“David is an incredible listener and mediator. At Educate78 he was able to effectively and lovingly wrangle a passionate group of senior leaders and help us to build an equity-centered north star and theory of action.

David embodies the notion of ‘getting started anyway’, even when the work is complex.”

— Carolyn Gramstorff, Founder at s³dx

“[David made] a dramatic difference in the productivity level of our organization. He is a superb strategic thinker and he moves from highly skilled big picture analysis to rapid decision making and meticulous implementation with integrity and a remarkable work ethic.

He is a master facilitator with groups and a tremendous resource to colleagues one-on-one. I admire his willingness to give and receive feedback, his humility, and genuine concern for teammates.”

— Maribel Gonzalez, Director of Community Partnerships and Policy at Educate78

“David is such a great, reliable and thoughtful leader. He has this rare combination of a strategic mindset and strong operational instincts.

He has the interest of the community, the organization and the partners he works with.”

— Philippe Sion, Managing Director at Humanity United

“I consider David Phillips a professional, a colleague, and in many cases, a motivational speaker.

David works in a way that feels personal and that allows for vulnerability and sensitivity. He offers calm during chaos.”

— Annette Dennett, Project Director at PACT Inc.

“[David] is a very thoughtful facilitator who works hard to engage everyone in the room. He is an insightful strategist who is also full of ideas about how to bring out the best in organizations and teams.”

— Erin O’Donohue, Managing Director at Three Mountains

“David took particular care to engage with and really listen to both [our school’s] staff as well as other stakeholders in the broader Oakland education community. With his excellent facilitation skills, he is able to actively listen and build bridges to move things forward, while always keeping a student-centered focus.”

— Carolyn Choy, Director of Real Estate Development and Partnerships at Community Arts Stabilization Trust

“Thoughtful, approachable, and genuine are three words that I would use to describe David. I continued to be impressed at how David could work across diverse perspectives and guide the group to address the heart of an issue – he is not afraid to address the elephant in the room, always doing so with tact and thoughtfulness.

David [brings a] blend of skills in facilitation, team building, interpersonal dynamics, and systems change all rooted in an equity lens.”

— Dana Wellhausen, Senior Director of Strategic Operations at Rogers Family Foundation

“It was clear that David cared personally about the success of this project as he went well beyond expectations to deliver a high-quality product. The greatest testament to David's impact is that we are actively utilizing the strategic plan that his team delivered.”

— Lauren Taylor, Vice President of Programs and Learning at Hyde Family Foundation

“Listening is Key: David starts by asking questions of a process or about the needs of those involved to ensure a well thought out plan. 

Strong Equity Lens: David is comfortable with leaning in to learn more about equity and his role as a white person in an organization and whiteness in the systems he seeks to change.” 

— Rachel Garcia James, Chief Operating Officer at Educate78

“[David] plans agendas and activities that somehow feels spacious enough for us to get deep while balancing multiple needs/requests for the shared team time.

His questions are always so inquisitive, deep, and thoughtful all while gently shepherding people towards where he wants them to head. I’ve never seen someone use questions so effectively as a tool as David does.”

— Carrie Chan, Data Analyst at Educate78

“I was most impressed by [David’s] skills as an active listener and facilitator, the thought partnership he demonstrated with clients, and his commitment to supporting his team members’ professional development.

Whether in internal meetings or client settings, David contributed to spaces that were inclusive of diverse perspectives and lived experiences. As a result of David’s leadership and support, [I developed] greater confidence in my own voice and contribution.”

— Tori Fukumitsu, Senior Consultant at FSG