Our Story

Humble Oak was founded in 2020 in New Hampshire with the goal of contributing to the dialogue around diversity and inclusion. Drawing on the founder’s work as a high school principal in San Francisco, Humble Oak seeks to help predominantly white organizations and communities think big about how they can proactively include all identities in positions of power, build coalitions and partnerships across lines of difference, and remove barriers to access.

Our Guiding Values

Humble Oak has developed the following guiding values that ground its work:

1. Diversity is both physical characteristics and life experiences. When we are able to share our stories with those we work alongside, we understand each other better and recognize the unique value each of us brings to the mission and community.

2. Being in dialogue is essential.  We are in a period of intense societal, environmental and scientific change. The status quo is not an option. When we invite all perspectives to the table and take stock of our strengths and shortcomings, we willingly embrace the new era, allied with perspectives that allow us to best adapt. 

3. We all have a place in equity and inclusion work. White individuals can’t know or represent a BIPOC experience. White individuals can and must reflect on white privilege and white supremacy, and learn about liberatory practices and what it means to be an ally.

Our Communal Growth

The company was named Humble Oak because like a tree, each company requires both strong roots and lush leaves to thrive. When we work together to become more diverse and equitable, we have a stronger foundation when winds of change and adversity blow. When we empower each person to bring their full self to work, our tree absorbs energy and inspiration, feeding its growth throughout the year.