Oppressors try to erase history so that they can repeat it. Anti-oppression is a tool to remember and build.
The people that make up organizations are the heart, which means working at the individual level is as critical as working on the organization's development.
We are all Impacted
The need for equity is reflected at all levels from language, to what we wear, to how we show up to the work.1,2
This is Necessary
This work goes beyond numbers and hirings, it is about life and death in every moment in and outside of organizations.3
This is Strategy
Culture shift is about strategy, which requires careful planning and implementation for the short and long term.4
This work is multi-faceted, and multi-dimensional. It requires experience fielding all scenarios, a breadth of history, and a solid understanding of how organizations develop immediately and over time.
This is where I come in.
WHY HAVE ME WORK WITH YOU?
With over 20 years of proven results, experience nationally and internationally with dozens of organization types from non-profits, government, universities start ups, to Fortune 500 companies, YK comes to the table as an expert. YK is head of Keep Beyond, a collective using a nationally renown curriculum based out of New York and California. We travel nationally and globally to work with you.
Strategy and Implementation
Long-term and Self-sustainable
Trainings and Education
Topics and Formats
Storytelling and Talks
Keynotes, Spotlights, Panels
Assessments and Audits
Data and Analytics
People, Coaching, Learning
Org Trust, Brand and Leadership
Film, Entertainment, Culture
Consultation, Courses, Coaching
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
The process of seeking organizational change
CONTACT & COMMIT
Our First Conversation
We will start with conversations about what you're looking for and what you want your process to look like. We set clear measurable goals, think about who will be in the room and how we can make lasting and impactful change over time. Committing to this process is one of the biggest junctures, and getting folks on board for the road ahead is critial. Fortunately, if your organization is committed, you're already ahead.
THE ASSESSMENT
Measuring where you are
We continue with rigorous information gathering to determine who will be in the room, who are the stakeholders, the history of how you arrived to where you are, where you want to be, and timelines. This involves quantitative and qualitative metrix and benchmarks so you can measure your progress. We combine machine learning, data analytics, visualization and storytelling to capture a holistic organizational cross section.
THE PROCESS
A Lifelong Journey
We begin the process as an arc, not as an isolated talk or workshop. No matter what process we settle on, the work will be embedded with your organization for long-term change. This is urgent and necessary work, and the work we do together will position you to move forward. Your process could involve a series of trainings over time, talks, virtual learning experiences, or even interviews.
STRATEGY
Continue the Process of Transformation
My goal is to make it so that when we are finished with our process, you will have mechanisms in place to continue the work without me. A sign of my job well done is that you no longer need me. Our process includes tangible and long-term solutions throughout the period of work that will ensure you will have impactful and effective transformation for the next cycle of your organization.
IMPLEMENTATION
Making it happen
Depending on what level of support you select, our implementation support for your organization can be long-term or immediate. At this stage we gather the data and experiences up to this point and integrate them into action throughout the entire organization.
EVALUATION
Measuring progress
After our work together, we will be able to make initial recommendations. This means periodic check ins, feedback loops and progress updates.
LEARN
Adapting to growth
There is no single solution for any one organization. This is why we build in a nimble and lean process to ensure we can adapt to the build, measure, learn cycle. We prepare for scalable transformation in addition to new information.
SUSTAINABILITY
Anti-Oppression is just the beginning
Anti-oppression work is not the end, but one of many pieces to achieve sustainable change. This work is about culture and mindset shift. The goal is to embed this work to be ongoing and self-sustainable.
CONTINUED
CULTURE
SHIFT
TESTIMONIALS
YK brings a powerful message about difficult issues with great clarity and humility. They have a deep grasp of knowledge about the complex issues surrounding oppression and its impact on individuals, communities, and organizations. I learned a great deal from them, as did our audience. YK's approach felt fresh, accessible and deeply engaging.
Verna Myers
Netflix
VP of Inclusion Strategy
YK worked with Thinx on an interactive and thoughtful anti-oppression program for the entire team, uniquely tailoring content for both individual contributor and management roles. Over the course of several sessions, they supported the team in thinking about ways in which oppression manifests at individual, organizational, and structural levels — and, most importantly, how we can interrupt and challenge these dynamics. YK’s activities allowed the team to practice new concepts, be vulnerable, and surface existing biases within a learner-centered space. We have the right tools to carry this work forward beyond YK’s trainings, not only as a company but as individuals.
