PONDER DIVERSITY GROUP

Anita J. Ponder, one of the nation’s leading attorneys and consultants, is at the helm of Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG), a legal consulting firm she founded and manages. With over three decades of experience, Anita's work encompasses strategic legal guidance and advocacy for a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, large corporations and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on small, disadvantaged, minority and women businesses enterprises and diverse employees on government contracts.  Her legal expertise includes government contracts, supplier and workplace diversity, and grant writing and administration in the industries of construction, transportation, education and cannabis licensing.  

Ms. Ponder’s notable accomplishments include: conducting DEI assessments, strategies and training; identifying DEI best practices nationwide; grant writing, administration and technical services; developing and implementing DBE/MBE/WBE, social equity and technical assistance programs; developing and implementing a small business certification initiative; preparing a 50-state memorandum on government procurement and bidding requirements; and organizing and chairing the Government Contractors Business Forum, a business group for established government contractors to assist them compete more effectively in the governmental marketplace.

Prior to leading PDG, Ms. Ponder was a partner and government contracts lead at some of Chicago most prestigious law firms, including Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, the nation’s largest minority and women-owned law firm, as well as Seyfarth Shaw, Drinker Biddle & Reath, and Quarles & Brady.  At these firms, she represented the State of Illinois, Cook County, the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, and several other government agencies outside of Illinois. She also represented a number of government contractors and consultants, including many of the top firms in the construction and transportation industries in Illinois. Prior to private practice, Ms. Ponder worked for Chicago Mayor Harold Washington in the Departments of Public Works and Procurement Services and provided legal support to his supplier diversity and workplace diversity leadership teams.

Ms. Ponder’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science from Fisk University. Her legal acumen, coupled with her effective community engagement and diversity advocacy, has earned her numerous awards throughout her career. She has also published several legal articles, been the featured speaker and has made television and radio appearances to discuss a range of government contracting and diversity topics.  Ms. Ponder’s professional journey reflects her dedication to leveraging legal expertise to advocate for equitable business practices and to empower underrepresented communities in the governmental and business sectors. Her work not only contributes to the legal field but also to the broader goal of creating inclusive and diverse environments in business and government.

Sanford Stein brings a wealth of experience as Ponder Diversity Group’s (PDG) Of Counsel. For more than four decades, he has actively championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors, including governmental and private entities. Beyond these accomplishments, he has established himself as a leading authority in the highly regulated cannabis industry in the United States. Mr. Stein’s work extends into the heart of agencies, where he focuses on fostering inclusive workplaces and workforces. He provides consulting and training services that are specially tailored to the needs of each organization. His approach centers on developing organizations to create and sustain inclusive environments where diversity thrives.  

Mr. Stein’s professional journey commenced at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he managed a multitude of enforcement and policy matters. Today, his practice encompasses a broad spectrum of business regulatory affairs, spanning Illinois and nationwide. Notably, Sanford Stein is at the forefront of the movement advocating for cannabis legalization, social equity in cannabis retail sales, rational cannabis regulations. He has lent his expertise to cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory compliance, business development, real estate, finance, banking, license applications, Tribal Government guidance, and zoning for cannabis enterprises across several states. Tribal advocacy has been a cornerstone of Sanford Stein's multifaceted career. With a deep understanding of government relations and legal expertise, Mr. Stein has been a dedicated advocate for tribal governments and their unique challenges. His experience spans a range of critical issues, from assisting tribal nations with legislative initiatives to providing counsel on matters related to land use, zoning, and economic development within tribal territories. Mr. Stein's commitment to tribal advocacy extends to supporting tribal governments in their efforts to navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation and legalization, ensuring that these communities have a voice and opportunities in this emerging industry. His extensive background in both governmental and private sector affairs positions him as a trusted partner in advancing tribal sovereignty and prosperity.

