Hi, I’m becca.
I launched Step Back for two reasons:
One- starting a new organization is overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to turn for support.
Two- despite being more “connected” as a society than ever before, we actually feel more isolated and alone.
We need more spaces for connection and belonging. Whether it’s a one-on-one coaching space, a team strategic planning session, or a convening of peers from across the country, how we connect matters.
Change starts with us- our best work, greatest impact, and feelings of satisfaction come when we feel safe, seen, and heard. When we feel like the best version of ourselves. When we feel valued by those around us.
Yes, Step Back is here to advise- on launching or developing your organization’s strategy and operations, designing your next big initiative, or planning your next convening. But we are different in how we create and hold space so that you and your team can meet the moment with clarity and confidence.
At Step Back we are honored to collaborate with incredible community builders, facilitators, strategists, operations experts, and all-around-amazing-humans.
Cristina Calvillo-Rivera, Principal & Co-Founder, CR Strategies
Cristina brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience across local, state, and national organizations. At CR Strategies, she helps clients transform organizational performance through strategic planning and team alignment. Cristina is a master facilitator, convening designer and curriculum developer.
Cristina lives in El Paso, Texas with her wife Ambar and their dogs, Churro and Frida.
STEP BACK COLLABORATORS
BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
Since 2021, Rebecca Weinberg Jones has led Step Back Advising, LLC, where she supports leaders and teams committed to a more just and equitable world to maximize their impact. Becca brings 15 years of experience in education equity, strategic planning, and adult learning to create and facilitate spaces for leaders to step back, reflect, and plan for success.
Prior to Step Back, Becca was on the founding team of Community Engagement Partners (CEP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education organizations and leaders to partner with and learn from their local communities through authentic community engagement. As Deputy Director, Becca was responsible for all aspects of the organization's launch, ongoing operations, and strategy development, as well as providing coaching and advising services to CEP clients. Before CEP, Becca worked at national education policy nonprofit organizations, including Mass Insight Education and Education Cities, where she worked with districts and state departments of education on strategies to turn around low-performing schools, as well as with local philanthropy on city-wide strategies for creating and sustaining high-performing schools.
Becca is an accredited coach and takes a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to her coaching practice. She earned a BA in Urban Studies from Vassar College and an MA in Urban Education Policy from Brown University. She lives in Providence with her husband, Bryant, and her dog, Max. In her free time, you’ll find her making art, rooting for the Celtics, and teaching indoor cycling at the local JCC and YMCA.
Maribel Gardea, Co-founder/Executive Director, MindshiftED
As ED of MindshiftED, Maribel builds the skills, confidence and capacity of parent leaders to be systems change makers in San Antonio, TX. Maribel is a mother of two beautiful boys, one differently abled. Her goal is to help the parents/caregivers of San Antonio change the systems in place to get the best opportunities for their children. Parents are the sleeping giants the education system is missing. Once they know their power and passion nothing can stop them from a grand vision.
Kevin Leslie, Founder & CEO, Good Work Ventures
Kevin Leslie has an extensive background in finance, operations and education and has been doing this work for more than two decades. As a finance and operations consultant, he has played a pivotal role in launching nonprofit organizations of all sizes and managing substantial budgets. At Good Work Ventures, Kevin provides unrivaled operational support to nonprofit organizations looking to increase and improve their impact.
Bryant Jones, Principal & Founder, Barus Hall Advising
Bryant has worked in education for 20 years. He began his career at Match Charter Middle School in Boston, MA. Since then, he has supported the growth of high-performing schools in government and philanthropy. Bryant was the founding Chief Investment Officer for Boston Schools Fund. He now leverages his experience in public education specializing in strategic planning, operations, and financial management. Bryant holds an M.P.A. from the Kennedy School at Harvard, an M.A. in Urban Education Policy from Brown University, and a B.A. in English from Harvard College. Bryant lives in Providence, RI, with his wife and dog.
Liset Rivera, Director of Learning & Community, City Fund
Liset Rivera is a community-builder, retreat leader, and seasoned events strategist who creates transformative spaces where people feel both grounded and uplifted. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit education sector, Liset has designed large-scale convenings and intimate gatherings that foster deep connection, reflection, and healing. At City Fund, Liset leads national efforts to cultivate relationships, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration among education leaders working to improve public education. She holds a degree in Business Marketing from San Jose State University and lives on the Central Coast of California with her husband, son, and their border collie, Cooper.
Alesha Arscott, Founder & CEO, Unleashed
Alesha is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Unleashed, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to implementing strengths-based practices with individuals, teams, organizations, and students to achieve breakthrough results in life, school, and work. Prior to founding Unleashed, Alesha led talent strategy and operations and has done extensive DEI work locally in Denver to recruit professionals of color and ensure there are inclusive work places where ALL talent can thrive.
David Sailer, Founder & Partner, Clarion River Group
David is a long-time organizer, advocate, coach and organizational development strategist. He has a background in labor, housing, education and political organizing. David has worked across the US and in Central America teaching and training organizers, and in leadership roles including Executive Director, CFO, CPO and COO. David holds a Bachelors from Wesleyan University and a Masters in Organizational Development and Leadership from Fielding Graduate University.