At Sort Sol Group, we engage social sector, business, education, government, and philanthropic leaders to be a collective force for community change.

Working together to create positive, meaningful, and sustainable change to benefit our communities. Easy to state, difficult to do.

We focus on strengthening client impact with advisory in business modeling, collaboration, equity, governance, leadership, and strategy development. Bringing a networked consulting model, combined with community learning and development, we support projects tackling issues of all types and sizes.

At Sort Sol Group, we work with community leaders to co-create knowledge to be a collective force. We lead change, together.

Our Story

The Danish term “sort sol” refers to a natural phenomenon in which hundreds of thousands of starlings gather to collectively select a location to rest or avoid a predator. The imagery of sort sol connects with our values of community, partnership, and collaboration. The challenges we face are larger than any one person, organization, or sector can independently overcome – they require a unified effort to make an impact.

We later discovered that Sort Sol is also a Danish 1970s punk rock band with an affinity for leather. We have yet to find a profound connection between the band and our effort, but are open to suggestions!

Prior to founding Sort Sol Group and after spending over two decades in the financial services industry, Dennis began working at Forward Community Investments (FCI), a statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Madison, WI.

CDFI’s plays an important role in generating economic growth and opportunity in some of our nation’s most distressed communities. By offering tailored resources and innovative programs that invest federal dollars alongside private sector capital, the CDFI Fund serves mission-driven financial institutions that take a market-based approach to supporting historically disinvested communities.

Dennis was responsible for creating “Advisory Services”, a management consulting subsidiary of FCI, where he significantly grew the organizational budget while diversifying its revenue mix.

Individuals and communities who are disadvantaged as a result of complex, long-term, and systemic issues seek change.

Together, we lead changemakers to be a collective force for social justice.

  • Complexity is a cause for collaboration.
  • Individuals are committed to that which they help create.
  • Those most impacted by a decision should have voice in shaping it.
  • Robust and sustainable solutions come from embracing divergence.
  • Organizations who commit justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion concepts to their organizational values have greater impact on their communities and provide relevance in a rapidly changing world.

Equitable communities built by meaningful and sustainable social change.

Our Flock

Sort Sol Group enjoys a positive reputation for identifying disciplined teams who deliver thoughtful projects on time and on budget.

We are a “Flock” of talent, tethered by a shared set of values, who are passionate about community change. We leverage this legion, our credibility, and the unique strengths of the Flock to accelerate client outcomes.

We apply the behavioral values of a flock – separation, alignment, and cohesion. Flocks avoid crowding neighbors (separation), orient efforts to maneuver together (alignment), and steer towards a common direction (cohesion).

The Flock supports greater impact through community, partnership, and collaboration. Our advisory represents the full range of functions and skills needed by organizations to thrive regardless of type, tenure, trajectory, or territory.

Aaron Everett, BS (he/him/his)

Environment

Founder
Detroit West

Aaron brings more than 20 years of experience in the government and social sectors. He helps purpose-driven organizations solve their toughest problems and maximize their impact. Aaron holds his BS from the Michigan Technological Univesity.

Agnes Meneses, MBA (she/her/hers)

Equity

Founder
AGMeneses Consulting

Agnes brings over 30 years of experience in philanthropy. She is a network weaver, people engager, and visionary who partners with leaders to deepen their commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Agnes holds her MBA from DePaul University.

Amelia Kohm, PhD (she/her/hers)

Data Visualization

Founder
Data Viz

Amelia brings over 30 years of experience in research design. She creates data visualizations to help clients quickly grasp their data, improve their work, and demonstrate impact. Amelia earned her PhD from University of Bath.

Brad Krueger, MPH (he/him/his)

Evaluation

Principal
Krueger Consulting

Brad brings over 15 years of experience in the government and social sectors. He has a deep background in public health. Brad holds his MPA from Des Moines University.

Carrie Sanders, MCP (she/her/hers)

Community Finance

Founder & CEO
Hope Community Capital

Carrie brings over 20 years of experience in community finance. She connects development projects with financing, and investors with opportunities to cultivate sustainable and inclusive communities. Carrie holds her MCP from MIT.

Christa Brown, BFA (she/her/hers)

Equity

Founder
Brown Consulting

Christa brings over 10 years of experience in community partnership. She is deeply committed to advancing initiatives that benefit communities of color. Christa holds her BFA from Longwood University.

Colleen Kassouf-Mackey (she/her/hers)

Evaluation

Founder
DataShine

Colleen brings over 25 years of experience partnering with purpose-driven organizations to discover how programs work, why they are important, and how they can work better. Colleen holds her MPA from American University.

David Beard, MSW (he/him/his)

Policy Advocacy

Principal
Anchor Collaborative

David brings nearly 20 years of experience in public policy. His experience includes lobbying, research and data collection, developing coalitions, determining policy priorities, and supporting public agency growth. David holds his MSW from the University of Texas at Austin.

Deb Glipin, BS (she/her/hers)

Arts + Culture

Principal
Blue Heron

Deb brings more than 40 years of experience in the academic, corporate, and social sectors. She provides strategic perspective, practical skill, and enduring wonder to her client work. Deb holds her BS from the University of Wisconsin.

Dennis Johnson, MBA (he/him/his)

Strategy

Managing Partner
Sort Sol Group

Dennis brings more than 30 years of experience in the academic, corporate, government, philanthropic, and social sectors. He centers his impact using tools and methods from contemporary thoughts leaders. Dennis holds his MBA from the University of Nebraska.

Jen Roberts, MA(she/her/hers)

Leadership

CEO
Difference Consulting

Jen brings more than 20 years of experience in the academic, corporate, and government sectors. She helps organizations build, develop, and leverage the unique talents of their leaders and teams. Jen holds her MA from Radford University.

