About
The Acacia Co. was founded by TaRea, Natalie, and Thu-Hong in response to the ever-growing need for integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the workplace - the right way.
There's a saying that goes, "organizations are easy to run, it just becomes difficult when you add people to the mix." The striking reality that every organization is faced with - an organization does need people to function. People started the organization and people run the organization.
People are the organization. The Acacia Co. takes a practical approach that focuses on both. We look at the art and the science of integrating diversity and inclusion into business operations, shining a light on all areas of the organization and supporting management teams with project implementation.
OUR MISSION:
Connected Growth
We're striving for a future that focuses on growing, together. We believe that our collective purpose is bigger than our differences. Growth is always possible. We are rooted in our shared pasts and honor what makes each of us unique. The only way we all grow is together.
Possibility
Nothing is fixed.
Our mindset is oriented toward growth and opportunity.
Practicality
Simple is clear.
We are looking for connection and impact, not to impress.
Care
Respect is paramount.
We practice openness, honesty, and fairness with everyone.
There is no progress without accountability and a personal commitment from leadership. People need to feel comfortable and safe to raise concerns and trust that their leaders will act. Centering the most marginalized groups will improve work and increase access for everyone -- our growth is connected. Change is always possible. We won’t promise anything that is one-size-fits all, and we cannot in good faith promise you that these changes will be easy, but we do promise to meet you where you are and understand that progress is incremental.
Our company solves for systemic issues: we focus on removing bias in operations and building more inclusive policies and practices in their place. All solutions are designed with an understanding of the disparities in access and the impact these differences have on equitable outcomes. From our core product, our organization-wide audit, to our trainings and DEI projects, we bring a holistic evaluation of your organization‘s operations, policies, culture, and everyday practices. Our approach is thorough but practical, catered to your unique reality, and aligned to your organizational goals.
Our Philosophy
WHO WE ARE
TaRea Betts
Co-Founder
she/her/hers
TaRea's experience is rooted in over 7 years of HR, Program Management, DEI Strategy, and Talent Acquisition. She's developed, led, and managed several DEI initiatives at scale. She also has experience in business strategy, operations, as well as coaching and facilitation.
TaRea is a huge advocate of lifelong learning and a firm believer in having a growth mindset. She believes deeply in the importance of improving representation, belonging, equity, and access to education.
Outside of work, you can find TaRea traveling, learning, reading, listening to podcasts, catching the latest movies (virtually, of course), and investing in her self care.
Thu-Hong Nguyen
Co-Founder
she/her/hers
Thu-Hong is a Human Resources professional with a background in the corporate tech and international non-profit sectors. Her experience is in General HR Operations, Recruitment, Learning & Development, Project Management, and DEI strategy. She previously worked in Human Resource Operations at Google, overseeing HR services and programs to help make HR easy and intuitive for employees.
Thu-Hong is a part-time graduate student of Industrial & Organizational Psychology. She is passionate about building allyship and coalition, and helping organizations find HR solutions that are holistic and research-driven.
She always has a new hobby and a pile of books next to her. She helps register voters and travels often between the US and Europe for her family and loved ones.
Natalie Rodgers
Co-Founder
she/her/hers
Natalie brings 9+ years of Business Consulting, Project Management, and Team Development experience to the team. Her career has been focused on supporting a variety of small and medium sized businesses as well as non-profit organizations with strategic planning, operational efficiency, learning and development, and team management.
She believes that empowered people and equitable processes are fundamental to building a sustainable business that lives beyond today.
When Natalie's not in the office, she serves on the Board of Directors and teaches Salsa classes for the non-profit, Tapestry Dance. She also serves on the local, Austin Board of Advisors of AIESEC as a loyal advocate for global youth leadership. Helping people learn, grow, and realize their potential is at the core of all she does.