Three NYU SPS students – two in the Executive Coaching Certificate program and one in the MS in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting were the recipients of scholarships that were generously funded by Bravely, an innovative platform that connects people to on-demand confidential coaching. The goal of these scholarships is to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the coaching industry.
The three scholarship recipients are Rachael Arthur and Renae Williams, who are both enrolled in the Certificate in Executive Coaching program and will receive funding of $8,750 each; and Ray Gonzales, a student in the MS in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting, who will receive a $7,500 scholarship for the fall semester. In addition to the funding, these Coaching Fellows will serve as apprentice members within the Bravely Pro network, augmenting their academic learning with real-world experience.
“We are thrilled to award the inaugural scholarships made possible by Bravely to these three talented and deserving students. Making coaching education accessible to individuals from all walks of life is critical to our mission and to Bravely’s. We have teamed up to ensure that the future of the coaching industry is progressive and diverse to meet the growing and changing demand of the global workforce,” said Anna Tavis, clinical professor and academic director of the Division of Programs in Business Human Capital Management Department.
The students hail from diverse backgrounds and experiences:
- Rachel Arthur is currently the deputy director of career readiness at the Urban Assembly, where she provides consulting, training, and professional development for public school educators across the country. Previously, she was a career coach at the Flatiron School and an independent coach for private clients. She is a StartingBloc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fellow and a graduate of the Landmark Forum. Arthur also teaches dance and performs in musical theater.
- Renae Williams has more than 10 years of experience in developing, leading, and facilitating racial literacy; in promoting equity in computer science; and in devising roadmaps for sustainable program delivery within schools with over 300+ school leaders, employees, and senior leadership. She has worked as a consultant for racial literacy and content development for leading ed tech organizations. Previously, she designed and implemented the first Career Development Week + Career Pathways & Resources Fair within NYC’s Dept of Education, which oversees the largest school district in the nation. Williams convened HR managers and leaders from across departments to reflect upon and to understand systemic oppression, evaluate their own racial competence, and critically evaluate their hiring practices—from job description cultivation to hiring and retention.
- Ray Gonzales is a coach and consultant who works with individuals and organizations that are going through transitions, helping them to bring clarity, support, and empowerment that serves to create high-performance cultures. Prior to starting his current practice, Gonzales spent several years in financial services, fashion, entertainment, and media. His last corporate assignment was at a New York City-based investment bank.