Additionally, Sanford Stein's extensive legal expertise in social equity initiatives is exemplified through his notable engagement with the State of Washington. In this pivotal role, Mr. Stein has played a vital part in shaping and implementing the Social Equity in Cannabis Program. His contributions have focused significantly on providing essential legal advising to guide the development and execution of this groundbreaking program. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry, addressing historical disparities and promoting diverse participation. Through his legal acumen and dedication to social equity, Mr. Stein has played a pivotal role in advancing Washington's commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive cannabis landscape. Sanford Stein has been dedicated to serving both governmental and private sector clients, navigating a diverse range of legislative, regulatory, and judicial landscapes. With a unique blend of expertise in business and government relations law, Sanford has cultivated extensive experience in infrastructure development, public finance, public-private partnership economic development, government regulations, and procurement.

Freyja Sutherland Harris is a distinguished DEI Attorney and Consultant with Ponder Diversity Group. Freyja holds dual Master’s degrees from the University of Colorado and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, as well as the prestigious position of Executive Director at the Coalition for Home Repair, showcasing her commitment to societal betterment. Freyja's career is marked by an unwavering dedication to DEIJ, particularly within the realms of community development, housing, and organizational management. Her professional path has traversed various sectors, including legal, educational, and non-profit, reflecting her versatile expertise and adaptive leadership style. 

In a testament to her multifaceted skills and impact, Freyja has held significant roles such as the Chief Administrative Officer at Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Executive Director of the Florida Coalition for the Homeless, and even a role drafting legislation with the Colorado General Assembly. Each position has allowed her to implement strategic initiatives and manage complex projects at various organizational levels. In her current role with the Coalition for Home Repair, Freyja continues to advocate for home preservation and affordable housing, emphasizing the importance of safe, accessible living spaces for all community members. Her work not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to the broader conversation on equitable housing policies and practices. Additionally, as the owner and principal consultant at Visible Orange Consultants, PLLC, her work spans across contract development, HR, and regulatory compliance, highlighting her comprehensive approach to fostering inclusive workplaces.

As the owner and principal consultant for Visible Orange Consultants, PLLC, Freyja's position focuses on aiding organizations in embracing DEIJ values through policy integration, conflict resolution, and capacity-building. Her work spans across contract development, HR, and regulatory compliance, highlighting her comprehensive approach to fostering inclusive workplaces. Additionally, in her past work as the director of Pontiac Funders Collaborative, Freyja led a team effort involving funders, community members, and governmental entities to address key societal challenges. She managed significant budgets and nurtured a culture of strategic philanthropy, emphasizing DEIJ principles in community engagement and grantmaking. 

As Michigan Benefits Access Director of the Michigan Association of United Ways, Freyja managed a multimillion-dollar budget, developed online engagement tools, and orchestrated comprehensive training programs, enhancing statewide access to benefits. Similarly, in her role as Senior Program Officer at Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Freyja managed a portfolio of grants focusing on early education and arts & culture, improving grantmaking processes and supporting partners in program development and assessment. And she has served in a wide array of housing-related positions, from Management Specialist at U.S. Housing and Urban Development (where she was instrumental in refining administrative management policies, coordinating data analysis, and addressing operational challenges) to Management Analyst at the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Office on Homelessness (where she oversaw significant homelessness prevention and housing programs, ensuring regulatory compliance and effective fund utilization, alongside providing technical assistance to grantees) to Housing Counselor and Policy Liaison at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless (where her role involved developing housing program procedures, liaising with state agencies, and ensuring program compliance).

Freyja is also no stranger to educational spaces. As the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and DEI at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance, she provided DEI-focused strategic leadership, fostering an inclusive academic environment. Her role included compliance oversight, academic support, and community engagement, enhancing the institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Freyja's professional memberships and accolades, including serving on the Board of Lakewood University and receiving the U-M North Campus MLK Spirit Award, underscore her influence and recognition in the field. Her contributions to the legal and DEIJ landscapes are not just professional accomplishments but also reflect her deep-seated passion for justice and equality; this passion, coupled with her high-level experience, secures her place as an indispensable member of our project team.

When searching for a hardworking, experienced human resources trailblazer, one would be hard pressed to find a more qualified professional than Betty Torres. Over twenty years of HR work across multiple specializations (including labor relations, organizational development, talent acquisition, technology, employee relations, compliance, and management) set Ms. Torres apart as a standout in her field. As a Senior Consultant with Ponder Diversity Group, she works to address any HR-related concerns that arise. 

