Belonging strengthens communities and transforms connections.

We support leaders who share a collective vision for an inclusive and just world.

The frameworks for our work center on fostering a collective sense of belonging and bridging across people, social groups and organizations. We partner with leaders that are building diverse, equitable and justice focused communities.

"This moment finds us at an inflection point. We can choose to continue the well-worn path of exclusion, supremacy and othering, fueled by narratives of fear and threats. Or we can elevate stories and practices of mutuality and interdependence. Bridging is about increasing acceptance of diverse peoples, values and beliefs while giving us greater access to different parts of ourselves. It can help us build a large 'we' that does not demand assimilation." john.a.powell

We are inspired and guided by the analysis and lexicon of the Groundwater Institute and the Othering & Belonging Institute.

About Monica Kumar

Belonging & Inclusion Strategist

Monica advises organizations on building belonging through bridging and is based in Northwest Arkansas. She also facilitates workshops on racial equity, inclusion and collaborative organizing to build just and equitable communities. She is a certified Program Leader and consultant for the Groundwater Institute and works with local partners such as Engage NWA and Arkansas Immigrant Defense.

Monica serves on the Board of Directors for Rhino Foods Foundation; the Advisory Council for Bentonville Film Festival; the Executive Council of the Greater Bentonville Chamber of Commerce; the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Board for the city of Bentonville; the Board of Ozark Literacy Council and the Executive Board for Bike POC. She volunteers with the LIFE mentor program at NWA Community College.

Her previous regional roles include serving as the Director of Diverse Social Networks at the Excellerate Foundation and Executive Director of Downtown Bentonville Inc.

Monica was born in London, England where she attended law school and practiced human rights & immigration law. She has also worked as a commercial attorney in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She lives with her husband and son in downtown Bentonville where they enjoy the myriad of incredible trails and arts experiences.