Maria Molland
Thinx
CEO
YK came highly recommended yet exceeded our expectations. They took PRH’s staff through a series of anti-oppression workshops that transformed our organization. YK’s workshops build on each other and they made themself available between sessions and on an ongoing basis to answer issues that arose as a result of implementing change. YK's thoughtful and brilliant dismantling of internal and systemic racist structures within our organization led to the creation of a Change Team that meets regularly to raise awareness on how the interplay of White supremacy, internalized oppression and systemic racism show up every day in our work environment. YK’s training has positively impacted every staff member in our organization. The Change Team has contributed to organizational policy changes as a result of their teachings. YK is a powerhouse of knowledge! YK brings clarity with courage to very difficult and highly sensitive topics. YK is a good listener that approaches training strategically by researching the organizational culture beforehand to fully integrate it into the curriculum and delivery. YK encourages engagement and is decisive when they need to intervene and/or mediate the honest issues that arise in training. The impact of YK’s training has trickled into staff’s personal spheres and for that we are forever grateful.
Mayra Ferreira
Physicians for Reproductive Health
COO
YK worked with Fractured Atlas on an ambitious anti-oppression training program for our entire staff. Over the course of a year [they] guided us through a thoughtful exploration of the systems of oppression, and challenged us each to better understand the roles that we play, both as individuals and as an organization. I've participated in other anti-oppression training programs in the past, and even with the good ones, there's a risk of descending into a morass of anger and self-flagellation that leaves participants feeling helpless and despondent rather than enlightened and empowered. By contrast, I was struck by YK's ability to navigate uncomfortable conversations without flinching, while simultaneously keeping the overall tone productive and oriented toward actionable positive change. Within days of completing the training program, Fractured Atlas had already instituted numerous substantive changes, both in how we operate internally and in our engagement with the broader community. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey!
Adam Huttler
Fractured Atlas
CEO
YK may be the best in the field. There are a lot of people that do this work, but very very few as good as YK.
J Johnson Licon
Depauw University
Associate Dean of Experiential Learning, Hubbard Center for Student Engagement
YK worked with BAM for more than a year with the aim of creating an anti-oppressive environment for everyone in our organization. From [their] first meeting, [they] helped establish a framework for understanding and discussing issues of oppression that had an immediate and profound impact on how we work as individuals and as a team.
Katy Clark
BAM(Brooklyn Academy of Music)
President
YK Hong is a tireless advocate for a more equitable world. Our staff work with YK at Creative Capital was transformative for each of us personally and for the organization. I so appreciate how tough and uncompromising [they are], and how fiercely committed [they are] is to [their] clients' personal, professional and organizational advancement. YK helped to challenge--and strengthen--the organization in ways I couldn't have predicted. They were a gift to us!
Ruby Lerner
Creative Capital
Executive Director (now retired)
"YK expertly led the Soho Rep. staff and board through a thought-provoking series of trainings that gave the group a shared understanding of the way that systems of oppression intersect in the world and in our work, and gave us the language to discuss our own roles within these systems. Through these sessions, and by instigating caucus work, YK started us on a path towards an honest and open examination of our organizational culture, helped us begin to define accountability, and supported us in initiating a plan to undo systems of oppression as individuals and as a theater."
Cynthia Flowers
Soho Repertory Theatre
Executive Director
As a professional facilitator myself, I can say without any hesitation that YK is a consummate professional, far exceeding even the most stringent facilitation needs during our work together over the last 5 years. [They] have been not only a brilliant facilitator, but bring a conscientious and above-and-beyond attitude to [their] work in terms of preparation and aftercare. [They] have an ability to engage and connect with audiences over a range of ages, experiences and cultures, cultivating a brilliant following behind [them]. I would 10/10 recommend YK and hope to continue to facilitate with [them] in the future.
