“Human experience is the leaven of God in the world around us. …So we are either growing or collapsing at every moment. We are either becoming bigger souled or smaller souled at every moment. And however you and I become, everybody else becomes around us.” – Sister Joan Chittister
Essey helps mission-driven leaders, especially members of minority, immigrant, disability and queer communities, align their work with their values. Building on her international roots, she supports managers, executives, and teams globally, including clients in China, Kenya, Jordan, Mali, Rwanda and the United States. Essey uses a developmental lens to make coaching accessible to leaders at all skill levels and positions.
Leaders affectionately refer to Essey as their “work therapist” because of her twin-focus on performance and well-being. She is known for helping clients sort through the muck of office politics, personal and organizational shifts, and uncertainty. Integrating her skills as a coach and former therapist, Essey helps her clients gain clarity, direction and balance. By the end of coaching, leaders describe having more confidence to accomplish their goals and being more resilient.
A foundational principle of Essey’s approach is to marry leadership theory with real-life application. Having directed teams and initiatives for 25 years, including 10 years in federal service, Essey knows firsthand what it takes to lead. Because of her dual perspective as a federal leader and coach, Essey has a built-in understanding of employee engagement; performance reviews; reorganizations; labor relations; policy development; grants management; contracting; budget cycles; public affairs; and strategic planning. Clients find it easier to communicate with Essey because she understands the federal government context.
Experience
Coached, trained and/or facilitated retreats for leaders in various federal agencies including the departments of Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and State.
Led diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for federal, state and local government agencies and international nonprofit organizations, including the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Defense Programs, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Support, the State of Michigan, the D.C. Councilmember’s Office, the American Public Transportation Association and Save the Children International.
Former top federal government executive and official spokesperson for a regional office with an annual budget of $4 billion and 60 staff members Featured by news outlets including the Associated Press, Forbes Coaches Council, National Public Radio and The Washington Post.
Education, Training and Certifications
- Master’s degree in social work (Temple University)
- B.S. in psychology (James Madison University)
- Leadership Coaching Certification (Georgetown University)
- ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
- Official member of Forbes Coaches Council Executive Leadership for America (Brookings Institute)
- Certified Diversity Executive (Institute for Diversity Certification)
- Member (International Association of Facilitators)
Assessment Certifications
Change Navigator; Change Style Indicator; Hogan Assessments; Intercultural Development Inventory; Leadership Circle Profile Assessment; Strength Deployment Inventory Levels 1 and 2
Personal
Tapping into her creative side, Essey has written several spoken word pieces, co-authored a cookbook and co-created a children’s book. As part of her civic engagement, Essey helped to start three nonprofit organizations and currently sits on the board of directors of the Refugee Council USA.