About Us
Creating something better, together
When spaces designed for "everyone" don't actually work for everyone, what happens? Historically, marginalized communities didn't just accept exclusion—they built something better. They created their own social clubs that weren't just places to gather, but survival networks, cultural preservation spaces, and incubators for social change.
Today's organizations face the same challenge—not through explicit segregation, but through subtle patterns of exclusion woven into unwritten rules, communication norms, and "we've always done it this way" traditions. The difference? Now these patterns are harder to see and address.
That's where we come in.
As a queer, interracial couple who've navigated predominantly white, straight professional spaces for years, we've experienced firsthand what it means to be excluded from the "main club." We've felt the frustration of being served bland, generic inclusion efforts that miss the point entirely. We've shouldered the exhaustion of constantly translating between different worlds.
So we asked ourselves: What if we created something different? Something that combines genuine belonging with accessible excellence?
That's what Deming-Rivers Social Club represents—the transformative power of creating spaces where everyone truly belongs, served up in ways that anyone can access and implement. Just like a great ice cream shop offers sophisticated flavors without the pretension of a fancy restaurant, we offer deep expertise without the jargon and exclusivity of traditional consulting.
The Faces Behind the Club
Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers, Psy.D.
When Dr. Essence walks into a room, people feel both challenged and supported simultaneously. With her background as a licensed psychologist, she identifies the hidden social patterns that keep organizations stuck in cycles of exclusion.
As a multiracial, queer, and neurodivergent woman, she notices what others miss and speaks what others won't. In meetings, she's the person who says what everyone's thinking but afraid to mention—while somehow making everyone feel capable of addressing it.
Dr. Essence spots the subtle dynamics—how your meeting structure unconsciously favors certain communication styles or how your "professional standards" might actually be excluding your most innovative thinkers. Then she gives you practical ways to change those patterns.
Dr. Emily Deming-Rivers, Psy.D.
Dr. Emily transforms complex concepts into clear, actionable steps that make sense to everyone in the room. With her background working with diverse families and individuals, she brings unique insights into how groups form patterns that either welcome or exclude.
She creates environments where people feel safe enough to have honest conversations—even about difficult topics—and builds bridges between different perspectives. Her specialty lies in helping organizations understand how their physical spaces, communication patterns, and unwritten rules might be creating invisible barriers.
Dr. Emily applies insights from family systems to help organizations function like healthy families rather than dysfunctional ones, with clear communication, strong boundaries, and genuine care for each member's wellbeing.
When we work together
Our complementary strengths create something neither of us could accomplish alone. Dr. Essence identifies what needs to change and delivers honest truths about barriers to inclusion. Dr. Emily translates those insights into practical steps and creates bridges that get everyone moving forward together.
The result isn't just better "diversity work"—it's a fundamental transformation in how organizations function. People don't just feel included; they feel valued. Differences aren't just tolerated; they're actively sought out as essential ingredients for innovation.
We blend psychological expertise with lived experience, theoretical frameworks with practical application, and challenging feedback with supportive guidance. Like a twist cone with rainbow sprinkles, we bring together complementary elements with a little extra color.
Who we serve
We partner with organizations that understand justice isn't just about representation—it's about fundamentally shifting power dynamics and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
Our clients:
Recognize that checking demographic boxes isn't enough
Want to address the root causes of exclusion, not just the symptoms
See diversity as essential to their mission, not a side project
Are prepared to invest real resources in meaningful change
Understand that how people experience their organization matters more than what policies say
From community organizations to educational institutions to nonprofits, our clients share one essential quality: a genuine commitment to creating liberation-centered spaces where people of all identities can bring their full selves and do their best work.
We're selective about who we work with because transformation requires genuine commitment. If you're looking for quick fixes or surface-level solutions, we're not your people. But if you're ready to create something truly better—something that addresses the root causes of exclusion while building an authentic community—let's talk.
We’re totally your flavor if…
You've outgrown the basics — You've already done the Diversity 101 training and know you need something with actual depth and substance
You're hungry for skills, not just awareness — You want practical tools your team can implement the very next day, not just theoretical concepts
You see the uncomfortable truth — You've noticed the gap between your stated values and your actual culture, hiring practices, and program results
You welcome necessary discomfort — You understand that meaningful transformation requires sitting with difficult emotions rather than avoiding them
You invest in quality ingredients — You're prepared to allocate real resources (time, money, decision-making power) to this essential work
You recognize quick fixes are bland — You understand that åå change requires consistent attention, not just a one-day workshop
You prioritize human experience — You recognize that while policies matter, how people actually feel in your spaces matters more
Our clients include nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, and community organizations across the country. They range from small grassroots groups to established institutions, but they all share one essential quality: a genuine commitment to creating spaces where people of all identities can truly bring their full selves.