Teresa M. Stafford-Wright is a nationally recognized leader, executive coach, and sought-after speaker committed to transforming how individuals, organizations, and systems lead with equity, compassion, and accountability. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Inspiring Change, LLC, where she partners with leaders across sectors to build trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and people-centered organizations.
With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and systems advocacy, Teresa brings both strategic expertise and lived experience to her work. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at one of Ohio’s most comprehensive agencies supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded services, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced systemic change to improve survivor access and outcomes.
Teresa is a survivor of incest, rape, and teen dating violence, and her approach to leadership and coaching is deeply rooted in healing, self-awareness, and courage. She is the author of Beyond Surviving: The Courage to Heal and Lead, a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. She is also a contributing author to Sexual Assault Kits and Reforming the Response to Rape, where she calls for culturally specific and equitable responses for women of color.
As an executive coach and educator, Teresa creates brave spaces that invite reflection, challenge comfort, and inspire meaningful action. She is known for blending storytelling with practical tools that leaders can apply immediately. Her work includes keynote speaking, leadership development programs, executive coaching, and facilitation for organizations seeking sustainable and values-aligned change.
Teresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice & a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, is a certified Intercultural Development Inventory® Administrator, and is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She has received numerous state and national awards for her leadership and advocacy.
At the core of her work is a simple belief. Healing is leadership. And when leaders move beyond surviving, they create space for others to rise.
With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and systems advocacy, Teresa brings both strategic expertise and lived experience to her work. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at one of Ohio’s most comprehensive agencies supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded services, strengthened community partnerships, and advanced systemic change to improve survivor access and outcomes.
Teresa is a survivor of incest, rape, and teen dating violence, and her approach to leadership and coaching is deeply rooted in healing, self-awareness, and courage. She is the author of Beyond Surviving: The Courage to Heal and Lead, a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. She is also a contributing author to Sexual Assault Kits and Reforming the Response to Rape, where she calls for culturally specific and equitable responses for women of color.
As an executive coach and educator, Teresa creates brave spaces that invite reflection, challenge comfort, and inspire meaningful action. She is known for blending storytelling with practical tools that leaders can apply immediately. Her work includes keynote speaking, leadership development programs, executive coaching, and facilitation for organizations seeking sustainable and values-aligned change.
Teresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice & a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, is a certified Intercultural Development Inventory® Administrator, and is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She has received numerous state and national awards for her leadership and advocacy.
At the core of her work is a simple belief. Healing is leadership. And when leaders move beyond surviving, they create space for others to rise.
Tonae Bolton, Organizational Consultant, B.A. in Management Information Systems, M.A. Organizational Psychology-Diversity Specialization, Certified Diversity Practitioner (CDP), and a Certification in Effective Organizational Interventions from The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. As an Organizational Consultant, Tonae advises clients in identifying and creatively solving complex problems, designing/restructuring critical processes, and fundamentally transforming the way an organization operates through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tonae seeks to encourage people to challenge their stereotypes and assumptions of others, gain a more thorough knowledge of their impact on society, and begin to use themselves as instruments of change.
Kelly Askew, Educational Consultant, M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education. She is a proven educator whose passion and privilege ensure educational equity and excellence for all. Kelly is a transformational leader who can set clear, concise goals, leading to adaptive and technical change. Kelly possesses a strong background in State and Federal Programming, where she has managed multi-million dollar grants and programs for School Turnaround, DEI Programming, and Closing the Achievement Gap. Her colleagues affectionately call her "root cause" because she intends to get to the bottom line. Kelly also serves as the Director of Educational Services for an urban school district in Northeast Ohio.
Aziah Kado (she/her) is a Senior Consultant specializing in business development, financial analysis, and research. Aziah assists aspiring entrepreneurs, current entrepreneurs, and small business owners to further their business aspirations. Aziah is dedicated to helping people realize their full potential and that they are not limited to pursuing just one dream. She has worked with start-ups in various industries such as childcare, restaurants, hair care, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits. Aziah is an advocate for young women entrepreneurs and women in leadership roles. She provides expertise on how to start a business, sustain a business, and write a viable business plan. Aziah currently sits on two boards: the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine Board of Trustees, as Chair of the Alumni Committee, and the Young Professionals Board at Urban Squash Cleveland. She is a member of the Cleveland Alumni Chapter of Tennessee State University, holding the position of corresponding secretary. Aziah is a graduate of Tiffin University with a Master’s in Business Administration.
Taylor Matthews is the Operations Manager at Inspiring Change, bringing a strong background in finance, real estate, and business operations. She blends analytical insight with relationship-centered strategy to support efficient systems, thoughtful planning, and meaningful impact across the organization.
Taylor’s experience spans quality control and risk assurance at PwC, as well as client relations, transactions, and marketing strategy as a Realtor with Howard Hanna. Her work reflects a balance of data-driven decision-making and people-focused engagement.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Real Estate from Florida International University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Tennessee State University. Taylor is passionate about using strategy, creativity, and connection to help organizations operate with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Taylor’s experience spans quality control and risk assurance at PwC, as well as client relations, transactions, and marketing strategy as a Realtor with Howard Hanna. Her work reflects a balance of data-driven decision-making and people-focused engagement.
She holds a Master’s degree in International Real Estate from Florida International University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Tennessee State University. Taylor is passionate about using strategy, creativity, and connection to help organizations operate with clarity, purpose, and impact.