PONDER DIVERSITY GROUP

Anita J. Ponder, one of the nation’s leading attorneys and consultants, is at the helm of Ponder Diversity Group LLC (PDG), a legal consulting firm she founded and manages. With over three decades of experience, Anita's work encompasses strategic legal guidance and advocacy for a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, large corporations and nonprofit organizations, with a focus on small, disadvantaged, minority and women businesses enterprises and diverse employees on government contracts.  Her legal expertise includes government contracts, supplier and workplace diversity, and grant writing and administration in the industries of construction, transportation, education and cannabis licensing.  

Ms. Ponder’s notable accomplishments include: conducting DEI assessments, strategies and training; identifying DEI best practices nationwide; grant writing, administration and technical services; developing and implementing DBE/MBE/WBE, social equity and technical assistance programs; developing and implementing a small business certification initiative; preparing a 50-state memorandum on government procurement and bidding requirements; and organizing and chairing the Government Contractors Business Forum, a business group for established government contractors to assist them compete more effectively in the governmental marketplace.

Prior to leading PDG, Ms. Ponder was a partner and government contracts lead at some of Chicago most prestigious law firms, including Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, the nation’s largest minority and women-owned law firm, as well as Seyfarth Shaw, Drinker Biddle & Reath, and Quarles & Brady.  At these firms, she represented the State of Illinois, Cook County, the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, and several other government agencies outside of Illinois. She also represented a number of government contractors and consultants, including many of the top firms in the construction and transportation industries in Illinois. Prior to private practice, Ms. Ponder worked for Chicago Mayor Harold Washington in the Departments of Public Works and Procurement Services and provided legal support to his supplier diversity and workplace diversity leadership teams.

Ms. Ponder’s educational background includes a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science from Fisk University. Her legal acumen, coupled with her effective community engagement and diversity advocacy, has earned her numerous awards throughout her career. She has also published several legal articles, been the featured speaker and has made television and radio appearances to discuss a range of government contracting and diversity topics.  Ms. Ponder’s professional journey reflects her dedication to leveraging legal expertise to advocate for equitable business practices and to empower underrepresented communities in the governmental and business sectors. Her work not only contributes to the legal field but also to the broader goal of creating inclusive and diverse environments in business and government.

Alexander C. Melamed works directly under Ms. Anita Ponder at PDG as IT Project Coordinator, designing and overseeing all IT-related services provided by the firm as well as conducting comprehensive internal information audits and research projects. With a strong educational background and a wide range of skills and proficiencies, Alexander is dedicated to making a significant impact in the field of research and data analysis. During his career, Alexander has worked as a Research Analyst for Social Slooth, where he collaborated with a team of researchers to compile pre-trial reports and conducted legal research for private attorney clients. He also served as a Data Analyst for Blue Moon Realty, where he optimized outreach and analyzed sales metrics to provide valuable insights to agents and clients. As an Independent Consultant, Alexander has made a substantial contribution to educational outcomes by implementing personalized strategies and data analytics services. His expertise in data analysis, visualization, and counseling has consistently delivered exceptional results.

Notably, Alexander's graduate thesis research at The University of Chicago focused on the intersection of digital labor, artificial intelligence, and the global economy. His work, titled "Amazon Mechanical Turk and Machine Learning Algorithms: A Computational Content Analysis of Digital Crowdlabor in the Production of Artificial Intelligence," showcased his proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Complementing his academic achievements, Alexander earned a Data Analytics Certificate from Case Western Reserve University and holds a bachelor's degree in Science Technology and Society from North Carolina State University. With a strong foundation in research, data analysis, and project management, Alexander C. Melamed is eager to provide high quality services to all clients.

Sanford Stein brings a wealth of experience as Ponder Diversity Group’s (PDG) Of Counsel. For more than four decades, he has actively championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in various sectors, including governmental and private entities. Beyond these accomplishments, he has established himself as a leading authority in the highly regulated cannabis industry in the United States. Mr. Stein’s work extends into the heart of agencies, where he focuses on fostering inclusive workplaces and workforces. He provides consulting and training services that are specially tailored to the needs of each organization. His approach centers on developing organizations to create and sustain inclusive environments where diversity thrives.  

