A transparent share, and an important offer
I have been quiet...well, I've actually been silent with this newsletter for months.
The world, and life has come at me (and many of us, I suspect) fast and furious, and when that happens, I often find it hard to put pen to paper. Or fingers to keyboard, as things go these days.
I have navigated many beautiful things along with the challenges, and as I was reflecting on resurrecting this newsletter, I realized that I need to share this with you: I've been scared to tell you what I'm up to in my work, and inviting more people in to experience it.
That may seem odd for anyone who's interacted with me offline and virtually, because I tend to be very open and vulnerable with how I connect with folks.
But, it's true; I have had many powerful experiences as I work with people around the country through my executive coaching, professional development workshops, speaking, and consultation projects. The feedback I've received, and the measurable impacts of my work that people and orgs have shared with me has literally brought me to tears on multiple occasions.
The deep level of satisfaction I feel in knowing that I've built trusting and meaningful relationships that allow leaders and professionals (many of them in early childhood, non-profits, and now, public health) gives me a deep and sacred sense of fulfillment. I am grateful to be of service in this painful, confusing, and often unpredictable world.
Where folks were after participating in a workshop focused on understanding oppression (Map of Power and Exclusion (MAPE©)
So, why have I been scared to share my work with you? After some deep reflection, and participation in an entrepreneur/founder's workshop recently, I realized this is why: I've internalized the white supremacy culture characteristic of perfectionism.
In my mind, when I have a beautifully laid out deck with charts and graphs of all the anecdotal and impact data I have sitting in my data collection folders, and I have a stack of perfectly edited reels that share the heart and soul of my work is when I'll be ready to speak about all the incredible offerings I've designed and executed. Offerings that are literally changing people's lives and work for the better. Toward equity and liberation.
The irony of me teaching other people about white supremacy culture, while operating from an almost unconscious belief in one of the characteristics is not lost on me. I am aware that perfectionism is something I've struggled with my whole life, and only part of that is due to me being a Capricorn :) White supremacy culture is something that we are all socialized into here in the United States, and it is baked into all of our personal lives, the institutions we work in, and the systems we operate within. Until we begin to notice, and reject it. That is how we dismantle it; one person, and one moment at a time.
Takiema marveling at the "baby" redwoods in Oakland, California.
So, this newsletter is a transparent step in me continuing to reject perfectionism, and embrace my "just enough". As a Black woman, this feels revolutionary, terrifying, and empowering.
I want to tell you about this incredible resource I conceptualized, and began implementing in my live coaching and professional development sessions over 18 months ago: It's called the Map of Power and Exclusion (MAPE)© .
This map is a 2 page visual framework that lays out how oppression operates on personal, internalized, institutional, and systemic levels according to our various identities and characteristics.
It has been presented to hundreds of leaders, educators, caregivers, teaching artists, and administrators from around the United States and beyond (Colombia, Kenya, Scotland and more!) and with people as young as 14 (you read that correctly. I do workshops with young people 14-21 years old through my long standing partnership with Carnegie Hall).
The impact of walking through this MAPE© framework is undeniable, as folks have shared:
"This is a slap of consciousness."
"Power dynamics are seemingly ingrained in our DNA. But that doesn’t have to be the truth we live. We can choose to break down these contrived barriers and live in supportive connected nurturing relationships with others."
"This is real. Has me thinking of how I’ve moved through different levels of exclusion as I’ve grown and came more into my true self."
"The map does a really good job explaining intersectionality."
"How can we dismantle these power structures?"
"It makes me wonder how these classifications came to be although I already know the answer. It still fascinates me how society is allowed to be shaped by those with more than others, no matter how subtly."
"This chart breaks down the societal structure of people and the hierarchy."
What is also clear is that people need to spend more time reflecting in a focused way on the MAPE©, starting with personal reflections, and then moving into broader considerations of their work, and society at large.
This is why I created a self-guided professional development workbook which gives folks access to the MAPE©, as well as key reflection prompts to help them process, and identify next steps on their journeys toward equity and liberation. The self -reflection guide also comes with key self-care prompts, that support the reader to move through the challenging moments that may come up during their reflections.
The self-guided PD workbook is perfect for teams to do first as individuals, and then together in dedicated times for team professional development. The MAPE© can support those who are just beginning their journeys toward anti-racism, anti-bias, and equity, as well as those who've been doing the work for a while.
To date, I've only offered the self-guided PD workbook to one (yes, 1!) organization that I've been engaging in coaching and professional development with for over two years. The feedback from that organization is that it was incredibly impactful for them to spend dedicated time with the MAPE© as a part of their staff development. That was over 6 months ago. I told y'all, internalized perfectionism is real!
SO HERE WE GO: I am piloting an offering of access to the Map of Power and Exclusion (MAPE)© to Anahsa's subscribers for a special pilot rate of $149 per person.
This pilot rate is only valid for the next week, through July 3rd, at 11:59pm (ET).
After that, I'll assess the glows and grows of this pilot offer, and will adjust the rate accordingly (note: the rate will not go down)
If you choose to purchase access to the MAPE© as a result of this pilot offer, you'll receive:
You can do the workbook virtually, or print a hard copy (you may not forward or reproduce the workbook, according to copyright law)
A virtual link where you can share your thoughts with others, and read their thoughts about the MAPE© (optional)
Greater confidence in making sense of your own identity, and the current state of affairs in U.S. organizations, and society at large.
A free virtual group check-in with me, Takiema, creator of the MAPE©, to get guidance and support for your most significant question or concern that came up as a result of completing the workbook.
These group check-ins will take place bi-weekly starting in mid-July 2025, and you will receive information about how to sign up for one of those sessions after you access the workbook.
If you'd like to purchase access to the MAPE©, simply hit reply to this email, and write your name, your organization (if applicable), your best email and one reason you want to engage with the MAPE©. I'm curious to know more about what you're hoping to gain from the workbook and group coaching session with me.
If you know someone who might be interested in purchasing access to the MAPE©, or if you are someone who'd like to purchase access for someone as a "pay it forward", feel free to forward this email, and have them email us at info@anahsa.com or fill out this contact form on our website.
Don't delay! Remember, this pilot rate of $149/per person is only valid for the next week, through July 3rd, at 11:59pm (ET). This is a tremendously discounted package deal that will likely never be accessible at this rate again.
If you're an organization that would like to purchase a number of licenses for a group rate, please email us at info@anahsa.com.
I think it's safe to say I missed writing to you all!
I am looking forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks, and would love to hear about the work you're doing, and what kind of support you're looking for.
Hit reply and I'll let you know that I "see" you.
Takiema holding a ladybug while standing on the Pier at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA.
In Collaboration,
Takiema and Team Anahsa
Creating joyful and liberated lives in early childhood, and organizations.™
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