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Mrs. Portia Richardson, M.Ed., MPP
FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I am the CEO and Founder of Tumaini DC, Inc., a transformative Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has impacted over 30,000 youth across the United States and Ghana. At Tumaini DC, we specialize in delivering culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered social and emotional learning (SEL) curricula and programming, equipping students and adults with the tools they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially while creating equitable opportunities for growth and success.
Under my leadership, Tumaini DC has partnered with over 50 schools and organizations in the U.S. and 6 schools in Ghana, delivering programs that close opportunity gaps and foster lasting change. Tumaini, meaning "hope" in Swahili, reflects our mission to inspire resilience and leadership in every individual we serve.
I also developed The Tumaini Way, an evidence-based SEL curriculum for grades 6-12, designed to empower participants to overcome challenges, build emotional intelligence, and lead with purpose. With an unwavering commitment to capacity building and systemic change, I am passionate about elevating communities and creating meaningful impact locally and globally.
SOCIAL IMPACT COACH AND CAPACITY BUILDING STRATEGIST
The IMPACTpreneur Community is your go-to hub for transforming your mission into sustainable, measurable impact. Whether you’re a social entrepreneur just starting out or a seasoned non-profit or for-profit leader looking to scale, we provide the tools, resources, and support you need to take your organization to the next level.
What We Offer
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Expert Coaching: Receive one-on-one and group coaching from industry leaders to help you tackle challenges and maximize opportunities.
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Funding Development: Learn proven strategies to secure grants, partnerships, and sponsorships that grow your income and sustain your mission.
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Operational Excellence: Access resources to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and scale your impact without losing focus.
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Innovative Program Design: Discover new approaches to creating programs that transform lives and stand out to funders and partners.
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Community & Networking: Connect with like-minded changemakers who are driven to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Why Join?
The IMPACTpreneur Community isn’t just a membership—it’s a transformative experience designed to empower you with everything you need to succeed. From securing funding to building a team, we equip you to lead with purpose and confidence.
Whether your goal is to grow your income, expand your impact, or build a thriving organization, you’ll find the resources and support to make it happen here.
Who We Serve
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Non-profit leaders seeking to grow sustainable programs and secure funding.
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Social entrepreneurs passionate about turning their ideas into action.
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Purpose-driven individuals ready to transform their stories into solutions.
EDUCATIONAL
CONSULTANT
You have bold goals for transforming your school or district’s social and emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed care, and overall climate and culture—and I am here to help you achieve them. As a graduate-level professor, veteran special educator, and expert in building positive educational environments, I specialize in developing trauma-informed, restorative, and healing-centered approaches to student learning, engagement, and success.
I offer culturally responsive consulting services tailored to your school or institution's unique needs. By understanding the specific challenges faced by leaders, I design customized strategies to foster an inclusive, thriving climate where students and staff can excel. Together, we’ll create lasting change that improves outcomes and ensures a supportive, impactful learning environment.
Signature Training and Coaching Topics:
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Trauma-Informed Practices in Education
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Building Restorative and Healing-Centered School Cultures
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Culturally Responsive Leadership Development
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Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration for Staff and Students
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Conflict Resolution and Mediation Strategies
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Engaging Families and Communities in School Transformation
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Developing Effective SEL and Trauma-Informed Curriculum
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Creating Positive and Inclusive School Climate and Culture
TESTIMONIALS
L. Hinnant
Founder of Chosen to Win, Inc.
Portia pushed, encouraged, and mentored me through the entire process of developing my organization. I could not have made it this far as a founder without her knowledge and expertise. Portia's professionalism, intelligence, and consistency have pushed me to higher heights in the non-profit space, and will continue to use her services!
K. Hopkins
Founder of Dangers of the Minds, Inc.
Portia Richardson has coached my company on effective strategy to break into the educational market, which led to the first pilot of our curriculum in a major school district. Portia is very sharp and a thought leader in the education industry. I would highly recommend her services to anyone that is looking to make impact in their perspective fields. She will become dedicated to your vision and ensure that your needs are met.
T. Jefferson
Founder of Yikes Yoga, Inc.
Working with Portia has been a Godsend! She's professional, insightful, and resourceful to say the least! Beyond the services she provides, she is also a vision clarifier and amplifier. She helped me see my vision as a necessity for my community, not just a dream! Portia pushed me to think bigger and create bigger. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with her and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
Hey Ms Portia!! I just want to say thank you again for the opportunity and everything you've done with this program. It means a lot!
Working with Portia was an amazing experience. She walked the organization through every step of the grant process. Initially the process was extremely intimidating but after her coaching we realized we were on the right path just needed guidance. Her training session was life changing for me as a professional and groundbreaking for our organization financially.
I just saw your email for the grant class. I'm sitting here crying because even though you have so much to do for your business you still thought of me. You just don't know how much that means to me. God sent you as a blessing and I'm so grateful!!!
You are so inspiring. Thank you for the opportunity to join tonight's Training. The energy was so empowering. I'm excited to start incorporating some of what I learned tonight into finally drafting out my business vision and really focusing on what's important.
Portia!!! Thank you so much for creating the Impact Institute. It has truly been an answered prayer. You have removed all of the barriers keeping me from fulfilling this vision I've had for over 10 years. I'm still in awe at how much progress we've made in such a short time. Many lives will be changed because of the work you are doing and seeds you are planting not only with the children you work with but the change makers who have a heart to make a difference but just need guidance to make the vision come true. Words cannot express my gratitude for your sacrifice, service, obedience & courage to continue to do all God has called you to do. ❤️
Hey Portia,
I just wanted to really thank you for developing the Impact Institute! I am even more excited to be a part of this amazing group!
We are kindred spirits, so much of what you said resonated with me and align exactly with my values. I absolutely cannot wait to see what this journey brings for everyone involved!
XOXO
Good morning Portia! Just wanted to send you some encouraging feedback this morning. Last night's kick off class was extremely refreshing for me! It enlighten what I needed to find balance which I'm desperately lacking... BOUNDARIES!!! Today I've started to think about what that looks like for me and will be putting it into practice! So excited and honored to be on the OG's of the Impact Institute 🙌🏽 🙌🏽 have a great day!
Hey Portia, just want to thank you again for being great. Our Zoom call on Thursday was literally everything, and I was the first of many. I love how you took all the thoughts in my mind and put him on paper in complete thoughts. Still in awe of all the things that were accomplished during that one hour. The foundation has been planted and I'm so excited to build this organization brick by brick with the help of you. My Who ❤️
