Our Team
We Understand People
We are strategic thinkers and creative problem-solvers with a shared mission: give the people who drive companies the tools that they need to improve so their companies become better, too.
Start with Why
We always know the “why” behind everything we do.
Always Learn
We are more focused on becoming better than being the best.
Teach Love
We fill our days with work that gives us purpose, take interest in and pay attention to others, and model that behavior for the world around us.
Build a Better Future
We believe in possibility and the potential for future growth and see every challenge, obstacle, and experience as an opportunity.
Our Team
We Understand People
We are strategic thinkers and creative problem-solvers with a shared mission: give the people who drive companies the tools that they need to improve so their companies become better, too.
Start with Why
We always know the “why” behind everything we do.
Always Learn
We are more focused on becoming better than being the best.
Teach Love
We fill our days with work that gives us purpose, take interest in and pay attention to others, and model that behavior for the world around us.
Build a Better Future
We believe in possibility and the potential for future growth and see every challenge, obstacle, and experience as an opportunity.
Alida Miranda-Wolff
she/her/hers
Alida Miranda-Wolff is the CEO and Founder of Ethos, a full-service diversity, equity, and inclusion transformation firm. By helping organizations and the people inside of them understand their relationships with power, how to use their power responsibly, and how to share their power, she helps create the conditions for everyone to thrive at work. As part of Ethos, Alida serves as the Program Director of the Women Influence Chicago Accelerator, which supports womxn-identifying technologists advance their careers through a structured four-month program combining coaching, forums, classroom learning, and mentorship. Alida is also the Executive Director and Founder of Embolden, a membership organization focused on scaling empathy through the power of female friendships.
Before Ethos, Alida headed up investors, partners, brand, and portfolio company growth at Hyde Park Angels. While at Hyde Park Angels, she helped grow the organization into the most active early-stage investor in the Midwest by developing a people-first approach to investing, one that focused on leveraging human capital as well as financial capital to drive positive outcomes.
Outside of Ethos, Alida is an Advisory Board Member at Prosper Strategies, a certified Mindfulness and Meditation instructor, classical guitarist, and working artist. Formerly, she served on mHub’s Venture Board and taught marketing and career advancement at General Assembly.
Alida Miranda-Wolff
she/her/hers
Alida Miranda-Wolff is the CEO and Founder of Ethos, a full-service diversity, equity, and inclusion transformation firm. By helping organizations and the people inside of them understand their relationships with power, how to use their power responsibly, and how to share their power, she helps create the conditions for everyone to thrive at work. As part of Ethos, Alida serves as the Program Director of the Women Influence Chicago Accelerator, which supports womxn-identifying technologists advance their careers through a structured four-month program combining coaching, forums, classroom learning, and mentorship. Alida is also the Executive Director and Founder of Embolden, a membership organization focused on scaling empathy through the power of female friendships.
Before Ethos, Alida headed up investors, partners, brand, and portfolio company growth at Hyde Park Angels. While at Hyde Park Angels, she helped grow the organization into the most active early-stage investor in the Midwest by developing a people-first approach to investing, one that focused on leveraging human capital as well as financial capital to drive positive outcomes.
Outside of Ethos, Alida is an Advisory Board Member at Prosper Strategies, a certified Mindfulness and Meditation instructor, classical guitarist, and working artist. Formerly, she served on mHub’s Venture Board and taught marketing and career advancement at General Assembly.
Strother Gaines
he/him/his
Strother Gaines is the Manager—Training and Consulting at Ethos.
Strother is a business and personal coach for creative entrepreneurs and those who want to become one. He is a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a background in theatre, public speaking, education, sales, management, leadership, and segway-tour-guiding. His private practice is called But I’m a Unicorn, Dammit!, where he passionately works to help as many people as possible own up to the fact that they’re a unique snowflake. He is the producing artistic director for DC’s only immersive theatre company, TBD Immersive. His TEDx Talk has been viewed over 30,000 times, and his work has been seen in person by over 30,000+ audience members.
Strother Gaines
he/him/his
Strother Gaines is the Manager—Training and Consulting at Ethos.
