Our Co-Founders

Meet Kimberlee, the dynamic force behind Knowledge + Skills = Options Consulting, LLC. As CEO and Principal, Kimberlee brings over two decades of experience in management consulting across non-profits, local government, higher education, and private organizations. Since 1997, she's been driving change through facilitation, training, planning, curricula development, coaching, and strategy design.

Kimberlee's purpose is crystal clear: to disrupt the status quo of structural racism and empower her clients to serve the community equitably. Her journey began at the University of Washington in Seattle, where she earned her undergraduate degree in social welfare. Later, she pursued a graduate degree in education with a focus on training and performance improvement from Capella University.

With a fierce focus on social justice, Kimberlee's path led her through pivotal experiences, including training with Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action (IDEA) research and the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond. Her commitment to racial equity deepened during her tenure at the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Making Connections White Center site and as Deputy Director of the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods.

Kimberlee's impact reverberates beyond her roles. As the inaugural director of the Office of Equity & Inclusion in Asheville, NC, she pioneered initiatives to analyze policies through an equity lens, eliminating racial disparities in local government. Her influence extended to partnerships with public and private organizations like Buncombe County government, Asheville City Schools, and UNC Asheville, driving positive outcomes for all.

Beyond her roles, Kimberlee's impact extends through strategic partnerships. She collaborates with the Government Alliance on Racial Equity (GARE) as an affiliate and serves as a managing partner with the O&G Racial Equity Collaborative. Additionally, she is the Founder and Chief Connector of WELLTH (Wellness + Health), a platform born out of her observation of the lack of support for racial equity practitioners' wellness. WELLTH aims to bridge this gap, offering encouragement, inspiration, and a pathway for racial equity practitioners to embark on or continue their wellness journey.

A sought-after leader, Kimberlee inspires, motivates, and advises nationwide. Her expertise has earned her accolades, including the State of Washington Governor's 2010 Innovation Award and the ELGL 2019 Treager Award. Her consulting firm was also honored with the 2020 ELGL Haverford Award for excellence in serving local government.

With her wealth of experience and unwavering passion for equity, inclusion, and justice, Kimberlee is poised to challenge the norm and forge a path toward improved outcomes for all. 

Introducing Eshawn Peterson, PCC, MBA, CDE, CDP – a visionary advocate, leader, and catalyst for change. With almost two decades of  unparalleled expertise in local, state and federal government, Eshawn is committed to driving forward Racial Equity, Justice, Liberation, Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging within marginalized communities (global majority).

As the Co-Founder of TheRE:UP, Eshawn blends her extensive child welfare background with an unyielding dedication to transformative change. Her mission? To disrupt the status quo and empower individuals and organizations to create a more equitable world.

Academically gifted, Eshawn holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, an MBA from the University of Phoenix. She is a Certified as a Diversity Executive & Practitioner and with additional certifications in Nonprofit Management and Executive Leadership from Arizona State University, she's a force to be reckoned with.

Under her leadership, Peterson & Associates Consulting & Training, LLC (PACT) stands as a beacon of hope. Specializing in capacity-building for nonprofits and for-profit businesses, PACT focuses on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice. Eshawn's expertise in Change & Implementation Science, Strategic Planning, and DEI best practices has revolutionized Child Welfare Systems nationwide, ensuring better outcomes for youth and families of color.

But Eshawn's impact doesn't stop there. In January 2023, she founded The Ripple Society – an anti-racist organization dedicated to liberation & wellness coaching, equity-centered leadership development, and consultancy business coaching. This venture reflects her tireless commitment to personal growth and empowerment.

Since its inception in March 2014, Onward Hope, Inc. has been Eshawn's brainchild – a non-profit Child Welfare Agency focused on supporting Opportunity Youth and Families in a trauma-informed, healing and person-centered environment. Through innovative programs such as transitional housing and Resiliency Camp services: Camp 1 Promise, Eshawn is rewriting the narrative for youth aged 14-29.

Recognized for her impactful contributions, Eshawn has received numerous awards, including the Racial Equity Leader award and recognition from the ICF Diversity & Inclusion awards.

Eshawn is not just a consultant; she's an activist, motivational speaker, facilitator, and trainer. Her ability to inspire and lead transformative conversations makes her a sought-after speaker at conferences and events.

Eshawn is positioned at the forefront of change. Her relentless dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and uplifting marginalized communities propels her forward on a mission to redefine what's possible. She is paving the way for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.