Our People

We assemble high-performing project teams of independent consultants and leaders that draw on decades of experience providing technical expertise, facilitative leadership, strategy support, and operational excellence.

Our Team

  • Jeremy Hays

    Jeremy (he/him) is passionate about translating commitments to racial equity, economic inclusion, and sustainability into measurable outcomes and increased capacity for change agents in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In his nonprofit career, Jeremy worked with scores of cities and communities across the country to pioneer inclusive approaches to creating shared prosperity and healthy communities.

  • Manisha Rattu

    Manisha (she/her) is a climate equity practitioner with roots in community organizing and a deep commitment to embedding racial equity and environmental justice in climate strategies. She facilitates values-driven processes, cultivates cross-sector collaboration, and provides strategic thought partnership to advance equitable climate solutions. Her work is grounded in frontline wisdom, collective care, and the belief that climate solutions must be shaped by those most impacted. Manisha thrives in spaces that call for clarity, connection, and courageous conversation—and supports others in aligning vision with practice to co-create a future where equity is foundational, not an afterthought.

  • Minna Toloui

    Minna (she/they) comes to consulting with a background in city-community relationship building, climate justice, and environmental education. Her work spans intersections of racial equity, health, housing, gentrification, energy, and beyond. She was born, raised and is still rooted in the East Bay Area, CA. She is driven by a deep lineage of justice work and love for our people, planet, and collective future.

Collaborators

Upright teams often include peer firms, independent consultants, and other trusted collaborators who share our values and bring specialized skills or  knowledge to the work. Depending on the project, our teams may also include community-based organizations or leaders whose perspectives and relationships are essential to advancing equity and impact.

  • Rachael DeCruz (she/her)

    Independent consultant and filmmaker

  • TBA

    —————-

  • TBA

    —————-

  • TBA

    —————-