our philosophy
Empowering Youth
Education + Awareness
Empowering Youth
At the heart of our practice is a steadfast commitment to youth engagement and empowerment. We believe that young people possess the creativity and vision necessary to drive positive change in our communities. Our unique approach involves not only engaging youth as participants but elevating them to roles as co-creators and consultants i
At the heart of our practice is a steadfast commitment to youth engagement and empowerment. We believe that young people possess the creativity and vision necessary to drive positive change in our communities. Our unique approach involves not only engaging youth as participants but elevating them to roles as co-creators and consultants in the planning process. Ultimately, we are dedicated to exposing them to multiple industries, educational opportunities, and careers so they may continue shaping the future as they see best fit.
Joy
Education + Awareness
Empowering Youth
We believe transformative change starts with love - for our planet, our communities, and each other. Joy and hope drive our work as we empower people to shape a better future through knowledge and engagement.
Education + Awareness
Education + Awareness
Creative Problem-Solving
In urban planning, the most powerful expertise comes from lived experience. We empower residents with knowledge of planning processes and governance, while helping institutions tap into existing community networks. When people understand the systems shaping their neighborhoods, they can confidently contribute to creating better spaces for all.
Creative Problem-Solving
Community Connections + Centered
Creative Problem-Solving
We are faced with a multitude of issues that affect our daily lives. When we don’t include everyone in developing solutions, we cannot create a future that supports those who have been undervalued and under-resourced. Planning the future of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities does not have to be a contentious experience. It can be one t
We are faced with a multitude of issues that affect our daily lives. When we don’t include everyone in developing solutions, we cannot create a future that supports those who have been undervalued and under-resourced. Planning the future of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities does not have to be a contentious experience. It can be one that is collaborative, interactive, and supports a healthy tomorrow.
Community Connections + Centered
Community Connections + Centered
Community Connections + Centered
There are systemic practices that prevent different populations from contributing to how their built environment evolves. We partner with grassroots organizations and community leaders to break down systemic barriers that exclude people from shaping their neighborhoods. Local expertise and youth voices are essential to creating meaningful change.
Press
WCVB City Line
Concerned about the impact to the surrounding neighborhoods, activists weigh in on plans for bus and bike lanes along the Blue Hill Avenue transportation corridor; Fatima Ali Salaam, chair of Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council, Jarred Johnson executive director of Transit Matters and Chavella Lee-Pacheco Co-founder and Principal Consultant of Consult LeLa weigh in.
Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council's Block-by-Block Approach
Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council and Powerful Pathways has been conducting an ongoing approach to bringing residents in to provide clear feedback to Boston Transportation Department about what improvements need to be made to Blue Hill Avenue. Consult LeLa supported facilitation of the block-by-block approach at the September 12, 2022 meeting.
Youth Engagement Committee
In the Summer 2022, we partnered with WalkBoston to lead a workshop series on walkability and equitable transit infrastructure, culminating in a youth-led walk audit on Blue Hill Ave in Mattapan Square.
Community, Cocktails, and Mocktails with Consult LeLa
Consult LeLa approached SparkBoston about leading their Mattapan Social in August 2022. Our focus was to bring multiple city agencies planning for Mattapan under one roof and to invite Mattapan residents ages 21-40 into a space they were familiar with to connect them with these conversations.
Black News Hour
Our co-founder is well known for her dedication to the Mattapan community, learn a little bit more about her in this Boston Globe Article!
Black News Hour: Meet Shavel’le Olivier, executive director of Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition and Co-Founder of Consult LeLa