Question 1

What is a “workplace equity firm”?

Accepted Answer

Enlightened Solutions believes that the practice of workplace equity allows individuals to bring their most authentic and empowered selves to work. We help organizations (nonprofit, corporations, professional groups and government entities) provide fair opportunities for all based on their individual needs.  We provide large-scale training, executive and group coaching, resource sharing and strategic planning.   When employees are empowered, organizations are able to have a competitive advantage of amplifying greater innovation and utilizing diverse talent.

Question 2

What services do Enlightened Solutions provide?

Accepted Answer

Individuals: We support individuals navigating exclusionary systems in the workplace through trauma-informed resources, access to legal assistance and general advocacy. If you are an individual experiencing the following, please reach out to us at hello@enlightened-solutions.com.  We can provide a space to process, access to legal assistance and/or a customized plan of action.   Workplace Harassment (physical, sexual, racial/ethnic, mental health/neurodivergent) Wage Theft General and/or Cyber Bullying Professional Stagnation and/or Lack of Promotion Isolation Research: We create, customize and research topics for individuals, groups and organizations within the field of equity and inclusion. We utilize a phenomenological research approach, which studies and centers the lived experiences of marginalized individuals. We are currently presenting research on Project Noir, a phenomenological project that explores the academic, workplace and healthcare experiences of Black Women in Northeast Ohio. Organizational Development: We are committed to cultivating change within challenging spaces. We embrace pain points and focus on holistic, collaborative problem-solving. Are you an organization in need of structural equity-based change?Contact us at: hello@enlightened-solutions.com.  We complete: One on one stakeholder conversations Stakeholder surveys Research Assessments Iterative Data Analysis Individualized Yet Comprehensive Roadmaps

Question 3

Why was Enlightened Solutions founded?

Accepted Answer

Enlightened Solutions is a research and advocacy firm that specializes in individual equity , and organizational change. Historically, equity and inclusion work has focused on proving the existence of a “problem” - our work focuses on unearthing foundational solutions.     We were founded on the belief that workplace equity and inclusion-forward diversity in professional spaces are not buzzwords for organizations to use as an alternative to accountability.    Enlightened Solutions envisions a future that incorporates belonging everywhere and in all industries.

Question 4

Is Enlightened Solutions a law firm or can they help me sue a current/former employer or employee?

Accepted Answer

Enlightened Solutions is not a law firm and we do not legally represent individual clients.  We do provide access to legal professionals who may be able to help you with any legal questions you may have.   If you are interested in pursuing this strategy or have general legal questions, please contact us at hello@enlightened-solutions.com.

Question 5

What is workplace harassment and/or discrimination?

Accepted Answer

The EEOC defines “harassment” as: Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, older age (beginning at age 40), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history).   Harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.  Yet, the EEOC details that workplace harassment does not include:  Petty slights Annoyances Isolated incidents To be unlawful, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people.

Question 6

Why does Enlightened Solutions embrace a “flattened hierarchy?” and why is it important to 21st Century organizations?

Accepted Answer

Enlightened Solutions’ organizational structure is a flattened hierarchy.  Flattened hierarchical structures allow for more flexible and resilient decision making, through a wide and reinforced intersectional lens.    Enlightened Solutions is proudly co-led by co-founders who promote employee involvement through decentralized decision making processes and forward-thinking professional development. Enlightened Solutions believes that “flattened hierarchies” allow for the most effective and resilient decision making for most organizations and is the most tangible way to illustrate the practice of equity for all employees.