Jenifer Gager, MPA (she/her/hers)

Governance

Principal
JLG Consulting

Jenifer brings over 20 years of experience helping leaders achieve social change. She has developed peer cohort groups focused on governance, race equity, and social entrepreneurship. Jenifer holds her MPA from Columbia University.

Jenn Ballentine, MPH (she/her/hers)

Evaluation

Founding Partner
Positive Impact

Jenn brings over 25 years of experience in the government and social sectors. She has a deep background in public health. Jenn holds her MPA from Emory University.

Juanita Davis, JD (she/her/hers)

Equity

Principal
Fire & Light Consulting

Juanita brings over 15 years of experience helping leaders foster belonging and expanded access. She explores social change for racial justice through the intersection of history, lived experience, and dream-work. Juanita holds her JD from the University of Wisconsin.

Katrina Mitchell, MURP (she/her/hers)

Design Research

Managing Partner
Design for Good

Katrina brings more than 30 years of experience in the academic, corporate, and social sectors. She centers her impact using design tools and contemporary research. Katrina holds her MURP from the University of Minnesota.

Laura Pinsoneault, PhD (she/her/hers)

Social Impact

Founder & CEO
Evaluation Plus

Laura brings over 25 years of experience in evaluation, leadership, organizational development, and strategy. She prioritizes assets and engagement as drivers of equitable solutions. Laura holds her PhD from the University of Wisconsin.

Lauren Johnson, BS (she/her/hers)

Data Analysis

Consulting Assistant
Sort Sol Group

Lauren brings over 5 years of experience in the corporate and social sectors. She enjoys distilling, evaluating, and presenting data to ensure a shared understanding that yields improved decision making. Lauren holds her BS from the University of Wisconsin.

Lina C, BS (she/her/hers)

Human Resources

Consultant
Lina A Consulting

Lina brings over 10 years of experience in the corporate and social sectors. She advise on people and organizational needs to align human capital with business strategy. Lina holds her BS from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Madeline Johnson, BS (she/her/hers)

Content Design

Consulting Assistant
Sort Sol Group

Madeline brings over 5 years of experience in the corporate and social sectors. She enjoys creating and innovating digital and print collateral for clients. Maddy holds her BA from the University of Iowa.

Manami Kano, MPA (she/her/hers)

Philanthropy

Founding Partner
Kano Advising

Manami brings over 30 years of experience in the corporate, education, government, and social sectors. She has a deep background in philanthropy. Manami holds her MPA from Baruch College.

Mary Patoka, BS (she/her/hers)

Economic Justice

Principal
Patoka Consulting

Mary brings over 35 years of experience in economic justice focused on creating opportunities in community. She is certified by the National Development Council and holds her BS from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Mary Tauras, MA (she/they)

Evaluation

Associate
Forge Consulting

Mary brings over 10 years of experience in the education, healthcare, and social sectors. She has a deep background in program evaluation. Mary holds her MA from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Molly Herrmann, MS (she/her/hers)

Equity

Principal
Humble Pie Consulting

Molly brings more than 20 years of experience in the government and social sectors, specializing in LGBTQ equity, health, HIV, and community readiness. She holds her MS from the University of Wisconsin.

Nathan Groce, MBA (he/him/his)

Development

CEO
Market Me Consulting

Nathan brings over 20 years of experience in the corporate and social sectors. He’s supported development and marketing for global nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies, and local governments. Nathan holds his MBA from the University of Maryland.

Patti Seger, BA (she/her/hers)

Client Acquisition

Acquisition Manager
Sort Sol Group

Patti brings more than 40 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors, including leader of a statewide nonprofit for the past 15 years. She holds her BA from the University of Wisconsin.

Nicole Robinson, PhD (she/her/hers)

Evaluation

Senior Consultant
Leverage Philanthropic Partners

Nicole brings more than 20 years of experience in the academic, corporate, and social sectors. She creates space for individual and institutional transformation that advances ideas and practices of belonging, inclusion, and justice. Nicole holds her PhD from the University of Wisconsin.

Ray Gargano, MA (he/him/his)

Arts + Culture

Principal
Gargano Consulting

Ray brings over 25 years of experience in the arts. He helps cultural organizations with their community development, leadership, program design, policy advocacy, and strategy development. Ray holds his Masters in Arts from the University of Akron.

Robin Scott, MA (she/her/hers)

Equity

Founding Partner
ICU Consulting

Robin brings over 10 years experience in the social impact sector. She is an activist, public intellectual, and writer who advocates for the oppressed. Robin holds her Master’s Degree from Lakeland University.

Ruth Jorgensen, MSW (she/her/hers)

Equity

Principal
Corazon Catalysts

Ruth brings over 20 years of experience in the social impact sector. She enjoys designing and holding space for equity-centered
strategy, leadership, and organizational change. Ruth holds her MSW from California State.

Sara Beanblossom, MA (she/her/hers)

Communications

Principal
Beanblossom Consulting

Sara brings over 20 years of experience in communications and advocacy. She is a storyteller and resource developer, building connection across and within communities to advance their relevance. Sara holds her MAAA from Indiana University.

Sara Pickard, BA (she/her/hers)

Business Operations

Business Manager
Sort Sol Group

Sara brings over 35 years of experience in the corporate and social sectors. She has a deep background in women’s empowerment. Sara holds her BA from the University of Minnesota.

Vernetta Walker, JD (she/her/hers)

Equity

CEO
Walker & Associates

Vernetta brings over 25 years of experience in the corporate, philanthropy, and social sectors. She is passionate about helping organizations advance DEI for mission impact. Vernetta holds her JD Washington University.

Sort Sol Group is a domestic limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin (United States of America), since 23 July 2015, and a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise through the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative.