People change systems.
We give them the tools.
Affinità derives from the Italian word for affinity, or the energy by which everything is held together. By our definition, people are the energy.
Organizations, teams, and cultures are systems activated by people. How people relate to each other and to their shared purpose within these systems either creates safety, equity, and belonging for everyone — or not. We believe individuals and organizations thrive when people feel safe, heard, and connected to each other and the work.
We know our existing systems are broken. Breaking free from "the ways we've always done things" is difficult, which means open-minded, conscious decision making is essential for change. When people become self-aware, able to practice new ways of thinking and problem solving, everything can change. Safety, trust, and belonging are possible. People making positive progress within and as a result of the system is possible.
Our vision is to co-create systems where all people belong and thrive.
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With over a half century of combined experience in social work and leadership practice, the principles of equity and social justice are embedded in what we do. Colleagues, co-founders, and partners in life, to say we enjoy working together and supporting others in doing the same is an understatement. This is our life’s work.
As part of our own learning and unlearning about safe cultures and biased systems, we co-created AWAKEN: Practices for Conscious Decision-Making. Active practice of AWAKEN is the first step toward individual, organizational, and systemic transformation.
We founded Affinità Consulting to bring human-centered values and practices to life in organizations, with a focus on child welfare and adjacent social systems. We help organizations and teams solve problems and work through bias, all with our sights set on creating lasting change — be that through developing and improving people, systems, and cultures, or a specific piece, part, or combo of all of the above.
Words we live by.
Our values drive everything we do and create. From creating the AWAKEN framework to starting this company in the first place (which took a lot of guts), these are the beliefs upon which we stand.
Compassion
Take Care & Take Action. Compassion asks to not only consider another's perspective, but to act to ease discomfort or suffering. It begins with self-awareness and extends outward—inviting us to respond to ourselves and others with kindness, presence, and purpose. Compassion is the foundation for action rooted in humanity. It reminds us that empathy alone is not enough; true compassion moves us to act in ways that reduce harm and foster healing.
Courage
Fearlessness with Heart. It’s not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move through discomfort with integrity and vulnerability. It asks us to honor our truth and explore the grey areas with openness and strength. Courage invites us to show up fully, even when the path is uncertain, and to trust that growth often lives just beyond our comfort zone.
Curiosity
Inner and Outer Exploration. It invites us to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and stay open to new perspectives. Curiosity is a tool for growth, reflection, and deeper understanding. It helps us navigate complexity with humility, reminding us that there is always more to learn—especially about ourselves.
Connection
Heart Felt Humanity. It’s the experience of being seen, heard, and valued—not just for what we do, but for who we are. Connection is fostered through deep listening, shared experience, and relational awareness. When we connect authentically, we create spaces where trust can grow and transformation becomes possible.
Community
From Other-ness to Other-minded. It’s built through inclusion, empathy, and collective care. We strengthen community when we create spaces where all voices are invited, and belonging is nurtured through conscious action. True community is not just about being together—it’s about growing together, with intention and mutual respect.