Mr. Stein’s professional journey commenced at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he managed a multitude of enforcement and policy matters. Today, his practice encompasses a broad spectrum of business regulatory affairs, spanning Illinois and nationwide. Notably, Sanford Stein is at the forefront of the movement advocating for cannabis legalization, social equity in cannabis retail sales, rational cannabis regulations. He has lent his expertise to cannabis legislation and rulemaking, regulatory compliance, business development, real estate, finance, banking, license applications, Tribal Government guidance, and zoning for cannabis enterprises across several states. Tribal advocacy has been a cornerstone of Sanford Stein's multifaceted career. With a deep understanding of government relations and legal expertise, Mr. Stein has been a dedicated advocate for tribal governments and their unique challenges. His experience spans a range of critical issues, from assisting tribal nations with legislative initiatives to providing counsel on matters related to land use, zoning, and economic development within tribal territories. Mr. Stein's commitment to tribal advocacy extends to supporting tribal governments in their efforts to navigate the complex landscape of cannabis regulation and legalization, ensuring that these communities have a voice and opportunities in this emerging industry. His extensive background in both governmental and private sector affairs positions him as a trusted partner in advancing tribal sovereignty and prosperity.

Additionally, Sanford Stein's extensive legal expertise in social equity initiatives is exemplified through his notable engagement with the State of Washington. In this pivotal role, Mr. Stein has played a vital part in shaping and implementing the Social Equity in Cannabis Program. His contributions have focused significantly on providing essential legal advising to guide the development and execution of this groundbreaking program. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and equitable cannabis industry, addressing historical disparities and promoting diverse participation. Through his legal acumen and dedication to social equity, Mr. Stein has played a pivotal role in advancing Washington's commitment to fostering a fair and inclusive cannabis landscape. Sanford Stein has been dedicated to serving both governmental and private sector clients, navigating a diverse range of legislative, regulatory, and judicial landscapes. With a unique blend of expertise in business and government relations law, Sanford has cultivated extensive experience in infrastructure development, public finance, public-private partnership economic development, government regulations, and procurement.

Leticia Herrera is a consultant for Ponder Diversity Group (PDG) responsible for community outreach and engagement.  She has over 30 years of professional and grassroots experience in community leadership, outreach, and engagement representing government agencies, high-level government officials (elected and appointed), and small business owners in Latino communities in Illinois, nationwide, and globally.  She is an exceptionally dedicated, reliable, and compassionate professional with strong and varied skills that include communications, organizational, management, marketing, problem-solving, leadership, and planning. She has utilized her skills to develop strong community relationships and a superb record of community service and achievement. She is also an established business owner, highly regarded business leader, and strong advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, initiatives, and organizations for Hispanic/Latino communities and women nationwide.  

The consulting services that Ms. Herrera provides to clients of PDG include planning, directing, and coordinating communications and related activities that are designed to create or maintain positive relationships in Latino and other diverse, marginalized, underserved, underrepresented, and/or disproportionately impacted communities - including clients, partners, donors, volunteers, and media.  Her work includes raising issues or project awareness and facilitating equity and inclusion of those communities. She collects and evaluates data on local demographics, develops results, and presents conclusions to PDG and its clients. She attends community events as a representative of PDG and engages in outreach to agencies, organizations, partners, and stakeholders to conduct presentations, surveys, and meetings, both in-person and utilizing online platforms.  

Ms. Herrera is an award-winning entrepreneur and business leader who has been recognized for her business success by several not-for-profit organizations, media outlets, and governmental agencies throughout her career. She is currently a board member for City Kids Camp which provides an escape for kids who live in economically disadvantaged communities, allowing them to experience an environment free from violence, drugs, and gangs. She has been a board member of the March of Dimes which supports research, leads programs, and provides education and advocacy to prevent birth defects and premature birth. She has also served on the board of St. Augustine College, a private college in Chicago which was the first bilingual institution of higher education in Illinois.   