Amadeus Stevenson
Decoded
Global Head of Product
YK Hong is a dynamic and skilled trainer. [Their] sense of humor and ability to relate to people allow [them] to push participants to examine their ways of thinking helping them to grow. [They] have a rare talent for addressing multiple issues of oppression in an accessible way while making clear the many connections between them. As a fellow anti-oppression trainer, I often look to [their] methods to strengthen my own work.
Bree Carlson
People's Action Institute
Deputy Director
YK was a careful, thoughtful, gracious guide over some very tough emotional and cognitive terrain. [Their] calm demeanor and patience helped people with very different starting points feel comfortable sharing experiences and asking questions. Our work with YK was a touchstone over the course of a three-day meeting. Since the meeting, YK has been steadfast in following up and sharing resources with participants, reinforcing [their] message that anti-oppression is a continuing project.
Jennifer Bradley
The Aspen Institute
Director, Center for Urban Innovation
YK’s commitment to anti-oppression and accountability work is evident in the way [they] bring in [their] own life experiences, providing practical ways to dismantle the oppression we may face day to day. [Their] training style is includes a mixture of compassion, humor, and authenticity that challenges the participant to dig deeper and pushes each of us toward realizing liberation.
Michelle Lin
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS)
Training Coordinator
I was first drawn into YK's work when I invited [them] to do a day-long training for Asian Pacific American students at the Claremont Colleges in Claremont, California. The feedback was incredible. The students who attended [their] training (many of whom came from less politicized backgrounds) told me that because of the training, they felt they had a deeper and stronger understanding of systemic oppression, the root causes of social injustice, as well as the politics of power and privilege. I see YK's work as foundational to building self-determined communities and forward-thinking leaders.
Diana Ming Yin
Poppy and Rose
Business Owner
When our school first started working with YK our focus was on diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Over time there was a shift that occurred to a way of thinking, doing, and being that was focused on advancing a culture of anti-oppression. We worked with YK over a period of two years – faculty, staff, and board were engaged. YK fostered an atmosphere of trust that enabled us to have difficult and challenging conversations. We left our sessions feeling inspired. Our work influenced the ways we nurture the organizational culture experienced within our school building and in community partnerships... We are grateful for YK’s knowledge, experience, and inspiration.
Kirsten Morgan
The Diller-Quaile School of Music
Executive Director
It was probably the most important and valuable training I’ve ever done. I came in as a well-meaning, good liberal, but I didn’t really get what it means to be an anti-racist – a real ally – until the training.
As a professional, political person I’ve been part of many “liberal” coalitions and efforts that were completely devoid of involvement (let alone leadership) from people of color. At the end of the training I made a promise to myself that I wasn’t going to do that anymore. After a tough interview process, I have been hired as a central staff person who works with a coalition of groups, led by and comprised of 2/3 people of color. There’s no way they would have hired me if I hadn’t had the benefit of your training. I feel really lucky.
Stephanie White
Equality Michigan
Executive Director
YK- Extremely bright and undeniably one of the most genuine people I have met. [Their] confidence in subject matter is obvious and [their] ability to share and teach to a different level than [their] own skill set is remarkable. I could see [them] teaching as easily at MIT as I could to ... youth. I was extremely fortunate to have [them] as an instructor both days. [They] would be suited well working with any population and skill level.
Joanne Bogrett
YMCA
Northeast Regional Director
YK took our first year class, plus leaders from 2nd and 3rd year classes, through a multi-layered, multi session, anti-oppression process. Based on overwhelmingly positive input from students, staff and faculty from previous and current years, YK tailored the curriculum to match each separate group’s needs. YK excelled at training a large number of people, while still paying close attention to the needs and levels of the different groups. I highly recommend YK Hong for any anti-oppression process.
Marge Litchford
Smith College
Assistant Dean of Students
There is no consultant who will reach everyone within an organization around the topic of anti-oppression, but YK comes close. YK led our staff and Board sessions on anti-oppression, and I could not recommend them more. They are savvy from life, they are smart from learning, they are wise from experience, and all of that comes out in their training.
