A group of visionary leaders from different continents wanted to transform migration discourse through the lens of belonging, so we designed and facilitated an immersive convening that went beyond traditional models. An arc designed to build trust across diverse contexts and intentional virtual gatherings enabled the conditions for breakthrough collaboration that continues today.

Co-created with Christina Antonakos-Wallace, Míriam Juan-Torres Gonzáles and Hrishabh Sandilya.

The Challenge
Amidst authoritarian backlash and reactive migration politics, finding a way to bridge divergent theories of change across regions and identities. We aimed for:

• Rather than superficial networking, build meaningful cross-regional relationships

• Using a shared conceptual framework to navigate complex political tensions without collapsing into polarization

• Tools for holding complexity while maintaining strategic clarity

• The foundation of a transnational network capable of long-term impact

• A brave space to explore belonging as a political framework without de-politicization

Approach
A comprehensive engagement that combined intentional virtual gatherings with in person convening of four and a half days .

Pre-Gatherings

• Orientation Calls: Two strategic sessions to establish relational and conceptual foundations

• Working Sessions: Two collaborative sessions building shared vocabulary and relational fabric

• Study Materials: Curated resources including links to participants’ work and the Othering and Belonging Institute’s belonging axes

• Reflective Inquiry: Introduction to “beautiful questions,” appreciative dialogues, and shared sense-making practices

Methodology Framework

• Axes of Belonging: Inclusion, Recognition, Agency, and Connection as conceptual anchors

• Relational Design: Structured arc building from common ground through complexity to visioning

• Embodied Practice: Integration of physical presence with intellectual and emotional engagement

• Structured Inquiry: Polarity mapping, futures thinking, and collaborative design methodologies

The Result
A journey that transformed individual perspectives into collective wisdom. Our approach ensured that participants arrived not as strangers, but as collaborators already sharing relational fabric and working vocabulary, ready to dive deep into complex migration challenges through the transformative lens of belonging.

Why This Matters for Your Organization
This migration convening demonstrates my capacity to design and facilitate transformative experiences for high-stakes, cross-cultural leadership challenges. When we partner together, you gain:

• Process Architecture: Immersive design of multi-phase engagements that build impact

• Relational Intelligence: Proven ability to cultivate trust across diverse stakeholders and contexts

• Framework Development: intentional curating conceptual tools that bridge theory and practice

• Cross-Cultural Fluency: Experience facilitating complex dialogues across continents and identities