Ms. Herrera has held prominent leadership positions in several not-for-profit business organizations.  She is one of the founders of the United States Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, a leading binational business organization.  She is one of the first women elected to the board of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce who was responsible for leading the Midwest Region and the organization’s international office. She was selected among 100 minority entrepreneurs to participate in a business course at Harvard Business School sponsored by Fortune Magazine. She has been an active member of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and HACIA (Hispanic American Construction Industry), which are among the top women and Hispanic business organizations in Illinois. She has also chaired the Illinois delegation for The White House Conference on Small Business to foster better relationships with the Illinois business community and help develop innovative policy solutions to economic problems.

Megan (Meg) Larson, a dedicated consultant at Ponder Diversity Group (PDG), brings a robust background in government policies, legislation, and public issues, particularly focusing on BIPOC, diverse groups, and low-income communities. Her expertise encompasses community outreach, resource development, training, research, writing, and marketing, making her an invaluable asset to PDG’s mission of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ms. Larson’s proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, along with her exceptional research and writing skills, significantly enhances our grant writing and submission services. Her ability to deliver high-quality work, combined with her knowledge of diverse legislative and policy issues, enables PDG to develop compelling proposals that effectively address the needs of diverse populations and communities. Her skills in software tools like LexisNexis and Excel are instrumental in conducting thorough grant research and analysis, ensuring accuracy and relevancy in our proposals.

In the realm of evaluation planning and implementation, Megan's extensive experience in educational, governmental, and not-for-profit sectors is a valuable resource. Her background in analyzing economic inequality, labor rights, and health insurance policies enriches our evaluation methodologies, particularly in projects focused on these areas. Her expertise ensures that our evaluation strategies are comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and tailored to the specific needs of the projects we undertake.

Beyond her technical skills, Ms. Larson’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in diverse communities nationwide is a cornerstone of PDG’s mission. Her experience as an Adjunct Professor at Arrupe College at Loyola Chicago, where she designed instructional materials for diverse student populations, demonstrates her ability to engage and educate effectively. This experience is vital in our team’s efforts to provide training and mentoring in the context of our DEI initiatives. Furthermore, her roles as a Research Assistant Intern at SEIU Local 1 and a Senior Writing Fellow at Carthage College, where she conducted extensive research on policy issues and mentored students, highlight her commitment to social justice and equality. This commitment is reflected in PDG’s approach to grant management, where we strive to incorporate these values into our work. Megan’s ability to engage with communities, coordinate fundraising and networking events, and engage in lobbying efforts for policy creation underscores her capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders, a key component in PDG’s grant management services. Her diverse background and passion for DEI enrich our team’s capabilities, ensuring that we provide comprehensive, culturally aware, and impactful services to our clients.

Emmett Haq is a writing specialist who has honed his skills in a wide range of positions across wildly varying fields. His professional path has included stints in copywriting, copyediting, archival work, tutoring, lecturing, grant writing, and more—all guided by his lifelong interest in social justice, strong desire for marginalized groups to claim a seat at the table, and personal passion for history and education. 

Mr. Haq’s 14 years of writing-related experience began during his undergraduate years while he pursued a BA in English at Medaille University, where he interned and subsequently joined the editorial team at Starcherone Books (a publisher of experimental fiction then based in Buffalo, New York), attending the Association of Writing & Writing Programs convention as part of Starcherone’s team in 2010. He went on to attain an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Stony Brook University’s Southampton campus, where he was employed first as a graduate assistant (assisting with the department’s office work, working on the literary journal The Southampton Review, helping to run the Young Artists & Writers Project summer retreat, and joining the Student Organization of Southampton Arts as its treasurer) and later as an adjunct instructor (personally developing the concept and drafting the syllabus for a Postcolonial Literature course, and teaching it alongside other courses after receiving university approval). At this time, Mr. Haq also served first as a summer editor and later as a freelance reporter for the Long Island-based weekly newspaper Dan’s Papers; in addition to the approximately 25 articles written for the newspaper, he also published 7 works of fiction in various journals during this 3-year span. 

