Rachel V. Rosen, the Founder of SPARK Equity in Action, is a seasoned DEIB practitioner and executive coach. She believes that everyone’s story matters and that intentional conversations are catalysts for change. With a Master’s degree from Stanford, expertise in leadership development, and extensive experience leading DEIB systems-change efforts, her approach is grounded in theory, practice, and a deep commitment to helping people work better together. She and her wife reside in Austin, Texas, with their three-year-old daughter and their dog.
Her commitment to inclusion and equity informs every aspect of her work, driving her passion for creating truly equitable and belonging-centered workplaces. She understands that sustainable change requires not just surface-level adjustments, but a fundamental shift in mindset and organizational culture. Rachel V. Rosen’s dedication to fostering authentic connections and empowering leaders makes her a true champion for inclusive leadership.
The Power of Connection
From a young age, Rachel was drawn to the power of connection, fascinated by the intricate dance of bringing people together across their differences. This early curiosity ignited a lifelong pursuit of understanding the dynamics of inclusion and equity. The more she learned, the more questions arose, propelling her to seek solutions. In 2017, this drive culminated in the founding of SPARK Equity in Action, an organization dedicated to fostering a world where everyone experiences belonging.
Rachel V. Rosen’s vision for SPARK Equity in Action is grounded in the belief that micro-moments have macro-impacts. She understands that lasting change isn’t achieved through grand gestures alone, but through the consistent, small steps individuals take over time. SPARK’s mission is to spark and sustain conversations and strategies that ignite more equitable and inclusive conditions, one connection at a time. The organization emphasizes activating awareness, encouraging intentional action, and integrating accountability as key vehicles for driving sustainable change.
Rachel V. Rosen believes that everyone, regardless of background, deserves to experience belonging and inclusion. Now more than ever, she emphasizes the importance of leaders and teams committing to being champions for belonging. Her work with SPARK Equity in Action focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to create environments where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is a lived reality. Through coaching, workshops, training, and consulting, Rachel and her team at SPARK equip leaders with the tools and strategies they need to build truly inclusive cultures. They work to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a sense of belonging for all, recognizing that true equity requires ongoing effort and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Rachel’s passion for building bridges and fostering connection is at the heart of SPARK Equity in Action’s work, driving positive change and creating a more just and inclusive world.
Leading with Authenticity
SPARK Equity in Action, a consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development, empowers organizations to achieve their goals through tailored strategies, training, resources, and assessments. The firm collaborates closely with clients, co-creating strategies that reflect their unique needs and fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility. At the heart of SPARK’s approach is the belief that real change stems from authentic connection and intentional action. This philosophy is embodied in four interconnected pillars that guide the firm’s work:
- Executive Coaching: SPARK partners with individual leaders, providing one-on-one support to navigate complex conversations and challenging moments related to building inclusive cultures. Through coaching, leaders develop practical skills, enhance emotional intelligence, and cultivate the confidence to lead with authenticity and purpose. The focus is on helping leaders find their unique voice in creating environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
- Strategic Planning & Integration: SPARK works with organizations to translate insights into tangible actions, weaving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into the very fabric of their business operations. By aligning DEIB initiatives with core business goals, SPARK facilitates lasting and meaningful change.
- Leadership Team Development: SPARK facilitates powerful growth experiences for leadership teams. Through tailored workshops and strategy sessions, teams move from awareness to action, discovering how to be better and do better together. These collaborative sessions foster a shared understanding of inclusion and empower teams to lead collectively.
- Data & Analytics: SPARK grounds its efforts in data-driven insights. Assessments and analytics provide a clear understanding of an organization’s current state, enabling SPARK to chart a strategic path forward. This data-informed approach ensures that DEIB initiatives are targeted and effective.
Rachel V. Rosen, the driving force behind SPARK Equity in Action, is passionate about partnering with leaders who are committed to creating ripples of change throughout their organizations. SPARK’s collaborative approach ensures that clients are supported every step of the way, fostering sustainable transformation and building a more inclusive world.
Commitment to Inclusive Leadership
Regardless of background or the terminology used to explain the work, Rachel supports leaders in sparking and sustaining conversations and strategies that fuel equity and inclusion at every level, creating ripples of change, one authentic connection at a time.
Rachel and her team maintain their innovative edge through several key practices. They prioritize deep listening, understanding each leader’s unique challenges and aspirations. They remain current on best practices, the latest research, and relevant articles in the field. Creating space for and regularly soliciting feedback is crucial to their process. This input directly informs the development of practical, grounded solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. A spirit of curiosity drives them to explore new possibilities and think outside the box. Finally, they prioritize measuring what matters, ensuring they can demonstrably see the impact of their efforts.
Rachel draws constant inspiration from leaders willing to champion inclusion and equity. This fuels her belief in personalized solutions. She rejects the idea of cookie-cutter approaches or surface-level fixes. Recognizing the uniqueness of each leader’s path, she crafts customized strategies that reflect their individual values and vision. Her work emphasizes authentic connection and collaboration, empowering leaders to become true agents of change within their organizations and beyond.
From Intention to Impact
One particularly impactful partnership for Rachel V. Rosen involved a senior leader seeking to translate good intentions regarding inclusion into tangible results. Like many leaders she works with, this individual possessed a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive culture but lacked a clear roadmap for action. Rachel guided them through a process focused on what she considers essential elements of true transformation: activating self-awareness and establishing a shared language among staff; developing and implementing practical tools to build upon that shared language; creating safe spaces for honest, courageous conversations where every voice is heard; and integrating accountability into systems in a genuine and sustainable manner.
The results of this partnership were remarkable. The organization witnessed a noticeable shift in interpersonal dynamics, with individuals showing up more authentically for one another. Discussions about inclusion and belonging became more open and honest. Trust and engagement increased across teams. Leaders at all levels began consistently taking small but meaningful steps, demonstrating a commitment to long-term change. Data collected over time confirmed the positive impact of the work.
The key to this success, in Rachel’s view, was the leader’s willingness to prioritize personal growth. They understood the importance of looking inward before looking outward, a principle Rachel emphasizes in her work. This commitment to self-awareness and personal development is what she means by helping people be better and do better together. It’s about creating those ripples of change, one authentic connection at a time, fostering a culture of inclusion that radiates outward.
Vision for Inclusive Leadership
SPARK Equity in Action, guided by five core values—Inclusion, Integrity, Innovation, Introspection, and Intentionality—doesn’t just advocate for change; it embodies it. These principles permeate every interaction, from strategic planning sessions to challenging coaching conversations. Fostering trust and authenticity is woven into the fabric of SPARK’s work, both internally and externally. Through tailored programs, practical tools, and meaningful dialogue, SPARK is committed to empowering leaders to build workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered.
5 Key Takeaways to Learn from Rachel V. Rosenl’s Story:
- Rachel V. Rosen sees intentional dialogues as crucial catalysts for fostering equity and inclusion.
- She emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and authentic connection in driving transformation.
- She advocates for a holistic approach that addresses mindset shifts, organizational culture, and systemic barriers.
- Rachel believes that both equipping leaders with tools/support AND empowering leaders are crucial for building inclusive workplaces.
- Her data-driven approach ensures that DEIB initiatives are targeted, effective, and sustainable.