Rachel Routh
Dramatists Guild Foundation
Executive Director
It was an absolute pleasure working with YK. I was impressed by their professionalism and conscientious approach to their work. The session they presented on racism and systemic Anti-Asian policy was timely and highly impactful. Their facilitation was engaging and delivered in an accessible and thoughtful manner. I look forward to working with YK again in the future.
Shanique Bonelli-Moore
United Talent Agency
Executive Director of Inclusion
Contact
Take the first move to the next move.
Strategy and Implementation
"If you're not doing anti-oppression work, you're doing oppression work." - YK Hong
YK Hong's work is about going beyond diversity. They specifially use the term "anti-oppression" to address the deep, ongoing and active work involved in these processes.
Perhaps the most important part of this work is 1. ensuring it will continue long after your work with YK, and 2. creating a culture shift so that it is self-sustainable and supported by your organization.
YK has worked with a wide range of institutions, organizations, and companies all over the world in every field including the arts, Fortune 500, medical, tech, advocacy, creative, nonprofits, foundations, financial, entertainment, film and video, legal, health, education and more, to shape the most effective strategy based on solid, interactive and challenging methodologies.
YK Hong is considered one of the foremost experts in developing new curriculum and material for the constantly expanding idea of organizations and groups. YK has been professionally facilitating and training organizations, groups and individuals in anti-oppression work, organization development, grassroots fundraising and strategic planning since 1998. YK also has training in Human Resources Management and Organization Development.
Whatever you terms you use to refer to it, whether it be diversity training, unconscious bias training, inclusivity training, equity work, YK brings it to the next level with an anti-oppression curriculum created through 20 years of working with groups with the most up-to-date analysis.
This work is a matter of life and death. These conversations are that important and necessary.
YK Hong is a dedicated community organizer on local and national scales. They base their foundational philosophy in grassroots community organizing principles and popular education. This is reflected in her events and projects.
In addition, YK leverages technology, code and data to pull together communities and put the power of technology in everyone's grasp. They teach code, data, tech, and cyber security.
Trainings and Education
A custom-made training plan for your organization
Keep Beyond's curriculum is based off of founder YK Hong's nationally renown leadership in organization development and anti-oppression work. This centers disability justice principles and follows the leadership of Black community organizing movements. YK has been a community organizer in the US Southeast, California, New York and Korea and has always been informed by these ongoing struggles for justice. YK is considered one of the foremost experts in developing curriculum and material for the constantly expanding idea of organizations and groups. YK has been professionally facilitating and training organizations, groups and individuals in anti-oppression work, organization development, development and strategic planning since 1998.
Whatever terms you use to refer to it, whether it be diversity, unconscious bias, implicit bias, belonging, inclusion or psychological safety, organizational trust, Keep Beyond brings it to the next level with an anti-oppression curriculum created through 20 years of working with groups with the most up-to-date analysis and on-the-ground work.
We tailor the most optimal and effective training structure for your organization. We outline your goals and targets to structure a curriculum to get you there.
Some workshops titles given in the past. This is just a fraction of possible offerings.
ANTI-OPPRESSION GROUNDWORK
▫ Organizational Trust
▫ Anti-oppression Strategic Plan
▫ Team Culture in Anti-oppression
▫ Expansiveness and Holding Space Around Political Trauma
▫ Anti-racism in Organizations and Groups
▫ Anti-oppression and Understanding the Systems
▫ Working on a Multi-issue Movement
▫ Disability Justice Movements
▫ Access-centered Anti-Oppression
▫ Shifting Culture, Move by Move
▫ People Resources and Operations in Anti-oppression
▫ Working on a Multi-issue Movement
▫ Trust Building and Feedback
▫ Beyond Allyship and Action
▫ Developing Emotional Intelligence for an Unjust Climate
▫ Movement Building Through Strategy
▫ Non-Hierarchical Organizations
▫ Internalized Oppression
▫ Beyond Gender, Sex, Sexuality and Gender Identity
▫ Successful Anti-oppression Board Development
▫ Leadership and Learning
▫ Political Popular Education, Why We Need It
▫ History of Queer Liberation
▫ Anti-Asian Racism and Making the Connections
▫ College and University Anti-Oppression Process
▫ Coalition Building Movements and History
▫ Creating Responsible Content for Your Constituency
▫ Community Building and Reaching Your Audience
▫ Dismantling Oppression By Creating Our Own Language
▫ Leadership and Management Skills for Anti-oppression
▫ Accountability for Individuals and Organizations
▫ A Revolutionary Vision: What Comes Next?