After graduating and beginning his move to professional work, Mr. Haq relocated to Chicago, where he briefly assisted with the launch of a barbershop trade magazine as its editorial coordinator. Subsequently, he spent time employed in office settings while taking on freelance editorial work, until his return to the classroom as a tutor and instructor in late 2017. At this time, Mr. Haq was employed as an English tutor at National Louis University, an instructor at East West University, and an instructor at Dominican University, where he taught composition and literature courses to freshmen and sophomores. 

Following a move to Philadelphia, Mr. Haq worked for some months supervising a small team of scorers grading statewide standardized English exams, before again reentering academia and teaching literature and composition courses at Lincoln University and Camden County College while also tutoring graduate students at Jefferson University.

Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Haq left university employment behind and moved to the private sector, taking a position with the South Asian American Digital Archive. Here, he was first hired as the archive’s education outreach coordinator, and in this role worked directly with educators and administrators to incorporate SAADA’s resources into K-12 and college/university classrooms. He also researched and wrote material for SAADA's walking tours and other initiatives, designed professional development workshops for teachers, and worked to assist the archive’s grant manager in crafting narratives for grant applications. Later, he moved to the role of archives coordinator, in which he maintained and grew the organization’s postcustodial digital archive and participatory platforms, created descriptive metadata, worked with donors, researched existing collections, and continued his responsibilities of writing and editing copy. In this position, Mr. Haq coordinated the publication of a collection of eleven lesson plans written by expert educators that incorporated SAADA materials for use in college courses, guiding the book from its inception as a grant-funded project to its eventual print publication. He also presented on SAADA’s behalf at a number of events, including a guest presentation during an undergraduate community archives course at Swarthmore College and as a panelist at the New Jersey Historical Commission Conference in 2022. 

Most recently before joining Ponder Diversity Group, Mr. Haq worked as a grants consultant for Mother Earth Literacies LLC, an environmental- and racial-justice-focused organization which works with community organizations & nonprofits to perform climate and culture assessments, build inclusive environments, and develop sustainability strategies. Mr. Haq assisted with writing, proofreading, researching, and reshaping grant narratives, typically functioning as the final set of eyes on an application and working to “punch up” existing copy. 

At PDG, Mr. Haq spearheads the development of proposals and grant applications as the development coordinator, as well as helping to conduct legal research, create presentations, and edit written material for the firm. His multifarious background serves him well in this role, as he is called to assist with a wide variety of written work. Bolstered by his strong history of practical experience and grounded by his firm belief in diversity, justice, and the importance of equal access to opportunity for all, Emmett Haq looks forward to supporting PDG as it forges its path to success. 

Michael A. LeFevre is a seasoned cannabis industry professional with years of experience in multiple related sectors, including sales, economics, marketing, and data analysis. Ponder Diversity Group is confident in his well-honed abilities and looks forward to his insight on our firm’s cannabis-related undertakings.

Mr. LeFevre triple majored in Business in the Liberal Arts, Government, and Economics at St. Lawrence University, graduating with a BBA degree. He then moved to the professional world, working as Assistant to the CEO at A.T. Cross Company in Providence, where he produced weekly financial reports, analyzed sales, and revised business procedure flows for multiple departments.

Upon taking a position at Oracle, Mr. LeFevre worked first as a Business Development Consultant and subsequently as an Enterprise Account Executive, tasked with improving financial, operational and management processes. His areas of focus included financial management, planning and budgeting, financial consolidation & close, account reconciliation, enterprise data management, narrative reporting, profitability & cost management, and tax reporting.

