our awesome Team
Our team is diverse in background, style, and perspective, but one thing we all agree on is “No judgment.”
We’re not here to call you out for what you don’t know, haven’t done yet, or got wrong in the past. We show up with curiosity, compassion, and a chill vibe because when people feel safe, they actually learn. And that’s good for everyone.
Good vibes song:
Pinky Pony Club by Chappell Roan
Bernadette Smith (she/her)
FOUNDER, CEO
Bernadette Smith is founder and CEO of Equality Institute and award-winning author of four books, including the latest, the bestseller Inclusive 360: Proven Solutions for an Equitable Organization.
Bernadette has presented to enthusiastic audiences of CEOs, associations, leadership teams, sales professionals, HR leaders, and more. Her expertise has been sought after by the New York Times, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Fast Company, among many others, and she’s appeared on the Today Show, the BBC, National Public Radio, and CNN.
Bernadette has been named one of Chicago’s Notable LGBTQ Executives by Crain’s Chicago Business. She loves sharing on LinkedIn and each week writes about what’s going right in the world in her newsletter and podcast, 5 Things: Good Vibes in DEI. When she’s not speaking and writing, you can likely find her on a local pickleball court! She’s a passionate pickler and loves the way it brings diverse people together.
Good vibes song:
New Attitude by Patti LaBelle
Rita Mays (she/her)
BUSINESS MANAGER
Rita Mays may be the first person you encounter when you reach out to us. She’s responsible for managing our accounts and the logistics of all of our programs. She’s been with the firm for 4+ years and is indispensable! Our clients rave about Rita’s warmth, responsiveness, and organizational skills. She brings her exceptional customer service, administrative, and on-/off-site event management expertise to us and keeps our ships running smoothly. Rita’s experience as an administrative professional in education, healthcare, management, technology and other industries helps us better understand our clients.
Good vibes song:
Special by Lizzo
Daniel Downer (he/him)
SENIOR FACILITATOR
Daniel J. Downer is a Black Queer activist and community leader who advances equity through lived experience and transformative leadership. With over a decade of impact, he brings a bold, unapologetic vision to dismantle systems of exclusion and build inclusive frameworks that center the most marginalized.
As Senior Facilitator at Equality Institute, Daniel leads dynamic learning experiences and facilitates transformative conversations with organizations to deepen understanding, shift mindsets, and foster cultures of belonging and inclusion. He believes inclusion is not a passive state—it’s an intentional, ongoing practice rooted in accountability and action.
Daniel’s work has been recognized by GLAAD with the Rising Star Award (2018), by Watermark as Most Remarkable Person in Central Florida (2020), and with an Honorable Mention in OUT Magazine’s OUT100 (2023).
Good vibes song:
Je danse le Mia by Bengale
Patti Flynn (she/her)
SENIOR CONSULTANT AND FACILITATOR
Patti Flynn leads with her heart and mindfulness and brings 25+ years of process improvement and change management experience in manufacturing, distribution, and sales/service operations to Equality Institute. She leads with equality and diversity both professionally and in her personal life. Making a difference in an ever-changing world, she helps others that are also trying to grow and improve themselves. As a trans woman who wasn’t able to be herself until recently, she understands how important it is for LGBTQ people to be able to see themselves out in the world. For fun, she likes to run across mountains and ride her bike all over the Midwest.
Good vibes song:
Sanctuary by Mereba
Erma Ishara Standley (he/they)
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT AND FACILITATOR
Erma Ishara Standley is a trans non-binary artist, writer, facilitator, and community organizer dedicated to dismantling anti-Blackness and anti-trans systems. They founded The FemmeBoi, a trans non-binary multimedia company that produces affirming, entertaining and educational content centering the lives and experiences of BIPOC creators.
As a seasoned facilitator and consultant, Ishara has conducted gender education workshops for nationwide brands and provided strategic consultation to clients across all sectors. They currently serve as an Operations Manager for a national reproductive justice organization, where they apply their expertise in organizational development and systems management. With over a decade of progressive leadership experience in non-profit management, Ishara brings a unique blend of skills in program development, community engagement, strategic planning, and organizational transformation.
