Meet Devan Ford | DEI Consultant & Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devan Ford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Back in 2015, I worked at the University of Houston in a DEI related role. My first year in the job, I had several people reach out asking if I was available for speaking engagements and to do consulting work for organizations. I started my business to fill a need I recognized where non-profits and higher education institutions needed consultants to help them assess their needs and create plans to advance equity and inclusion within their orgs.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dr. Devan’s Coaching + Consulting Co. provides a variety of leadership, equity and inclusion consulting and speaking services for companies and organizations. Additionally, we provide personal development and inclusive leadership coaching for individuals. What sets my business apart is the focus on creating goals and action plans based on where clients are at the time of engagement and identifying strategies that propel them to success. We support our clients based on their unique needs and are committed to helping them achieve their goals. It’s not a cookie-cutter program with set curriculum and models- but rather developed using a data-driven, individualized approach.
I am most proud of the work we did during the Covid-19 pandemic (2022-2023) helping multiple companies and universities across the country develop strategic plans to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for their stakeholders and campuses.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m going to start with food because I LOVE food and think Houston has the best options! During the week, we’re definitely going to eat at Lucille’s, Bellisimo, Breakfast Klub, and Pappasitos. We’ll also check out happy hour at Down the Street and brunch at Rockhouse. A couple of my favorite places I would take friends and out of town guests are Moody Gardens, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Project Row Houses, Red Rooster, Memorial Park and we must take a tour of my Alma mater TSU (Texas Southern University)!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My goodness, where do I begin? My entire life I’ve been blessed with a village of people who have seen talent and values in me. I want to thank Dr. Fred Bonner for being a mentor and a sponsor. Remell Boyer for supporting and encouraging me through all of my educational and professional endeavors. My best friend Tiva, for support and prayers. My parents have always been extremely supportive and of course, God directs my path. Finally, I read Viola Davis’s book Finding Me back in 2022 and it’s been influential in helping me recognize past trauma, a need to engage in therapy and heal, and how to believe in myself and work towards my goals.

Website: https://www.drdevanford.com

Instagram: @doctor_devan