About
Birts
Equity and
Inclusion
Solutions LLC
Dr. Angela Birts
Founder and CEO
Inclusive Leadership and Culture
Angela Birts, Ed.D.—a professional educator, speaker, diversity consultant, social entrepreneur, and college lecturer committed to advancing equity and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.​
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about culture, community, and building meaningful connections across lines of difference. At my core, I am a changemaker—driven by a deep belief in justice, opportunity, and belonging for all.
My journey in education began with my very first job as a tutor for a middle school English teacher during a summer program. That early experience ignited a lifelong commitment to supporting historically marginalized students from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across public and private institutions as well as nonprofit organizations, always focused on meeting the needs of those too often overlooked.
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One of the most formative roles in my leadership journey was serving as Director of Inclusion at an independent school for six years. There, I led the development and implementation of a five-year strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion—collaborating with students, faculty, families, and leadership to foster lasting cultural change and deepen community understanding of equity issues.
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In 2018, I founded Birts Equity and Inclusion Solutions LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping educational institutions, private companies, and nonprofit organizations achieve their DEI goals. Despite the backlash that DEI work has faced in recent years, I remain deeply committed to this mission—educating, empowering, and guiding clients to create more just and inclusive systems.
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I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Communications from Lake Forest College and a Master's degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies from Stanford University. In 2016, I became the first African American to earn an Education Doctorate from San José State University—an honor that also earned me the university’s Education Doctorate Leadership Program Award and the Phyllis H. Lindstrom Award for leadership excellence.
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In addition to my consulting work, I have served as an Adjunct Professor at John R. Lewis College, University of California, Santa Cruz, for the past 6.5 years. In my Social Justice courses, I encourage students to critically examine systems of inequality and envision policy-based solutions for social, political, and economic justice.
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Throughout my career, I have had the honor of serving as a keynote speaker at graduation ceremonies, admission welcome events for newly admitted students, and fundraisers. I have also participated in numerous panels, facilitated workshops, and received multiple awards recognizing my ongoing commitment to access, diversity, and social justice.​
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Creating more equitable, compassionate, and inclusive spaces isn’t just my work—it’s my calling.
Our Impactful Work
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We’re making a real impact—one business, one student, one employee at a time
30
Businesses
Transformed
2,500
Employees
Empowered
14,750
Students'
Lives Changed
45
CEO's Recognizing the DEI Difference
What Our Amazing Clients Say
Angela was an expert panelist at our All Staff Retreat this year. Her insight and authenticity into DEI work was well received by staff and a compelling addition to our retreat. The combination of her own story and work with students at both College Track and Menlo gave credibility to our work.
- CEO, College Track
Why Choose
Birts Equity and Inclusion Solutions?
Our Values
Cultural Humility – We approach our work with a deep respect for the lived experiences of others, recognizing that we are always learning and growing in our understanding of diversity and inclusion.
Authenticity – We believe that authentic engagement in DEIB efforts leads to stronger connections and more innovative solutions, encouraging people to show up as their true selves.
Accountability – We emphasize the importance of accountability through clear goals and measurable outcomes, ensuring a foundational understanding of DEIB principles and a commitment to collective progress.
Collaboration – We prioritize building partnerships that foster shared responsibility, knowing that true inclusion is achieved when every member of an organization is involved in creating a supportive and respectful environment.
Sustainability – Our approach is designed for long-term impact, ensuring that DEIB initiatives are not just one-time efforts but ongoing practices that continue to evolve with the organization.
Our Mission
Since 2018, our mission has been to cultivate inclusive spaces that empower individuals to drive meaningful change within their organizations.
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Grounded in a commitment to equity- ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need in order to thrive- we collaborate with diverse clients, including non-profits, educational institutions, corporations, and government agencies, to build cultures centered on respect, empowerment, and fairness.
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We guide organizations in examining their actions, beliefs, and the often-unspoken messages that can inadvertently hinder progress toward equity and inclusion.
By creating safe spaces for dialogue, we enable constituents to collectively work toward shared goals, foster a sense of belonging for all, and address systemic barriers that stand in the way of true equity.
Our Vision
We envision a world where a deep respect for diverse cultures is at the core of every community, and where understanding and inclusion are not just ideals, but foundational principles that guide our actions. In this world, every voice is not only heard but valued, empowering individuals to contribute fully to their communities.​
We believe that creating a culture of respect and understanding is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to helping organizations build environments where these values thrive. As a consulting firm focused on partnering with educational institutions, private companies, and non-profits, we work to embed these principles into organizational culture and strategic planning.
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Our mission is to empower individuals and teams to confront systemic challenges, fostering collaboration and mutual respect as we work together toward a more just and inclusive future. Through expert guidance and evidence-based strategies, we support organizations at every level, helping them unlock their full potential while advancing the principles of social justice and collective understanding.
FAQ's About DEI and Capacity Building
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What does DEI mean?DEI means Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace and throughout educational environments.
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What is servant leadership?Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that focuses on serving others first. The leader’s primary role is to support and empower their team, ensuring their needs are met and that they have the resources to succeed. A servant leader prioritizes the development and well-being of their team members, fostering a collaborative and empathetic work environment. This leadership style promotes humility, listening, and a commitment to the growth of others.
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What does EEOC stand for?EEOC stands for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC is the government agency that enforces federal laws protecting employees and job applicants from discrimination. It handles workplace discrimination complaints, promotes fair hiring practices, and ensures compliance with laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
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What is DEI in higher education?DEI in higher education refers to policies and practices that ensure diverse representation, equitable access, and an inclusive learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. This includes initiatives such as diverse faculty recruitment, inclusive curriculum development, financial aid programs for underrepresented students, campus-wide DEI training, and support networks for marginalized communities.