We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Doneisha Posey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Doneisha , appreciate you joining us today. Is there a historical figure you look up to? Who are they and what lessons or values have you learned from them?

Shirley Chisholm is a remarkable historical figure whom I deeply admire. Her unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and advocating for change has struck me and I look to her as I think about my career. Shirley’s historic run as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and her subsequent groundbreaking campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 were revolutionary milestones in American politics.

What truly inspires me about Shirley Chisholm is her fearlessness. She fearlessly confronted racial and gender inequalities, challenging the status quo at a time when it was not only difficult but often dangerous to do so. Her mantra, ‘Unbought and Unbossed,’ reflects her commitment to remaining true to her principles and fighting for what she believed in, no matter the obstacles.

One particular story that resonates with me is when Shirley faced resistance from her own party during her presidential campaign. She wasn’t deterred; instead, she persisted with an unyielding spirit. Her campaign may not have resulted in victory, but it did shatter the glass ceiling and paved the way for future generations of women and people of color to aspire to the highest office in the land.

Shirley Chisholm’s legacy teaches us the importance of courage, determination, and the power of one individual to spark change. She reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we have the capacity to break down barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive society. Her influence continues to inspire me in my work as I strive to advocate for justice and equity every day.

Doneisha , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a woman who wears many hats! I am a mom of 2, civil rights attorney, DEI Consultant, Law Professor and Co-Founder of WE Brunch (Women Equity Brunch) located in Indianapolis, IN. I’ve dedicated my career to advancing equity and justice within organizations and communities. My journey into this industry began with a deep-rooted passion for social justice. Growing up in a multicultural family in a very binary environment, led me to understanding inequities at a very early age. I then went on to law school where I became acutely aware of the systemic inequalities that persist in our society. This realization drove me to specialize in immigration law and civil rights law, where I’ve had the privilege of advocating for marginalized communities and individuals.
I’ve been back at the law school for the last 4 years teaching social justice courses such as Race and the Law and Housing Discrimination and Segregation. Being able to work with the next generation of lawyers and change makers has been very humbling and I really enjoy hearing their perspectives on how we can use the law for social change.
I currently serve as the Vice President and General Counsel of Black Onyx Management, a Black-owned applied research firm and management consultancy. At Black Onyx, we’re committed to managing for equity and opportunity within organizations while simultaneously working to build the infrastructure for more equitable communities. We offer a range of services, including DEI consulting, research, keynote speaking, and strategic planning.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to addressing systemic issues. We don’t just provide recommendations; we partner with our clients to implement sustainable change. Our focus is not only on addressing immediate problems but also on creating lasting, positive transformations that benefit everyone involved.
In 2021, I co-founded WE Brunch, an organization close to my heart. WE Brunch was born out of the desire to create a space where women from all backgrounds could come together to discuss, strategize, and take action on issues of equity and empowerment. Through WE Brunch, we hold regular brunches and events, fostering connections and conversations that empower women to make a difference in their respective fields.
My life’s work is driven by a passion for justice and equity. I offer a range of services that go beyond the surface to create lasting change, and I’m proud of the impact I’ve made.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation within my industry has been shaped by several crucial factors, each playing a distinct role in my professional journey.

First and foremost, authenticity has been a cornerstone of my approach. I’ve always believed in staying true to my values and principles. Authenticity not only builds trust but also fosters genuine connections with clients, colleagues, and peers. People can sense when your passion and dedication are sincere, and this authenticity has been instrumental in establishing my reputation.

Honing my expertise has been another critical aspect. I’ve dedicated myself to continuous learning and growth, always seeking to expand my knowledge and skills. Intellectual curiosity has been my driving force, pushing me to explore the nuances of civil rights, DEI, and the law. By becoming a subject matter expert in these areas, I’ve been able to provide invaluable insights and solutions to my clients.

Grit has been the foundation of my resilience. The journey to effecting meaningful change is often filled with challenges and obstacles. However, my determination and unwavering commitment to my mission have allowed me to overcome these hurdles. Grit means not giving up in the face of adversity, and it has been instrumental in building my reputation as someone who can be counted on to persevere.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been word of mouth. While modern marketing techniques and online platforms have their merits, the age-old method of word of mouth remains the key factor in new client sourcing.

Doing exceptional work for my clients has been the key. When clients see tangible results and experience the positive impact of our services, they become not just satisfied clients but advocates for you. They share their positive experiences with their networks, whether that’s within their organizations, professional circles, or even on social media.

This organic promotion through word of mouth has a ripple effect. It not only leads to direct referrals but also enhances our reputation within the industry. It’s a testament to the power of delivering on promises and consistently exceeding expectations. In a field as critical as equity consulting, where trust and credibility are paramount, word of mouth becomes a trust-building currency.

Moreover, word of mouth extends beyond just client referrals. It can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities that may not have been otherwise accessible. When your clients become your advocates, they open doors to a wider audience, creating a network effect that continually brings in new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dlposey.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doneishaposey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doneishaposey/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@doneishaposey