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.

Alexander C. Melamed works directly under Ms. Anita Ponder at PDG as IT Project Coordinator, designing and overseeing all IT-related services provided by the firm as well as conducting comprehensive internal information audits and research projects. With a strong educational background and a wide range of skills and proficiencies, Alexander is dedicated to making a significant impact in the field of research and data analysis. During his career, Alexander has worked as a Research Analyst for Social Slooth, where he collaborated with a team of researchers to compile pre-trial reports and conducted legal research for private attorney clients. He also served as a Data Analyst for Blue Moon Realty, where he optimized outreach and analyzed sales metrics to provide valuable insights to agents and clients. As an Independent Consultant, Alexander has made a substantial contribution to educational outcomes by implementing personalized strategies and data analytics services. His expertise in data analysis, visualization, and counseling has consistently delivered exceptional results.

Notably, Alexander's graduate thesis research at The University of Chicago focused on the intersection of digital labor, artificial intelligence, and the global economy. His work, titled "Amazon Mechanical Turk and Machine Learning Algorithms: A Computational Content Analysis of Digital Crowdlabor in the Production of Artificial Intelligence," showcased his proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Complementing his academic achievements, Alexander earned a Data Analytics Certificate from Case Western Reserve University and holds a bachelor's degree in Science Technology and Society from North Carolina State University. With a strong foundation in research, data analysis, and project management, Alexander C. Melamed is eager to provide high quality services to all clients.

Megan (Meg) Larson, a dedicated consultant at Ponder Diversity Group (PDG), brings a robust background in government policies, legislation, and public issues, particularly focusing on BIPOC, diverse groups, and low-income communities. Her expertise encompasses community outreach, resource development, training, research, writing, and marketing, making her an invaluable asset to PDG’s mission of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Larson’s proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, along with her exceptional research and writing skills, significantly enhances our grant writing and submission services. Her ability to deliver high-quality work, combined with her knowledge of diverse legislative and policy issues, enables PDG to develop compelling proposals that effectively address the needs of diverse populations and communities. Her skills in software tools like LexisNexis and Excel are instrumental in conducting thorough grant research and analysis, ensuring accuracy and relevancy in our proposals.

In the realm of evaluation planning and implementation, Megan's extensive experience in educational, governmental, and not-for-profit sectors is a valuable resource. Her background in analyzing economic inequality, labor rights, and health insurance policies enriches our evaluation methodologies, particularly in projects focused on these areas. Her expertise ensures that our evaluation strategies are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the specific needs of the projects we undertake.

Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Larson’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in diverse communities nationwide is a cornerstone of PDG’s mission. Her experience as an Adjunct Professor at Arrupe College at Loyola Chicago, where she designed instructional materials for diverse student populations, demonstrates her ability to engage and educate effectively. This experience is vital in our team’s efforts to provide training and mentoring in the context of our DEI initiatives. Furthermore, her roles as a Research Assistant Intern at SEIU Local 1 and a Senior Writing Fellow at Carthage College, where she conducted extensive research on policy issues and mentored students, highlight her commitment to social justice and equality. This commitment is reflected in PDG’s approach to grant management, where we strive to incorporate these values into our work. Megan’s ability to engage with communities, coordinate fundraising and networking events, and engage in lobbying efforts for policy creation underscores her capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders, a key component in PDG’s grant management services. Her diverse background and passion for DEI enrich our team’s capabilities, ensuring that we provide comprehensive, culturally aware, and impactful services to our clients.

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.