▫ Evaluating Ourselves: Self-Evaluation and Assessment Tools
▫ Beyond Diversity, Inclusion, Unconscious Bias
▫ Facilitation Techniques
▫ Leadership Development and Coaching
▫ Organization Development
ANTI-OPPRESSION AND TECHNOLOGY
▫ Metaverse, VR, AR and Anti-oppressive Approaches
▫ Designing an Anti-Oppressive Metaverse
▫ Digital and Tech Education: for companies
▫ Digital and Tech Education: about companies
▫ Technology platforms and Apps for Liberation
▫ AI, Bias and Ethics
▫ Technology platforms and Apps for Liberation
▫ Breaking down Machine Learning/AI
▫ Cyber and Digital Security
▫ Digital Security for Social Justice Organizations
▫ Organizational Security
ENTERTAINMENT, FILM, VIDEO
▫ Anti-oppression in Entertainment, Film and Video
▫ Script review
▫ Writers' room advising
▫ Producer, Director coaching
▫ Film crew coaching
Freedom Trainers
YK was the Lead Trainer for Freedom Trainers since 1998 before becoing lead at Keep Beyond. Freedom Trainers was a national network of consultant trainers who used political popular education to help organizations develop their analysis around anti-oppression and organization development. Much of their work was based on creating long-term relationships with organizations and groups by working with staff, board and/or members. This type of organizational and board development has been a strong foundation for their work as a trainer for many years, as they believe in long term strategies for long-term change from the roots of an organization.
Storytelling and Talks
See past events and talks
YK Hong is a prominent and highly-acclaimed speaker on various topics relevant to their broad range of experiences. They sit on numerous panels, and give lectures, keynotes and speeches around the country.
Some recent talks have included anti-Asian racism, disability justice, anti-oppressoin leadership and management talks, organizational equity strategy, technolgy and equity, AI and equity, digital security as BIPOC and many more. Topics are catered around issues of anti-oppression and changing organizational culture.
Catch YK's TED Talk, entitled "How Having Nothing is Having Everything"here. There is also a collection of talks here.
A selection of published works
YK Hong writes articles and essays for several different publications, from nationally distributed print magazines to online publications.
Much like their speaking and training, YK's writing topics are broad and founded in their work around multi-issue organizing.
▫ Let's Say It Out Loud: Race How We Have to Say it to See It
▫ 365 Release: a self-created practice for non-attachment, letting go and change
▫ Being Present: Mindfulness Anti-Oppression
▫ Dismantling Racism Daily
▫ People's Education, Popular Education
▫ Korean in Brooklyn
- discussing YK Hong's experience with violence as a genderqueer Asian living in Brooklyn, NY.
pub. Azine Oct 2005
pub. Critical Moment Jan-Feb 2006
▫ Shoutout: Women of Color Respond to Violence" 2008.
Defining Our Own Sexual Liberation
- discussing people of color and alternative ways of viewing our bodies and sex.
pub. Colorlines Winter 04/05,
pub. Critical Moment Mar-Apr 2005
▫ MultiCulti Isn't Enough
▫ Found Family, Created Community
Assessments and Audits
Find out where your organization stands
A comprehensive culture audit for your organization gives you insight into areas of your organization that are stellar, as well as areas that have room for transformation and support. This longer-term evaluation offers a multi-layered approach to all levels of your organization, beginning with insight from the individuals that make up your staff.
The audit evaluates the entire organization from an anti-oppression framework, including communication, human resources policies, conflict resolution, decision making, programming, development, onboarding, hiring, retention, professional development, digital platforms, mission and vision, efficiency and effectiveness, with qualitiative and quantitative evaluation, using lean and agile methods.