In 2021, Mr. LeFevre was hired as the Director of Operations at PrimeTime, a vertically-integrated cannabis company based in California. In this role, he managed the production of multiple manufacturing facilities and oversaw the production department, identifying current inefficiencies to continually-increase production. He also worked alongside the COO in managing major retail and cultivation projects in California and Massachusetts. Last year, he was promoted to Head of Operations, in which role he continues to oversee management, production, and day-to-day operations for major brands, while additionally managing human resources, compliance testing, and more. Given this exceptional background, it’s no surprise that Mr. LeFevre’s unique blend of sales experience and analytical talent significantly bolster PDG’s capacity across multiple fields. 

When searching for a hardworking, experienced human resources trailblazer, one would be hard pressed to find a more qualified professional than Betty Torres. Over twenty years of HR work across multiple specializations (including labor relations, organizational development, talent acquisition, technology, employee relations, compliance, and management) set Ms. Torres apart as a standout in her field. As a Senior Consultant with Ponder Diversity Group, she works to address any HR-related concerns that arise. 

Ms. Torres’ professional background is built on the foundation of her educational accomplishments—she’s the holder of both a BSBA in Human Resources Management from Roosevelt University and an MPA in Human Services Administration from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. In addition, she maintains a position on the Executive Advisory Board of Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business, holds SHRM and SPHR certifications from DePaul University and an FMLA/ADA certification from the National Employment Law Institute, and has been certified by the American Contract Compliance Association as a Title VII trainer. 

The majority of Ms. Torres’ lengthy career in the field of human resources has been in service of Cook County Government, which presides over more than five million residents (almost half the population of Illinois). She was hired in 1991 as a Senior HR Generalist and Deputy Director of HR at the County Clerk’s office, where she oversaw daily operations and created policy and procedure for hundreds of employees. After a promotion to Manager of Compensation and Classifications at the Bureau of Human Resources, she took on the responsibilities of crafting job descriptions, advising internal and union leadership, building budgetary projections, and advising the Bureau Chief on confidential matters. 

Later, as Director of Human Resources for the Cook County Health and Hospital System, Ms. Torres was tasked with recruitment and discipline of thousands of doctors, nurses, and technicians; she next returned to the Bureau of Human Resources as a Senior Labor Relations Liaison before working for several years as the Special Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County, advising leadership on changes in HR policy and talent acquisition. In 2021, she took on the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at the County Clerk’s office, where she oversaw  labor relations, talent acquisition, local and federal compliance, policy development and implementation, training and development, records management, and payroll administration and benefits. Her most recent role with Cook County was as the Director of Human Resources at the Office of the Chief Judge, where she oversaw all levels of human resources for over 500 employees. 

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Outside of her employment with Cook County, Ms. Torres has also been employed with the State of Illinois as the Director of Human Resources for the Illinois Department of Employment Security (where she notably spearheaded a revamp of their records management mandates and moved manual and paper processes to electronic systems), as well as the U.S. Census Bureau, where she supervised daily operations as Regional Director of Human Resources. She has worked as a Senior HR Generalist for the Taproot Foundation since 2009, advising non-profit organizations with HR capacity building, policy development, and payroll administration.

Aside from her well-honed areas of HR expertise—including but not limited to labor relations, organizational development, workforce development, compliance, technology, and fiscal operations—Ms. Torres is proficient with all relevant software and fully fluent in Spanish, and her highly effective communication skills and critical thinking make her a valuable asset to any team. PDG looks forward to the wide array of additional talents Betty Torres will bring to our firm. 

Casey Ciulla serves as Ponder Diversity Group’s most recently-hired Law Clerk. Her multifaceted background includes membership in various legal groups and community organizations, a specialization in research and analysis, and an ongoing career in law school. This diversity of experience has instilled Ms. Ciulla with a unique perspective which promises to positively impact her future work with PDG. 

Ms. Ciulla’s education began with a BA from Sarah Lawrence College in spring of 2023; she was a member of many campus organizations, including the Pre-Law Society and the Peace Action Club. She also served as part of the Student Senate, co-chaired the SLC Study Club, and worked as a campus Resident Advisor. Ms. Ciulla took part in the SLC Study Abroad Program in 2022, traveling to Wadham College (a constituent college of the University of Oxford), where she served as a member of the International Student Association and a warden for the college’s chapel. 

