We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christiana Russell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Christiana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Mended Wing Consulting, LLC is founded on the principle that premier federal grant writing and strategic consultation services should be accessible to entities, regardless of their nature or size. This mission is deeply rooted in the belief that both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations, along with individuals, possess untapped potential for growth and development, which can be realized through expert guidance and support.
The inception of Mended Wing Consulting was motivated by a commitment to enable clients to achieve their goals and overcome challenges that may impede their progress. The firm’s approach is centered on delivering comprehensive capacity-building services, technical assistance, and grant management, guiding clients toward identifying and implementing optimal strategies for their ventures. By focusing on best practices, uncovering funding opportunities, and leveraging relevant data, Mended Wing Consulting aims to elevate its clients’ operations to new levels of success.
The significance of our mission lies in its holistic approach to consultancy. Beyond offering technical advice and support, we are dedicated to facilitating meaningful breakthroughs for our clients, assisting them in navigating obstacles that may limit their capacity for achievement. This mission is meaningful as it extends beyond the provision of services; it embodies a commitment to fostering an environment where clients are supported in their pursuit of growth.
Mended Wing Consulting’s mission is thus not merely about the services it provides but about a deeper commitment to catalyzing positive change in the communities and industries it serves. By prioritizing the development of our clients’ ventures through a blend of strategic insight and practical support, we not only help them secure necessary resources but also contribute to their long-term success and sustainability. This comprehensive and supportive approach to consulting underpins the meaningful mission of Mended Wing Consulting, LLC, making it a distinguished partner for entities seeking to navigate the complexities of growth and development.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am deeply rooted in a diverse background that spans over two decades of experience in grant writing, strategic implementation, and management, particularly focusing on federal, state, and local grants. My journey began in the non-profit sector, addressing mental and behavioral health services and resources, alongside prevention education. This initial phase of my career afforded me a unique insight into the power of intervention and prevention, working in harmony with community support, coalition building, and organizing. Through these efforts, we established one of the most successful and effective operating coalitions in our city, a testament to the power of community mobilization when applied with intentionality, equitable responsibility, and due diligence.
Transitioning from the non-profit sector, I ventured into the healthcare field, where I facilitated evidence-based trainings nationwide, focusing on communicable diseases. This experience, certified by the CDC, highlighted the universal challenges communities face across the United States and underscored the importance of communal support in overcoming these obstacles.
In the last four years, my path has led me to the tech, innovation, and creative space through the launch of We Tha Plug (WTP), alongside my business partner. WTP is dedicated to reducing the barriers that BIPOC founders encounter while building their startups. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly altered our operational trajectory, WTP has continued to serve as a vital support for BIPOC founders, offering guidance and direction for building and scaling their companies.
Parallel to my work with WTP, I fully launched Mended Wing Consulting (MWC), a strategic consultancy specializing in securing non-dilutive funds for social impact-focused organizations, companies, and individuals. MWC stands out through our approach of matching specialized writers and strategists with the unique needs of our clients, a methodology I find personally rewarding as it ensures the delivery of optimal results by meeting clients where they are.
MWC prides itself on having a team of writers and strategists with over 20 years of experience in grant writing, implementation, management, and oversight. This depth of experience is a cornerstone of our operations, enabling us to provide specialized support tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
I am most proud of the tangible impact our work has had on the community, particularly through WTP and MWC. To date, WTP has supported over 1,500 founders, and MWC has successfully secured over $3.4 million in non-dilutive funds for BIPOC and underserved communities. This achievement reflects our commitment to making a meaningful difference and reducing the barriers faced by our clients.
What sets us apart is our comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by communities and organizations across various sectors and our ability to leverage this understanding to provide targeted, effective solutions. I want potential clients and partners to know that our work is more than just a service; it’s a commitment to fostering growth, building capacity, and driving social impact. Our brand is built on a foundation of experience, diversity, and a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of communities and organizations we serve.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Indeed, there have been numerous resources that have profoundly influenced my approach to management and entrepreneurship. Among the books that have had a significant impact are “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind your business endeavors. “It All Adds Up: So Teach Us To Number Our Days, That We May Apply Our Hearts To Wisdom” (Psalms 90 vs12) by Craig Wright, offers a reflective perspective on the value of wisdom in our daily decisions and long-term planning.
“The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams” by Paris Woods is another essential read that provides insights into achieving financial independence and success. Eric Ries’ “The Lean Startup” introduces a systematic, scientific approach for creating and managing successful startups in an age of uncertainty. “The Power of Less” by Leo Babauta focuses on simplifying life and work to focus on what’s truly important.
Additionally, “The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley” by Victor W. Hwang and Greg Horowitt, explores the dynamics that foster innovation ecosystems. “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There” by Marshall Goldsmith and “Getting Started in Consulting” by Alan Weiss are also critical reads that offer strategies for professional growth and successful consulting practices.
Podcasts have been equally influential. NPR’s “Hidden Brain” hosted by Shankar Vedantam, “Tapping Q & A” with Gene Monterastelli, “Startup Stories – Mixergy” hosted by Andrew Warner, and “StartUp” created by Gimlet Media have all provided me with invaluable insights into the minds of entrepreneurs and the intricacies of starting and growing a business. Additionally, my own podcast, “The Cafecito Series,” which I hosted from 2020-2022 and is available on the We Tha Plug Youtube channel, has been a personal journey of learning and sharing startup stories, offering both inspiration and practical advice to our listeners.
These resources have been instrumental in shaping my management and entrepreneurial philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s purpose, the power of wisdom in decision-making, the necessity of financial independence, the benefits of a minimalist approach, and the value of learning from both success and failure.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve had to unlearn involves reevaluating my deeply held beliefs and values, particularly during times of significant change or transition in my career and personal life. This process of unlearning was significantly influenced by “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz. The book illuminates the journey of recognizing and questioning the beliefs and values that shape our lives, urging us to consider whether they serve or hinder our progress towards personal and professional growth.
The initial step in this journey of unlearning involved acknowledging my attachment to certain beliefs and values that I had long considered unshakeable. I had to critically assess how these beliefs served me and, more importantly, whether they were beneficial or detrimental to the direction I aimed to pursue. Over time, I identified several beliefs and practices—ranging from my approach to finances, consultation, time management, to how I offered help to others—that, while beneficial would often be connected to false narratives, which became obstacles on my new path.
This realization required a significant shift in perspective and mindset. I learned the importance of showing compassion and grace to myself as I navigated the challenging process of releasing these outdated beliefs. This journey was not just about letting go; it was about evolving into a version of myself better suited for the new phases of my life and career.
Central to this process was the understanding that to be genuinely present and supportive to others, I needed a profound comprehension of my identity, purpose, and the means through which I intended to share my gifts. This entailed mastering the art of setting boundaries for myself, learning to say no or “not at this time” without feeling guilty for not overextending myself or betraying my needs and limits.
Although this process of unlearning and reevaluation is ongoing, I take pride in the progress I have made. It’s a testament to the importance of staying true to one’s course, even when it requires leaving behind familiar but no longer useful patterns of thinking and behavior. This lesson in unlearning has been pivotal not just for personal growth but also in enhancing my ability to contribute more effectively to the lives of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mendedwingconsulting.com
- Instagram: iamchristianar
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianarussell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wethaplug
- Other: Other websites I am associated with: https://www.wethaplug.com https://talentfoundry.ucsd.edu/
Image Credits
Headshot photo credit: Creative Vibes Studio (creativevibestudios.com)