Dr. Suleiman González
Lead Disruptor
Dr. Suleiman González has a proven track record of policy impact, most recently drafting legislation to create the first-in-the-nation statewide language access policy. She wrote legislation that culminated in creation of the Illinois Latino Family Commission and served as its executive director. As a national leader in language access and Title VI compliance, Layla served as the U.S. Federal Court Appointed Monitor for the Burgos Consent Decree.
Layla is an expert in evaluation, strategy and performance and has served in various C-level roles, including Chief Results Officer and Director of Strategic Planning & Performance for the Illinois Department of Human Services. At IDHS she led the “Budgeting for Results” implementation effort for the 6-billion-dollar state agency. Dr. Suleiman Gonzalez received her doctorate degree in Applied Developmental Psychology at Loyola University of Chicago and her J.D., with a certificate in International Law and Human Rights, from DePaul University.
Lisa Marie Pickens
Lead Disruptor
Lisa Marie Pickens is a values-driven consultant with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit consulting, philanthropy, and organizational development. A passionate social justice advocate, she partners with organizations to drive meaningful change through strategic planning, leadership development, executive coaching, and participatory research. Her work centers on shared power, equity, inclusion, and is guided by the expertise of the lived experience of the most impacted.
Rooted on Chicago’s South Side, Lisa draws inspiration from her parents’ Southern traditions and teachings—especially gardening, which continues to ground her work in growth, clarity, and ancestral connection. She brings this nurturing spirit to cultivating leadership and organizational resilience.
Lisa is a co-founder of Affinity Community Services and has been a strong advocate for Black LGBTQIA+ communities. Through her innovative Social Movement Development Model, she’s helped grassroots organizations document impact and amplify their voices. Whether as a facilitator, evaluator, or coach, she is committed to sustainable, transformative change.
Whether serving as a facilitator, researcher, evaluator, or coach, Lisa Marie is dedicated to co-creating meaningful, sustainable solutions that drive organizational success and transformative change. And it is her ability to move a broad range of clients toward sustainable transformation that has culminated in the founding of the Radical Shift.
Deborah Minor Harvey
Thought Partner
Deborah Minor Harvey launched The Right Source, Inc. in 1989 to contribute her voice and skills to the transformation and support of neglected urban communities. She is recognized as a thought leader, a game changer, and a way-maker who stands on the shoulders of amazing ancestors. Deborah’s work with organizations, like Chicago United, Women’s Business Development Center, and Grow Greater Englewood, has equipped leadership teams to achieve their highest strategic goals.
She is a graduate of the Gestalt International Organization & Systems Development (IOSD) program where she provided consultation to organization leaders in Budapest, Singapore, Cape Town, SA, and Portugal.