Cultivar

hand and a leaf

Cultivar Advisory Group

Rooted in Community. Partnering for the Future

Rooted in farmworker communities, connection, and a tradition of hard work, we help organizations create meaningful, practical change. Our work honors both people and the land that sustains us, focusing on service delivery that works. We build partnerships that spark creativity, invite joy, and deliver outcomes that matter. We believe in shared growth and leadership that brings vitality and purpose to the work.

Who We Work With

Is Cultivar a Good Fit?

We partner with mission-driven organizations committed to positive, lasting impact, especially teams that value connection and practical, people-centered change. We’ll align on goals and recommend next steps.

Z
Values-Focused
Dedicated to the greater good and shared community values.
Z
Relationship-Centered
We prefer in-person meetings whenever possible, with flexible virtual options available.
Z
Results-Oriented
Focused on practical solutions and long-term improvement

Not sure if you fit this profile?

Please reach out — we’re happy to hop on a call to explore the possibilities, and we’ll be glad to see if we’re the right match.

Services Provided

Process Improvement
Our Kaizen and Lean events lead to stronger teamwork and smoother operations. We give your team simple, human-centered tools to reduce waste and simplify your workflows.
Team Formation
We use proven tools like DiSC and StrengthFinder to enhance teamwork. Our approach highlights unique strengths, builds stronger bonds, and establishes clear guidelines for success.
Leadership Coaching
We use a blend of coaching methods to drive development goals that matter most. Integrating 360-degree feedback, we deliver observable results that drive impactful evolution.
Change Management
Navigate big shifts smoothly. Our approach uses clear communication and human connection to ensure everyone understands the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ minimizing friction and maintaining your stride.
Customized Trainings
Our offerings invite honest expression and a grounded approach to learning. We help individuals bring greater joy, connection, and meaning to their work.
HR Strategy
Is your HR framework ready for tomorrow? We design HR strategies for lasting organizational health, offering fresh solutions for succession planning, workforce development and employee engagement.

Meet Your Partners in Change

Charles-Ashou

Charles Ashou, MBA, ACC, Managing Partner

Education: MBA from University of Notre Dame; BBA in Finance and BA in Music from University of Portland
Other Credentials: Associate Certified Coach (Hudson Institute of Coaching), Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC-trained), DISC Certification, Korn Ferry 360 Assessments and Feedback Facilitation
Background/Expertise: A seasoned healthcare leader, Charles has a wide range of experience spanning clinical operations, health policy, and HR strategy.  As VG’s Senior Manager of Culture and Performance, he champions the idea that employee experience, wellbeing, and strong team dynamics are the keys to driving business success.  He also works as an executive coach, helping individuals accelerate towards their full potential.  Outside of work, Charles enjoys trail running, pickleball, and hanging out with family and friends.

Joanne-Austin

Joanne Austin, MHA , Principal Consultant

Education: Master’s in Healthcare Administration; Bachelor’s in Speech & Hearing Sciences and Community Health
Other Credentials: Green Belt Lean Certification for Healthcare, Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF)
Background/Expertise: With a master’s degree in healthcare administration, Joanne’s career path shifted from audiology to her passion for continuous improvement that helps patients and healthcare workers. As the Project Management Office Lead at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, she helps oversee the organization’s strategic initiative portfolio and continuous improvement efforts. She is dedicated to finding practical solutions, leading in service to her team and organization, and fostering a culture of respect for people.

AB Headshot

Amber Bruner, SHRM-CP, PHR, Sr. Principal Consultant

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Other Credentials: SHRM‑CP, Professional in Human Resources
(PHR®) certification, Change Management Certificate, CAP Change Agent, ISOC Internal Communications, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (Healthcare), Lean Green Belt (Healthcare), Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
Background/Expertise: Amber Bruner is a seasoned organizational effectiveness and human resources professional with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in supporting leaders with strategic planning, change management, process improvement, and project management. Amber’s extensive background is further strengthened by her current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Organizational Communication and multiple professional certifications. Her passion for public speaking and coaching empowers her to guide teams and leaders through complex organizational challenges, helping them communicate effectively and achieve their strategic goals.

