We can change the world, together…

Strategic Planning

Elizabeth provides technical assistance to turn big ideas into reality. She helps her clients spark change with bold solutions to the issues they care about.

Communications

Elizabeth helps her clients create evidence-based products and messaging that encourages action to make a positive social impact.

Facilitation

Elizabeth facilitates spaces for change agents to communicate, learn, collaborate, develop an effective strategy, and grow.

Bold action,

big results

Sisu Consulting, LLC is an influential consultancy founded by social entrepreneur and reproductive justice advocate, Elizabeth Dawes Gay, MPH. Sparking change in the lives of women of color and marginalized communities around the world, Sisu is devoted to creating a world where women of color have the resources and power they need to live healthy and happy lives.

Sisu works with organizations and businesses to rouse key stakeholders to action in support of and care for women of color, low-income people, and marginalized communities with innovative programs, strategic policies, and meaningful resources and tools.

Sisu [pronounced see-soo] is a Finnish term meaning extraordinary determination, courage, persistence, and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Those with a “Sisu” mindset take action to overcome challenges with grit and an invincible spirit. The daughter of parents who emphasized community service and caring for others, Elizabeth’s passion for building power in communities of color to thrive through adversity is at the foundation of her work.

#large

Elizabeth creates smart strategy and sustainable solutions

  • Sample Clients

    State Innovation Exchange

    Orchid Capital

    The New School

    Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

    White Ribbon Alliance

    Viacom

    UCSF

    New Venture Fund

    ProPublica

    Black Folks in Design

  • Featured Articles

    When Will America Save Black Mothers From Dying? Never, Without Us | The Root

    It’s Up to Us All to Change the Maternal Mortality Rate of Black Women | MTV News

    Serena Williams Could Insist That Doctors Listen to Her. Most Black Women Can’t. | The Nation

    This Mother’s Day, Raise Your Voice for Black Maternal Health | The Root

    Housing Instability Is an Important (Yet Overlooked) Factor in the Maternal Health Crisis | Rewire.News

    How the Senate’s Health Care Bill Will Seriously Hurt Black Women | TIME Motto

  • Select Publications

    Setting the Standard for Holistic Care of and for Black Women

    Advancing Holistic Maternal Care for Black Women Through Policy

    Reproductive Health and Economic Well-Being in East Africa

    Interventions to Address the Economic Causes and Consequences of HIV/AIDS

    African Union Commission – The Demographic Dividend in Africa Relies on Investments in the Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescents and Youth

Let’s work