NLCU: REAL Essentials Foundations

Course Description:

The REAL Essentials Foundations course is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of equity concepts, frameworks, and strategies. This course is a critical entry point for individuals and organizations seeking to build awareness, deepen analysis, and develop skills to advance equity. Through historical context, key frameworks, and skill-building exercises, participants will learn to identify and address systemic inequities in their professional and personal spheres. This course is ideal for government employees, organizational leaders, DEIAB practitioners, community advocates, and anyone seeking to take on organizational change work of integrating equity principles into their work. No prior knowledge of equity concepts is required, making it an accessible starting point for learners at all levels. 

This REAL Essentials Foundations course is a crucial step toward meaningful change, equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and frameworks to advance equity in their organizations and communities 

This course consists of two progressive modules: 

• REAL Essentials Foundations 101 
• REAL Essentials Foundations 102 

Each module includes instructional content, interactive discussions, video presentations, and reflective activities. Participants will engage with real-world data, frameworks, and tools to build their capacity for equity work. 

Course Outcomes:  

By the end of this course, participants will: 

• Have a strong foundational understanding of equity frameworks and language.
• Begin to analyze and articulate the historical and systemic nature of inequities, particularly those perpetuated by race. 
• Recognize and begin to disrupt racial biases and inequitable practices in organizations and systems. 
• Develop a critical awareness of how social norms and narratives influence racial perceptions and policies. 
• Build confidence in applying equity concepts and tools in their respective roles. 

Course Facilitators 

Tony Patillo 

Tony refers to himself as an “inner city kid from Baltimore.” It is from that experience that he developed an uncanny ability to move people through moments of uncomfortableness and inspire individuals to meet the complex challenges of the world around them. Revered as a dynamic agent of change, he skillfully weaves his compelling life story into the fabric of his work, enabling him to effectively operate in the most challenging spaces. 

Tony brings more than 28 years of experience in Public Safety, Healthcare, and Government Affairs. After obtaining his degree in Emergency Medical Sciences, he moved to the Catawba lands of Charlotte, North Carolina where he managed the largest EMS 911 system in the state. He is recognized as a trailblazer for leading efforts to form the first EMS Diversity Council in North Carolina, and his instrumental role in the development and implementation of a Racial Equity Action Plans in major U.S. cities. 

His vast experience in Leadership, Project Management, and Lean Six Sigma has created a unique niche in efforts for the advancement of racial equity towards racial justice. 

Kimberlee Archie 

Kimberlee is a dynamic racial equity practitioner, facilitator, coach, and leader who is unafraid to disrupt the status quo. With over 25 years of leadership experience, she has made a lasting impact on people, policies, and systems across communities, local government, non-profits, and in higher education. Deeply rooted in honoring the past, present, and future of the lands she calls home, Kimberlee acknowledges the Cowlitz and Duwamish Tribes as the stewards of her birth and home cities of Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, respectively. 

Her work in racial equity is transformative, grounded in dismantling barriers and implementing policies, practices, and investments that drive systemic change. Kimberlee’s expertise extends nationwide, advancing justice with communities historically ignored, harmed, and marginalized. As a facilitator, she brings a wealth of experience, ensuring that leaders and organizations develop the critical skills required to embed racial equity in their decision-making. She is especially passionate about the wellness and healing of BIPOC practitioners—the warriors inside the systems—who fight daily for thriving and liberated communities. 

As an empowerment coach, Kimberlee supports leaders at all levels in uncovering their strengths and navigating the intersection of their personal power with broader societal structures. She is a Certified Professional Diversity Coach through CoachDiversity, bringing a deep commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and meaningful change. 

An award-winning leader in both Washington State and North Carolina, Kimberlee has held influential roles, including Deputy Director of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods and the inaugural Director of the Office of Equity & Inclusion for the City of Asheville, NC. In Asheville, she built the city’s equity infrastructure, embedding racial analysis into government policies and practices to eliminate disparities. 

Today, as the Principal Managing Partner (CEO) of O&G Racial Equity Collaborative, Kimberlee leads bold, transformational organizational change efforts. Her work centers the communities most negatively impacted by oppressive systems, ensuring that racial equity and justice are not just aspirations, but tangible realities. In every space she enters, Kimberlee embodies inclusive leadership, unapologetic commitment, and serves as a justice warrior—fearlessly challenging oppressive systems and reimagining a future of true liberation. 

For more information about O & G Collaborative, visit https://ogracialequity.com/. 

For questions, contact university@nlc.org.