“Belva takes a LEAP with her clients by listening attentively, engaging with and encouraging them, asking powerful questions and becoming an accountability partner.”
Belva currently provides coaching, training and other consulting services to public, nonprofit, faith-based and private sector clients. She has developed and delivered learning content to national and international clients on employee engagement, leading and managing high-performing teams, strategies to build resilience, conflict management approaches, change management and using emotional intelligence effectively in the workplace.
Belva takes a holistic approach by encouraging individuals and organizations to use the “whole of themselves” to achieve growth. She uses and shares research on such common coaching and leadership topic as personal integrity; vision; communication; empowering individuals and teams; leading from the middle; servant leadership; establishing work/life balance; and practicing mindfulness and intentionality. Areas where Belva’s clients have achieved measurable success include building resilience; creating a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion; building collaborative relationships; managing conflict; and leading and serving others. Belva has a passion for supporting women of color in leadership positions and has developed helpful approaches for unlocking their authentic leadership voices.
Throughout her career, Belva has actively mentored and coached direct reports and peers. She notices those who are missing from spaces and places in the workplace and demonstrates the added value of diverse opinions, thoughts and ideas. She is particularly attuned to sharing tools and strategies to build and maintain relationships that result in higher performance. Her clients have recognized her presence, empathy and curiosity, which lead to deep and trusting connections.
Experience
Director, Government Accountability Office
Led diverse teams producing reports to help ensure that government funds are spent in an efficient and effective manner. Uncovered millions in savings and testified before Congress on results of her work.
Consultant, The Brookings Institute
Provided mentoring and coaching to over 80 federal managers and executives through The Brookings’ executive leadership training programs.
Special Assistant to the Chief Human Capital Officer, GAO
Developed strategies to recruit, retain and reward talent. Additionally, served as a DE&I champion and developed training and strategies to embed DE&I practices into the culture of the agency. Led planning for the annual Diversity Month celebration.
Education, Training and Certifications
- M.A. in Public Administration from Howard University
- B.A. in Political Science from South Carolina State University
- Certificate in Leadership Coaching (Teleos Leadership Institute and The Bookings Institute)
- ICF Professional Certified Coach (ACC since 2016)
- Experience with DiSC assessments and Strength Finders Assessments
Assessment Certifications
OPM 360 Assessments; Public Service Leadership Model 360 Assessment
Personal
Loves traveling and experiencing new cultures and food with her husband, John. Enjoys time with her four granddaughters. Strong believer in the benefits of movement for health and longevity.