Who We Are
Khamai: Energy in Adversity
our why
“Latinx & Black Communities are disproportionately affected by issues like poverty, housing instability, and lack of healthcare, yet only 5% of philanthropic dollars go directly to supporting these communities.”
(Source: National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy)
Our communities face adversities due to systemic inequities and Khamai believes in the resilience to overcome.
Khamai is the Greek root of Chamomile, meaning “on the ground.” The flower represents “Energy in Adversity.” Our team has lived experience- from neighborhoods needing change—to neighborhoods looking for the same access to equitable justice and opportunities as more affluent communities—and we are actively working toward dismantling barriers and systemic injustices.
How We Work
We work hand in hand with our clients to develop inclusive strategies that uplift marginalized communities, bridge gaps, and promote equitable opportunities for all.
We provide the knowledge, tools, and support necessary to empower our clients to take charge of their own sustainable growth, amplify their impact, and drive positive change.
We were built on a passion for social justice and a drive to see people take hold of their futures and outcomes.
Our Mission
To unlock the full potential of organizations by championing meaningful stakeholder engagement, driving equitable outcomes, and empowering organizations to create a lasting positive impact in their communities.
Meet the Team
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Candy Isabel (she/ella)
Founder & CEO
Strategist | Project Manager | Advocate
Candy Isabel, an Afro-Latina and Veteran is the founder of Khamai Strategies. Growing up in Grand Rapids, MI, she has had a lifetime of experience and personal involvement in the communities that she serves. With more than ten years of experience in her fields of expertise and a Masters Degree in Family Life Education, she’s focused on K-12 education, advocacy of and for Latinx, Immigrant, and African American families.
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Javier Cervantes (he/el)
Consultant
Strategic Partnerships | Marketing Expert
Javier Cervantes is a bilingual communications expert with extensive experience in public relations, community engagement, and operational growth. He has a proven ability to develop impactful strategies that resonate with diverse audiences in both English and Spanish. Javier’s career includes key roles in communication at Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he fostered media relations and supported community outreach. Passionate about connecting people to resources and opportunities, Javier’s holistic approach strengthens community ties and drives organizational success.
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Leslie Orduña (she/ella)
Consultant
Facilitator | Connector | Community Activist
Leslie Orduña is a skilled leader in facilitation and project management, known for her ability to foster community engagement and inclusivity. As a first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants from Michoacán, Mexico, Leslie brings a unique perspective to facilitation and communication strategies. She excels at streamlining processes and managing large-scale projects, with a hands-on approach that creates meaningful partnerships and drives community-focused results.
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Carolina Garcia Medellin
Consultant Assistant
Carolina Garcia is an experienced bilingual professional specializing in social media marketing, event planning, and general management. She has a proven track record in developing digital strategies, managing online communities, and enhancing brand reputations. Carolina builds relationships with key stakeholders and manages crisis communications. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she connects with diverse audiences, making her an asset in navigating multicultural markets and fostering organizational growth.
Collaborators
At Khamai Strategies, we are proud to partner with a diverse group of collaborators, each bringing their own specialized knowledge and skills to our projects. We have worked together across various initiatives, providing our clients with expanded capacity and a wide range of capabilities to meet their unique needs.
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Jodi Peterson
Data Analyst
Jodi is a community psychologist and evaluator experienced in applied research and administration in the nonprofit, criminal justice, and education sectors. She helps nonprofits, courts, educational institutions, and government entities define their impact, measure it, and use those data to drive decisions. She employs participatory approaches and works with the community to facilitate social change efforts to increase equity and improve outcomes.
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Cleopatra Jordan
Grant Writer
Cleopatra Jordan-Johnson is an expert in grant writing, nonprofit recovery, business development, and strategic planning. With years of experience, she has helped secure funding and drive growth for numerous organizations. Specializing in sustainable solutions and innovative programming, Cleopatra is dedicated to empowering clients to create meaningful impact in their communities. Now based in Georgia, she continues to collaborate with organizations to foster transformation and growth.
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Erika VanDyke
Philanthropy
Erika VanDyke was born in Bogotá, Colombia and has lived in Grand Rapids for most of her life. She holds a master's degree in Community Psychology from Michigan State University. She has worked in nonprofit, philanthropic, and education spaces. Outside of work, she regularly participates in the Latina Network of West Michigan, serves on the board of the Latino Community Coalition, and volunteers on various community advisory committees. Erika believes in the power of community to disrupt and reimagine systems of oppression, and everyone has a role in this liberatory work.
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Melissa Penate
Procurement + Operations
Melissa Peñate, founder of Peñate Consulting LLC, brings nearly a decade of expertise in procurement, grant writing, government operations, and business strategy. Before starting her own firm, she served as City Clerk where her attention to detail and leadership made her invaluable. A first-generation Salvadoran, Melissa holds a BBA in Marketing and an MPA, alongside a Certified Municipal Clerk designation. She is active in community leadership roles, including serving on boards and leading initiatives like the Women CEO Mastermind Group in Atlanta.
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Phalesha Kyes
Public Relations
Phalesha brings extensive expertise in event planning, sales, communications, and public relations. in 2021, she founded By Phalesha Events, leveraging strong media connections to boost client visibility through strategic media placements and interviews. Dedicated to promoting diversity, Phalesha’s mission is to hire and collaborate with minority-owned businesses, prioritizing female-owned and BIPOC-owned vendors. She focuses on supporting nonprofits and value-aligned clients and provides impactful, cost-effective PR solutions that amplify her clients' missions and community presence.
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Keyuana Rosemond
Public Health + DEI
Keyuana Rosemond is a strategist and consultant with over 15 years of experience advancing racial equity for children and families across the Midwest. As the founder of Key Strategies & Solutions (KSAS), she helps organizations create innovative, solution-driven strategies and scale their operations. In her executive roles at West Michigan nonprofits, she oversees communications, community engagement, fund development, and DEI initiatives. Keyuana's expertise has earned her recognition in Crain's "40 Under 40" and the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Award for Social Change.
