change in both educational and corporate organizations.

8. How can we schedule a consultation or training session?

You can use the contact form available on this website, or you can email me directly at: smontgomery.solutions@gmail.com.

9. What are your rates for consulting and training services?

Rates for training and workshops vary. For a 1 to 2-hour training, the cost is $500 if the event is virtual. If the event is in-person, travel and hotel stay will need to be calculated and added to the overall cost.

If the event is 3 hours to half a day, the cost is $1,000 if the event is virtual. If the event is in-person, travel and hotel stay will need to be added to the overall cost.

If the event is a day or longer, the cost can range between $3,000 to $5,000. These events are in-person and will require travel and accommodation costs to be added to the overall price.

10. Do you provide resources or materials during your training sessions?

Yes. Each training or workshop comes with handouts and engagement activities that participants can keep.