Evolve Benton (pronouns: they, them, theirs,) is a writer, speaker and healer that has a passion for social justice. Evolve currently serves as the Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, for the UCSF School of Medicine. Evolve identifies as a black, queer, boi (born obviously incredible). Evolve is a prominent writer, speaker & racial justice educator. In 2018 Evolve published their first poetry collection SIR: poetry dedicated to boihood & black queer love. Also, they co-produced their first independent film, "The BOI DOC". Evolve describes themselves as an artistic spirit using creativity as a form of liberation. Evolve earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Dillard University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a LGBT Specialization and Master of Fine Arts from Antioch University of Los Angeles.

I'm Evolve Benton Speaking in front of various colleges, universities, and corporations, I have carved out a niche for myself, merging themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and personal narrative to have transformative conversations and then applying them to policies, procedures, and action plans. I have a BA in Communications, a MA in Clinical Psychology, and an MFA in Creative Writing. With over 12 years as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant and trainer, I specialize in facilitating transformative conversations at organizations thriving to be culturally diverse and apply DEI practices in action. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I am the author of SIR: poetry dedicated to boihood and black queer love and the creator of The BOI Documentary. Furthermore, I am a podcaster at BOI Meets Wellness, where I discuss the intersections of money, business, and wellness. My transformative communication workshops identify key ways to analyze, deconstruct, and synthesize processes to identify normalized biases and un-inclusive practices from different perspectives at organizations and corporations. With this deep understanding, I can craft easy-to-understand implementation processes embedded with diversity, equity, and inclusion to help minimize biases and elevate healing that supports thriving, diverse teams.

MY JOURNEY Years of professional experience have empowered me to discern the glitches in systems and leverage diversity to foster a thriving workplace culture. The reality of being queer and black in a professional setting dawned on me after graduation, thanks to a comment from my father about needing a dress to secure a job. This understanding drives me to infuse communication, diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of my work. My journey in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) began in higher education, where I was lured by the promise of a 9-5 routine, a chance to make a difference, and a vision of a stable life for my family. Instead, I found myself immersed in a grueling schedule with long workweeks and extensive commutes, leaving little time for my family. Recognizing the need for change, I resolved to redefine my path. In 2015, I transitioned into corporate consulting, integrating DEI practices with healing methodologies, and working with companies committed to prioritizing diversity and inclusion. After half a decade of impactful work, I established Speaking 4 Profit University, where I guide other DEI professionals in building successful consulting businesses to influence the world.