Jackson-Madison

Madison Jackson, Principal Consultant

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Health Management and Policy at Oregon State University
Other Credentials: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB), Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF)
Background/Expertise: Madison Jackson, a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Kaizen facilitator with a background in Public Health and Health Management & Policy, applies a process improvement mindset to mentoring and facilitation. As Workforce Development Program Manager at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, she leads initiatives that create accessible healthcare career pathways. Passionate about reducing barriers, addressing workforce shortages, and advancing economic stability, she champions opportunities for underrepresented communities. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, thrifting, and exploring new places—especially those known for their great food and wine.

Heidi-Lee

Heidi Lee, MEd, Proposal Manager

Education: Master’s in teaching and Curriculum from University of Oregon; Bachelor’s degree in Educational Foundations from University of Oregon
Background/Expertise: Heidi brings extensive administrative expertise and a strong passion for education and personal growth. Grounded in a growth mindset, she is dedicated to continuous learning and supporting others to succeed. As an Executive Assistant, Heidi ensures seamless operations and provides vital support to leadership in achieving organizational goals. She values building collaborative relationships and fostering environments where teamwork and trust thrive, contributing to both organizational success and the growth of those she works alongside.

Rachel-Li

Rachel Li, M.Div, Managing Partner

Education: Master of Divinity from Marylhurst University
Other Credentials: Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP); Certified Professional Coach (University of Miami); Embodied Leadership Training (Strozzi Institute), DISC Certification, KF360 Assessments and Feedback Facilitation, Change management (Prosci)
Background/Expertise: Rachel Li is Chief People & Strategy Officer at Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, providing executive oversight for HR, marketing, learning and development, project management, organizational effectiveness, government affairs, and analytics. With a background across healthcare, academia, and research, she applies a systems-thinking approach to align organizational strategy, culture, and talent. Rachel is recognized for expertise in leadership development, change management, and workforce planning, and she sponsors enterprise initiatives in strategic planning, wellbeing, and leadership coaching.

Fernando-Lira

Fernando Lira, MBA, Associate Principal Consultant

Education: MBA from Pacific University; BBA in Finance & Marketing with Minors in Spanish and Linguistics from Pacific University
Other Credentials: Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, Agile Change Management Certified, Certified Kaizen Facilitator (CKF), Lean Six Sigma Certified
Background/Expertise: Fernando is a highly experienced subject matter expert with over 10 years in change management, project management, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. As a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and Certified Kaizen Facilitator, he excels at uniting people, processes, and purpose to achieve impactful results. Known as the “King of Reminders,” he ensures follow-through with deliberate planning and a people-first, relationship-driven leadership style. He creates collaborative spaces where every voice is valued, helping others achieve their goals and strategic priorities.

Testimonials

|
Leadership Coaching

“Coaching has given me the opportunity to grow my skills as a leader and find comfort in the chaos and unknown. Charles is calm and kind, the way he coaches allows you to solve the problem. He asks thought provoking questions which kindly force growth.”

-Medical Director

|
HR Strategy
“Maddie was very helpful and informative. The content was geared in a way that I felt like I left with actionable steps to take to implement a Dental Assistant training program at my site. They also took the scariness of proposing this idea away with all the information included.”
“My favorite session thus far. I felt the speaker described their programs and how to develop similar programs well. I appreciate the specifics given on how to incorporate training programs.”
|
Leadership Coaching

“Working with Charles has helped me build confidence in my decisions and handle difficult conversations with more ease. He also supported me in becoming more comfortable with my emotions and sharing feelings, which has always been challenging for me. His thoughtful guidance and genuine support gave me the space to grow both as a leader and as a person, helping me lead with greater confidence.”

-Healthcare Manager

|
Leadership Coaching
“Charles helped me work through my fears, identify my strengths, and see a clear path forward. He is excellent at diving straight into the heart of any obstacle and making it feel doable. I always leave our sessions optimistic, energized, and making exciting progress.”

-Social Impact Business Owner

|
HR Strategy
“Rachel is a very talented, personable HR professional. While working together on an employee engagement/needs assessment project, Rachel showcased her considerable group facilitation skills to gain important insights. She navigates complex environments very effectively and is a delight to work with.”

-Britt Sale

|
Process Improvement
“Fernando has a natural ability to balance people and process. He introduced new systems and governance structures that ensure our work continues to grow, all while investing in the culture that drives us forward.”

-Local Government Agency

We’ll align on goals and recommend next steps.

white-mail-icon