Collaborate. Strategize. Transform.
Research-grounded collaboration for organizational excellence.
Advancing Impact Through People, Strategy & Systems
Our services are grounded in collaborative learning,
designed to strengthen people, align strategic
practices, and build equitable systems that
lead to measurable, sustainable
transformation.
Expertise Rooted in Practice and Research
With over 25 years of experience across education, public health, community engagement, and organizational development, our institute brings sector-spanning insight to every engagement.
Bilingual & Multicultural Grounded
We serve diverse communities—including Latino, LGBTQ+, and migrant populations—through linguistically accessible and culturally responsive approaches.
Solutions Informed
by You
Every strategy we co-create is tailored to your unique context, challenges, and goals—combining evidence-based methods with deep listening and collaborative approaches.
About Us
Collaborative Strategies Institute thrives at the intersection of innovation, inquiry, and equity. As a bilingual (English & Spanish) team of interdisciplinary advisors, we apply a collaborative approach to complex systems challenges—grounded in research and community insight. With deep experience serving multicultural communities, including Latino, LGBTQ+, and migrant populations, we co-create culturally responsive and inclusive solutions. Through data-informed strategy and an unwavering commitment to equity, we support organizations in transforming vision into measurable action—fostering sustainable growth and lasting impact.
Our Mission
We strengthen people, align systems, and advance practices that create measurable, equitable, and lasting transformation. Our mission is rooted in collaborative learning, culturally responsive strategies, and research-informed solutions.
Who We Serve
We proudly work with school districts, nonprofits, public agencies, and mission-driven enterprises—especially those serving Latino, LGBTQ+, migrant, and multicultural communities.
Meet Our Advisors
Collaborative Strategies Institute is a team of bilingual, multicultural, and community-rooted advisors with deep expertise in research, strategy, and public impact. We work alongside organizations, agencies, and initiatives to co-create equitable and sustainable systems through collaborative design, culturally responsive practices, and evidence-based solutions.
Damian Maldonado, MPA
Chief Strategy Advisor
Focus Areas:
Expanded Learning Programs, Leadership Development, Organizational Development
Damian Maldonado’s journey—from a migrant farmworker family to earning a master’s in public administration—reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, education, and systems change. With extensive experience as Director of Learning & Development for a major nonprofit health plan and as a regional lead for expanded learning initiatives in California, Damian has guided transformative efforts across hundreds of organizations. As the Chief Strategy Advisor at Collaborative Strategies Institute, he leads the organization’s work in strategic consulting, leadership development, and culturally grounded learning systems across public health, education, and community-serving organizations.
Lorena Maldonado, EdD
Education & Research Advisor
Focus Areas:
Educational Equity · Multilingual Learning · Behavioral Health Collaboration
Dr. Lorena Maldonado’s commitment to education and equity is deeply rooted in her lived experience as a migrant child in California’s Central Valley. With over 25 years of service and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise in advancing initiatives that support socioeconomically disadvantaged, multilingual, and multicultural populations. As the Education & Research Advisor at Collaborative Strategies Institute, Lorena empowers educational systems and behavioral health programs through culturally responsive strategies, curriculum development, collaborative design, and a steadfast commitment to equity-driven transformation.
Javier Carrillo, MPH
Public Health Advisor
Focus Areas:
Health Equity · Community Outreach · Collaborative Systems Building
Javier Carrillo, MPH brings over 25 years of experience leading public and community health initiatives across California. His background spans hospitals, state agencies, and health plans, with deep expertise in chronic disease prevention, health education, and culturally responsive outreach. Javier has successfully designed and implemented programs that support self-management and long-term wellness, particularly in underserved communities. As Public Health Advisor at the Collaborative Strategies Institute, he collaborates with public agencies and community-based organizations to co-develop strategies that center equity, foster collaboration, and improve population health outcomes.
Fernando Gomez, BA
Media & Communications Advisor
Focus Areas:
Spanish-Speaking Media, Marketing
Fernando Gomez is an Emmy-winning media professional with over 20 years of experience in Spanish-speaking journalism and communications. Having worked with major networks like Telemundo and Univision, he brings expertise in news reporting, editing, and media strategy. Now a consultant, Fernando applies his deep understanding of politics, global issues, and diverse audiences to lead impactful marketing and communication initiatives for Spanish-speaking communities.
Our Services
People
We strengthen leadership, teams, and community partnerships through culturally responsive coaching, capacity-building, and professional development—empowering individuals to lead with clarity, purpose, and equity.
✔ Leadership & Executive Coaching
✔ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
✔ Team Building & Collaboration
✔ Talent Development & Capacity Building
✔ Conflict Resolution & Communication Strategy
Processes
We enhance operational effectiveness through research-informed planning, targeted evaluation, and customized strategies designed to deliver measurable outcomes.
✔ Strategic Planning & Facilitation
✔ Program Design & Evaluation
✔ Workflow Optimization
✔ Change Management Strategy
✔ Resource Mapping & Allocation
Practices
We help organizations refine their practices to align culture, structure, and strategy—laying the foundation for long-term growth, innovation, and impact.
✔ Organizational Growth & Development
✔ Structural Planning & Governance Support
✔ Culture & Values Alignment
✔ Stakeholder & Community Engagement
✔ Cross-Sector Collaboration & Network Building
How We Help?
Inspiring Excellence, Delivery Results.
Empowering People
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Core Offerings Include
• Emerging Leaders Training
• New Manager Development
• Expanded Learning/After School Leadership Academies
• Professional Learning for Trainers & Facilitators
Enhancing Processes
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Key Services Include:
• CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) planning and facilitation
• Site visits to assess needs and identify growth opportunities
• Strategic meeting facilitation and operations alignment
• Customized training, mentoring, and coaching programs
These supports enable organizations to adapt with confidence and achieve measurable results.
Aligning Practices
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Methods We Use Include:
- Organizational and stakeholder questionnaires & surveys
• One-on-one interviews with staff, partners, and communities
• Facilitated focus groups for shared reflection
• Key informant interviews with appropriate stakeholders
• Roundtable discussions to co-define values and priorities
These approaches strengthen trust, build consensus, and ensure your practices reflect your mission.
KEY INDUSTRIES
Innovative,
Research-Grounded Solutions Across Sectors
We work across a diverse range of sectors, tailoring our strategies to meet the specific challenges, cultures, and goals of each field. Our interdisciplinary expertise allows us to deliver solutions that create meaningful transformation.
Education
Nonprofits
Government Agencies
Small Businesses
Public & Behavioral Health
We partner with public health departments, behavioral health agencies, and community organizations to advance health equity through collaborative, culturally responsive, and data-informed strategies. Our services include health intervention design, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement—all centered on improving outcomes for historically underserved communities.
Let’s Explore How Research, Strategy, and Collaboration Can Help Your Organization Thrive.
Whether you are a nonprofit, government agency, school district, or mission-driven business—our Advisors are ready to co-create a path toward greater impact.
Explore
About Us
Meet Our Advisors
Our Services
How We help