Strother is a business and personal coach for creative entrepreneurs and those who want to become one. He is a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a background in theatre, public speaking, education, sales, management, leadership, and segway-tour-guiding. His private practice is called But I’m a Unicorn, Dammit!, where he passionately works to help as many people as possible own up to the fact that they’re a unique snowflake. He is the producing artistic director for DC’s only immersive theatre company, TBD Immersive. His TEDx Talk has been viewed over 30,000 times, and his work has been seen in person by over 30,000+ audience members.
Lexi Brown
she/her/hers
Lexi Brown is a Senior Associate at Ethos, working with clients to help bring their brand strategy and marketing initiatives to life, especially as they relate to their growth in DEI.
Lexi has over three years of advertising and marketing experience, with her main interests lying in branding, creative strategy, and social media strategy. Prior to Ethos, Lexi worked as a Social Media Specialist in the real estate and automotive industries. She is passionate about bringing ideas and people together and has enjoyed working in multiple areas throughout her career because it has solidified the importance of being able to adapt to and understand different stories and voices. Lexi attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for both her undergraduate and graduate years, earning a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication.
Lexi Brown
she/her/hers
Lexi Brown is a Senior Associate at Ethos, working with clients to help bring their brand strategy and marketing initiatives to life, especially as they relate to their growth in DEI.
Lexi has over three years of advertising and marketing experience, with her main interests lying in branding, creative strategy, and social media strategy. Prior to Ethos, Lexi worked as a Social Media Specialist in the real estate and automotive industries. She is passionate about bringing ideas and people together and has enjoyed working in multiple areas throughout her career because it has solidified the importance of being able to adapt to and understand different stories and voices. Lexi attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for both her undergraduate and graduate years, earning a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication.
Pondharshini Sadasivam
she/her/hers
Pondharshini Sadasivam is a Training Associate at Ethos Talent, overseeing the company’s training practice operations.
A first-generation immigrant, Pondharshini’s interest in DEI stems from her personal challenges with identity and her observation of the unequal allocation of resources in the criminal justice system. She is also the founder and President of D&I Futures: a group intended to inspire and provide community members accessible discussions, educational opportunities, and career advice for emerging D&I leaders. Pondharshini attended the University of San Francisco for her undergraduate career, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Politics with a concentration in Law and Justice and a double minor in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies. Learn more about Pondharshini and her DEI work through her blog.
Pondharshini Sadasivam
she/her/hers
Pondharshini Sadasivam is a Training Associate at Ethos Talent, overseeing the company’s training practice operations.
A first-generation immigrant, Pondharshini’s interest in DEI stems from her personal challenges with identity and her observation of the unequal allocation of resources in the criminal justice system. She is also the founder and President of D&I Futures: a group intended to inspire and provide community members accessible discussions, educational opportunities, and career advice for emerging D&I leaders. Pondharshini attended the University of San Francisco for her undergraduate career, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Politics with a concentration in Law and Justice and a double minor in Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies. Learn more about Pondharshini and her DEI work through her blog.
Sonni Conway
she/her/hers
Sonni Conway is a Project Manager at Ethos, overseeing team operations, resource management, and system architecture.
Sonni is passionate about process, organization, efficiency, and helping teams do their best work. She enjoys creative problem solving and iterating on her solutions until she finds the one that sticks. Prior to joining Ethos, she spent 9 years in the creative field as a graphic designer, branding director, and creative director. Sonni graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design from Flagler College.
Sonni Conway
she/her/hers
Sonni Conway is a Project Manager at Ethos, overseeing team operations, resource management, and system architecture.
Sonni is passionate about process, organization, efficiency, and helping teams do their best work. She enjoys creative problem solving and iterating on her solutions until she finds the one that sticks. Prior to joining Ethos, she spent 9 years in the creative field as a graphic designer, branding director, and creative director. Sonni graduated with a B.A. in Graphic Design from Flagler College.
Amalia Loiseau
she/her/hers
Amalia Loiseau is an Intern at Ethos, primarily supporting projects and assignments across our Consulting, Training, and Inclusive Communications practices.
Amalia is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Leadership Studies. She has a passion for DEI and wants to work either as a DEI consultant or DEI lead in the future. Since her sophomore year of high school, Amalia has been involved in organizations focused on racial equality such as Students Organized Against Racism and co-founded an organization called Evanston Fight for Black Lives.
Amalia Loiseau
she/her/hers
Amalia Loiseau is an Intern at Ethos, primarily supporting projects and assignments across our Consulting, Training, and Inclusive Communications practices.
Amalia is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Leadership Studies. She has a passion for DEI and wants to work either as a DEI consultant or DEI lead in the future. Since her sophomore year of high school, Amalia has been involved in organizations focused on racial equality such as Students Organized Against Racism and co-founded an organization called Evanston Fight for Black Lives.
Jake Burger
he/him/his
Jake Burger serves as Finance Manager at Ethos, focusing on day-to-day execution of the accounting function as well as financial reporting and strategy.
Jake is a Senior Analyst with Accelerated Growth, where he helps companies build and solidify their accounting and finance infrastructure and utilizes his expertise in process optimization and financial reporting to lead accounting clean-up, stabilize month-end close, and provide reliable financial metrics for clients. Prior to AG, Jake worked at PwC in it’s Compensation, Tax, and Accounting practice. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Mathematics and an MBA concentrated in Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame.
Jake Burger
he/him/his
Jake Burger serves as Finance Manager at Ethos, focusing on day-to-day execution of the accounting function as well as financial reporting and strategy.
Jake is a Senior Analyst with Accelerated Growth, where he helps companies build and solidify their accounting and finance infrastructure and utilizes his expertise in process optimization and financial reporting to lead accounting clean-up, stabilize month-end close, and provide reliable financial metrics for clients. Prior to AG, Jake worked at PwC in it’s Compensation, Tax, and Accounting practice. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Mathematics and an MBA concentrated in Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame.
Michelle Bess
she/her/hers
Michelle Bess is a Facilitator at Ethos, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion and management.
Michelle Y. Bess serves as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director at Sprout Social, focusing on efforts to ensure all people feel a sense of belonging and that their voices are heard. Prior to Sprout Social, Michelle worked in college persistence at OneGoal and Posse Chicago. Michelle attended Whitworth University, earning a B.A. in Biology and completed Georgetown University’s Executive Certificate in Strategic Diversity & Inclusion Management. She was recognized as a 2018 AdWeek Rising Brand Star, serves as the Board Chair of Degrees of Change, and is the Founder and Co-Lead of The Brave Space.
Michelle Bess
she/her/hers
Michelle Bess is a Facilitator at Ethos, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion and management.
Michelle Y. Bess serves as the Vice President of Talent & DEI at OppLoans. Prior to Opploans, Michelle was the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director at Sprout Social and worked in college persistence at OneGoal and Posse Chicago. Michelle attended Whitworth University, earning a B.A. in Biology and completed Georgetown University’s Executive Certificate in Strategic Diversity & Inclusion Management. She was recognized as a 2018 AdWeek Rising Brand Star, serves as the Board Chair of Degrees of Change, and is the Founder and Co-Lead of The Brave Space.
Francine Bailey
she/her/hers
Michelle Bess is a Facilitator at Ethos, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion and management.
Michelle Y. Bess serves as the Vice President of Talent & DEI at OppLoans. Prior to Opploans, Michelle was the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director at Sprout Social and worked in college persistence at OneGoal and Posse Chicago. Michelle attended Whitworth University, earning a B.A. in Biology and completed Georgetown University’s Executive Certificate in Strategic Diversity & Inclusion Management. She was recognized as a 2018 AdWeek Rising Brand Star, serves as the Board Chair of Degrees of Change, and is the Founder and Co-Lead of The Brave Space.
Francine Bailey
she/her/hers
Francine Bailey is a facilitator at Ethos, specializing in employment law.
She is an attorney with over a decade of experience as a contract wrangler. She breaks complex concepts down into smaller pieces to assist individual employees and corporate business partners to make smart decisions. From employment agreements to vendor contracts, Francine has successfully negotiated on behalf of her clients for over a decade. Because she has a lot of experience and a lot to say, she also shares her knowledge as a facilitator in trainings, podcasts, and on stage. From sexual harassment to conversations about diversity, she’s the person you go to if you need a straight answer or a guide through tough conversations.