Ms. Torres’ professional background is built on the foundation of her educational accomplishments—she’s the holder of both a BSBA in Human Resources Management from Roosevelt University and an MPA in Human Services Administration from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. In addition, she maintains a position on the Executive Advisory Board of Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business, holds SHRM and SPHR certifications from DePaul University and an FMLA/ADA certification from the National Employment Law Institute, and has been certified by the American Contract Compliance Association as a Title VII trainer. 

The majority of Ms. Torres’ lengthy career in the field of human resources has been in service of Cook County Government, which presides over more than five million residents (almost half the population of Illinois). She was hired in 1991 as a Senior HR Generalist and Deputy Director of HR at the County Clerk’s office, where she oversaw daily operations and created policy and procedure for hundreds of employees. After a promotion to Manager of Compensation and Classifications at the Bureau of Human Resources, she took on the responsibilities of crafting job descriptions, advising internal and union leadership, building budgetary projections, and advising the Bureau Chief on confidential matters. 

Later, as Director of Human Resources for the Cook County Health and Hospital System, Ms. Torres was tasked with recruitment and discipline of thousands of doctors, nurses, and technicians; she next returned to the Bureau of Human Resources as a Senior Labor Relations Liaison before working for several years as the Special Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County, advising leadership on changes in HR policy and talent acquisition. In 2021, she took on the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at the County Clerk’s office, where she oversaw  labor relations, talent acquisition, local and federal compliance, policy development and implementation, training and development, records management, and payroll administration and benefits. Her most recent role with Cook County was as the Director of Human Resources at the Office of the Chief Judge, where she oversaw all levels of human resources for over 500 employees. 

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Outside of her employment with Cook County, Ms. Torres has also been employed with the State of Illinois as the Director of Human Resources for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (where she notably spearheaded a revamp of their records management mandates and moved manual and paper processes to electronic systems), as well as the U.S. Census Bureau, where she supervised daily operations as Regional Director of Human Resources. She has worked as a Senior HR Generalist for the Taproot Foundation since 2009, advising non-profit organizations with HR capacity building, policy development, and payroll administration.

Aside from her well-honed areas of HR expertise—including but not limited to labor relations, organizational development, workforce development, compliance, technology, and fiscal operations—Ms. Torres is proficient with all relevant software and fully fluent in Spanish, and her highly effective communication skills and critical thinking make her a valuable asset to any team. PDG looks forward to the wide array of additional talents Betty Torres will bring to our firm. 

Solomon Anchaver joins Ponder Diversity Group as an Associate, bringing to bear his six years of international legal experience. Solomon’s education began at Nigeria's University of Uyo, where he graduated in the top 5% of his class with an honors Bachelor of Laws degree. He then attended Nigerian Law School's Kano campus, completing a law externship at the Federal High Court of Nigeria and earning his Certificate of Call to the Nigerian Bar in November 2018. Solomon later moved to the United States to attend Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago, where he joined the Black Law Students Association, played a leadership role in Northwestern’s Global Village event, and was part of the LL.M. Soccer Team. Solomon graduated with his Master of Laws with Honors in May 2024.

Solomon's professional journey has been equally impressive. As State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, he represented the state government in civil litigation matters, securing favorable outcomes in key cases while drafting and reviewing legal documents for government agencies. He then joined ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode, one of Africa’s largest law firms, as an Associate from 2019 through 2022, where he handled both cross-border transactions and complex commercial litigation. In this role, he advised multinational corporations—including major banks, financial institutions, and oil companies—on complex domestic and international financing transactions. As a core member of Aluko's startup team, he provided counsel to both portfolio companies and investors. His litigation experience includes preparing and arguing appeals in Nigeria's highest courts on behalf of multinational corporations, as well as providing pro-bono legal representation to indigent parties in both civil and criminal matters.

Following his graduation from Northwestern, Solomon clerked at the City of Chicago's Department of Law. There, he drafted and reviewed legal documents for municipal transactions, conducted legal research, and participated in trial preparation and proceedings.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Anchaver is a polyglot—fluent in English, Ibibio, Efik, and West African Pidgin, with proficiency in French and a basic understanding of Hausa. Licensed to practice law in Nigeria, with his New York State license pending, Solomon's diverse talents and experience make him a standout member of PDG's legal team.