What sets Keep Beyond apart is our unique problem-solving approach. It is not enough to simply identify problems; the most critical aspect of this work is to find effective solutions. Data-driven anti-oppression work with decades of experience with direct case-studies support this approach, but implementing transformation is the ultimate goal we reach through this process.
In addition, we leverage technology, machine learning, code and data to pull together communities and put the power of technology in everyone's grasp. YK also teaches code, data, tech, machine learning, and cyber security and is working on several projects to remove bias from AI (Artificial Intelligence) platforms and Machine Learning algorithms. These elements of forward thinking are reflected in our data gathering.
People, Coaching, Learning
Strategy, Leadership & Support Consulting
YK can work with you to support your organization through its anti-oppression implementation. YK Hong is available on an as needed basis for your organization's processes, initiatives, projects or events.
Even if your organization has engaged in equity training, it is often necessary to have support to carry out, implement and follow through. This can be through examining anything from your policies, programs, and practices, to long-term mechanisms in place, to getting to the nuances of organizational trust and culture.
The Art of Managing Relationships and People
There has never been a time that relationships have been more critical within organizations. With changing political dynamics and more information on keeping an acute analysis around anti-oppression, diversity, inclusion, anti-bias and more, the tasks of interpersonal relationships, hiring and management are YK's strength and speciality. YK takes a nimble approach that enables your company or organization to adapt even long after the work.
This means examining ALL areas of your people relationships from the perspective of anti-oppression, not simply as an afterthought. We thoroughly cover the hiring flow, leadership training, position descriptions, how to go beyond traditional sources for finding talent, expectations, interview strategy, onboarding, ongoing staff happiness and retention, professional development strategy, and covering tangible policy implementation. Coaching is also available as a long-term strategy to ensure growth across time.
Services to Take you Further
I do both in-person and virtual formats. The following are a few different configurations.
▫ Management and leadership coaching
▫ Virtual Learning Environment creation for your organization
▫ VR and AR Tools
▫ One-on-One Coaching (in person, calls or over email)
▫ Growth and life coaching around anti-oppression
▫ DEI Intensives
▫ Learning Management System development
▫ Custom live online workshops
▫ Customized workbooks and ebooks
▫ Dedicated Virtual Classrooms
▫ Branded onboarding online workshops
▫ Tailored Learning Portal
▫ Online Live Q&A Sessions
▫ Facilitation Training
Film, Video, Entertainment Sector
Anti-Oppression in Entertainment, Film, Media, Production, Acting, Advertising
YK regularly consults with entertainment, media, film, television studios, and advertising companies on scripts, readings, productions, sets, and campaigns to guide you away from oppressive tropes, writing, editing, stereotypes and casting. This can also take the form of individualized coaching with writers, agents, producers, film crew, and actors.
YK works in partnership with global studio feature films and series, social media campaigns, independent studios and more. YK has been working within the industry as an "Anti-oppression coordinator" for over a decade, ensuring productions do end up failing due to an oversight in equity work.
Services have included consulting on early or rough cuts, storyboarding, PR, script consulting, actor coaching, advertising review, set presence, merch and product consulting, cultural readings, and more.
It is highly recommended to bring YK in as early as possible in the process as decisions are made early that can determine the enture cultural outcome of a project.
Other Projects
In addition to coding and programming for two decades, YK holds certificates in Machine Learning, Blockchain and Cybersecurity. Keep Beyond philosophy weaves anti-oppression work with Tech Justice through data-driven visualizations, metrics and also gives workshops on Code, Data, IoT, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Machine Learning and Digital Innovation. Keep Beyond is working on collaborative projects to remove bias from AI platforms and Machine Learning algorithms as well as how to create equitable Ai, VR/AR/MR technology.
YK Hong is also a visual artist. Their work draws from their multi-cultural and trans-global background to incorporate themes of liberation, oppression, mindfulness and community accountability.
You can view a dedicated artist site for YK Hong here.
365 Release is a project conceived and executed by YK to practice non-attachment, change and letting go by giving away one object a day. This is an ongoing documentation and photo project.
Project Pennyluck is an ongoing and global photo project of leaving pennies around the world so more people find good luck.