Trevor Jenkins
he/him/his
Trevor Jenkins a Facilitator at Ethos, specializing in racial equity and anti-racism.
Trevor is the Sr. Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager at ServiceNow. He has over a decade of experience in multi-ethnic churches and is passionate about helping people understand the severity of racism and inequality in America.
Trevor Jenkins
he/him/his
Trevor Jenkins a Facilitator at Ethos, specializing in racial equity and anti-racism.
Trevor is the Sr. Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager at ServiceNow. He has over a decade of experience in multi-ethnic churches and is passionate about helping people understand the severity of racism and inequality in America.
Kirsten Ramos
she/her/hers
Kirsten Ramos is a facilitator at Ethos.
For over 12 years, Kirsten has motivated individuals to look within themselves to work more effectively with others. She has led learning and development activities for smaller, post-startup organizations to a Fortune 500 company. Her passions include assisting participants with presentation skills, emotional intelligence, leadership and management skills enhancement, and working with early-career team members to develop them for maximum, positive impact within organizations.
Kirsten Ramos
she/her/hers
Kirsten Ramos is a facilitator at Ethos.
For over 12 years, Kirsten has motivated individuals to look within themselves to work more effectively with others. She has led learning and development activities for smaller, post-startup organizations to a Fortune 500 company. Her passions include assisting participants with presentation skills, emotional intelligence, leadership and management skills enhancement, and working with early-career team members to develop them for maximum, positive impact within organizations.
Dorie Ellzey Blesoff
she/her/hers
Dorie Ellzey Blesoff is a facilitator at Ethos.
She is currently the Talent Advisor for Relativity after having served as Chief People Officer during a period of rapid global growth. She helped build a company culture based on core values, continuous learning, commitment to inclusion, diversity & belonging, and positive social impact. Her passion is helping leaders create values-based sustainable culture change, building corporate universities and leadership development programs and designing and supporting wholistic DEI initiatives. With expertise as an executive coach, she provides a variety of assessments and development tools in EQ, communication/work styles, strengths, and conflict management styles.
Dorie Ellzey Blesoff
she/her/hers
Dorie Ellzey Blesoff is a facilitator at Ethos.
She is currently the Talent Advisor for Relativity after having served as Chief People Officer during a period of rapid global growth. She helped build a company culture based on core values, continuous learning, commitment to inclusion, diversity & belonging, and positive social impact. Her passion is helping leaders create values-based sustainable culture change, building corporate universities and leadership development programs and designing and supporting wholistic DEI initiatives. With expertise as an executive coach, she provides a variety of assessments and development tools in EQ, communication/work styles, strengths, and conflict management styles.
LaTonya Wilkins
she/her/hers
Latonya Wilkins is a facilitator at Ethos.
Founder of The Change Coaches, LLC, LaTonya specializes in coaching executives on leading “below the surface” to build psychologically safe relationships with their teams across differences. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has inspired audiences all over the world. Through highly customized coaching, culture academies, consulting, and human-centered design services, LaTonya and her team work with executives, upwardly mobile professionals, and teams to create cultures of belonging and motivating environments. She built her career working in HR, talent management, and learning & development at Fortune 500 companies before teaching and taking on progressive leadership roles at the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business. LaTonya was rated an “excellent” teacher by her undergraduate business students, and she is also a board member of the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association at Indiana University.
LaTonya Wilkins
she/her/hers
Latonya Wilkins is a facilitator at Ethos.
Founder of The Change Coaches, LLC, LaTonya specializes in coaching executives on leading “below the surface” to build psychologically safe relationships with their teams across differences. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has inspired audiences all over the world. Through highly customized coaching, culture academies, consulting, and human-centered design services, LaTonya and her team work with executives, upwardly mobile professionals, and teams to create cultures of belonging and motivating environments. She built her career working in HR, talent management, and learning & development at Fortune 500 companies before teaching and taking on progressive leadership roles at the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business. LaTonya was rated an “excellent” teacher by her undergraduate business students, and she is also a board member of the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association at Indiana University.