Good vibes song:
Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony
Erika Latines (she/her/ella)
FACILITATOR
Erika Latines, also known as Erika with a “K”, is a queer Latine poet, humanitarian, and activist. Her background spans from corporate finance and international business to more recently, a non-profit focused on violence prevention. She has 10 years of experience as a facilitator and trainer in areas such as equity, diversity and inclusion, queer rights, civil rights, and team building. She is the daughter of immigrants.
Erika was born and raised on the southside of Chicago, IL and lived in Mexico as an adult for 10 years. She has traveled all over the country sharing her poetry and story in English and Spanish to educate, empower and encourage youth and adults to be leaders of change.
Good vibes song:
Noa Noa by Juan Gabriel
Dagyi Rivera (she/her/ella)
SENIOR FACILITATOR
Dagyi Rivera is Mexico City-based and conducts Equality Institute consulting and trainings throughout Latin America. She has a Bachelors Degree in Management and a Masters Degree in marketing for small business with expertise in advertising, marketing, PR, event and event planning.
As a business coach and facilitator, Dagyi helps companies more effectively serve their diverse employees and clients.
Good vibes song:
Summer of 69 by Brian Adams
Camelú Millan Vargas (she/her/ella)
SENIOR FACILITATOR
Camelú Millan Vargas is Mexico City-based specializing in consulting and creating special events and trainings throughout Latin America and the United States. With a focus of business entrepreneurship, Camelu has taught classes at several institutions of high learning including CESSA Universidad, TEC de Monterrey, Universidad Latina and Universidad Iberoamericana.
As a business consultant, she helps companies effectively create outstanding events designed for their employees and clients.
Meet the pros Behind Inclusive Change
At Equality Institute, our team isn’t just diverse in background — we’re united by purpose. Each facilitator, consultant, and coach brings unique lived experience, professional expertise, and an unwavering commitment to helping organizations communicate with confidence and lead with empathy. From boardrooms to breakout sessions, our experts create spaces where learning feels safe, authentic, and transformational. Together, we empower leaders and teams to turn inclusion into everyday behavior that drives trust, engagement, and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Equality Institute’s team unique?
Our team represents lived experience across race, gender, sexuality, and culture — giving us a holistic, real-world perspective on inclusion. We combine academic insight with authentic storytelling to connect with every audience.
How are facilitators selected for each client engagement?
We match facilitators based on industry experience, topic expertise, and cultural alignment with your organization. Every engagement is intentional and personalized.
Do you offer international training or bilingual facilitation?
Yes. Our facilitators lead sessions in both English and Spanish and deliver consulting and training across North and Latin America.
Can we book a specific facilitator for our event or workshop?
Absolutely. Many clients request facilitators they’ve previously worked with. We’re happy to accommodate based on availability and project scope.
How does your team maintain expertise in DEI trends?
Continuous learning is part of our DNA. Our team actively researches, publishes, and collaborates within the DEI community to ensure our clients always benefit from the latest insights and best practices.
Our Collective Impact
Our team has guided organizations in every sector — from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses — through meaningful DEI transformation. Here’s how we make an impact:
Authentic Leadership Development: Helping executives and managers lead inclusively.
Inclusive Communication Training: Teaching teams how to build trust across difference.
Strategic DEI Consulting: Turning values into actionable, measurable change.
Cultural Competency Programs: Equipping organizations to serve diverse clients effectively. Every member of our team plays a vital role in shaping cultures of belonging — one conversation at a time.
OUR GLOBAL REACH
While proudly headquartered in Chicago, our work spans across the U.S., Latin America, and beyond. From bilingual facilitators to cross-cultural consultants, our global team ensures every client engagement reflects authenticity and respect for local context. Inclusion knows no borders — and neither do we.