Immediately following this time period, Ms. Ciulla continued her involvement in service work outside the academy; she volunteered first for Ascend Justice (a Chicago-based legal organization) and then for the Legal Aid Chicago Clinic, where she observed and transcribed client interviews for the clinic’s attorneys. 

Ms. Ciulla has continued her legal ambitions by enrolling in Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology; she is set to graduate with her Juris Doctor degree as part of Chicago-Kent’s class of 2026. She continues to maintain active membership in extracurricular organizations, including the First-Generation Law Student Association and the Society of Women in Law. She is also a 1L Representative for both the Chicago-Kent Lambdas Association and the school’s Arts and Cultural Property Board, as well as an Associate Editor of the Chicago-Kent Journal of Intellectual Property. 

Before joining the PDG team, Ms. Ciulla reinforced her legal acumen further through additional employment. As a Law Clerk at Djurisic PC, she liaised with other organizations on behalf of supervising attorneys, filed legal documents, and worked with judges and other officials on active cases. As a Research Specialist at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Paul Galvin Library, she researched sources using databases and the library’s catalog, as well as assisting students and other patrons with research inquiries. 

These employment experiences, combined with an impressive history of service work and educational excellence, make Casey Ciulla’s particular blend of legal knowledge and research skills invaluable for our firm. There is no question that she will reach new heights of success during her work with PDG. 

With over 25 years professional experience as an attorney, executive and management consultant, Cecilia Mowatt functions as a catalyst, coach and a doer for a diverse array of clients through her management advisory consulting practice, Strategies In Site, Inc., The insights she provides are derived from her deep corporate experience in developing, supporting and monitoring business operations and performance. A first generation American whose parents immigrated to the U.S. as exchange students from Jamaica and Colombia (via Panama), Ms. Mowatt has worked internationally in economic development in Europe, Colombia and South Africa. Both the J.D., M.B.A. from University of California Berkeley and A.B. from Stanford University that Ms. Mowatt earned had at their foundation the fundamentals of Organizational Behavior and Sociology which provide her grounding in supporting human capital development and leveraging it to get to the best business results. Ms. Mowatt’s passion for multi-cultural exchange and diversity inclusion is inherently a natural one.

Ms. Mowatt brings a perspective that focuses on holistic inclusive equitable economic development, that integrates the interdependent issues that are involved in any project such as education, land use, property rights, commerce, trade, health and welfare. She has successfully tackled issues of asset management, risk mitigation; policy and budget formation; monitoring performance against key performance criteria; capacity building and leveraging resources through individuals, as well as meeting the need to properly vet, train and manage, contractors, partnerships and alliances throughout her career. Leveraging her public and private sector experience, Ms. Mowatt works with companies, governments, and NGOs in the fields of education, school creation, infrastructure management, business development and economic development.

Ms. Mowatt speaks and writes on the subject of Diversity Leadership and has done so for international industry organizations and at various national conferences. Her professional affiliations with groups such as CoreNet Global and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs have given her further insights into the practical matters of embracing and leveraging diversity given the globalization of business.  She advocates inclusion of the broad spectrum of stakeholders in development issues that incorporates government, private enterprise and civil society at all levels. A long time proponent of Diversity Leadership, Ms. Mowatt works as a liaison to leverage the embedded knowledge within organizations involved in projects. Assisting them in connecting to those resources in and outside the organization, by working within the community of stakeholders she enables context sensitive solutions. She has served on national and local boards such as the Episcopal Church Foundation and Family Focus Inc., leveraging her legal and business expertise, for decades of involvement in philanthropic social service organizations focused on empowering women, children and families; enhancing the role of faith based organizations; and increasing inter-faith dialogue in civil society. Using insights gained from her experience she expands awareness of the breadth of resources available and brings parties from disparate perspectives and diverse functional expertise together to achieve a common goal, making sure that the golden thread of strategy and mission is woven throughout a given project.