Nonprofit Unionization Consultant
Helping nonprofit leaders navigate unionization with confidence, clarity, and care for their people.
Work With UsOur Philosophy
lead.guide consulting exists to guide nonprofit leaders through one of the most significant moments in their organization's life, unionization, with the skills, resources, and values needed to lead with compassion and accountability. We believe great leadership in a unionized workplace is built on four principles.
Approach unionization with a growth mindset, openness, and a willingness to understand perspectives different from your own.
Actively build relationships with your staff union, fostering collaboration and trust across the table.
Navigate the changing circumstances that come with unionization and collective bargaining with flexibility and purpose.
Commit to the continuous growth of your leadership, your team, and your organization, together.
About
Founder & Lead Consultant
Sunyoung Strait (they/them) grew up in the Oakland, CA area, shaped by their family's journey from South Korea and a deep belief in the power of collective action.
After earning a Master's Degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding, Sunyoung spent 12 years leading union campaigns across the country, fighting for better wages, stronger working conditions, and the dignity of workers. Over that time, they led dozens of campaigns, including multiple successful strikes.
As both a nonprofit and union leader, Sunyoung developed a distinctive approach to labor relations: values-driven, people-centered, and grounded in real experience on both sides of the table. Having led staff in unionized nonprofit environments, they understand the opportunities and challenges that come with having a staff union firsthand. They now bring that expertise to nonprofit leaders navigating unionization, helping organizations build cultures where staff and leadership can thrive together.
Sunyoung is based in Portland, OR, and remains a committed advocate for workers' rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ issues. They are also consulting with the Beyond Neutrality Project, bringing their expertise to nonprofit leaders across the country.
Services
lead.guide consulting works with nonprofit organizations at every stage of the unionization journey, offering hands-on, values-driven consulting rooted in real experience on both sides of the table.
Supporting nonprofit leaders from the moment staff organize through recognition, bargaining, and first contract implementation, with a pro-union, values-grounded approach every step of the way.
Helping organizations build healthy, functional relationships with their staff union after a contract is in place, including establishing labor-management committees, communication, conflict resolution, and contract management.
Working with nonprofit leadership teams to build and sustain workplace cultures that embrace having a unionized staff, including management coaching, manager support and training, team alignment, and equity-centered practices.
One-on-one and group coaching for nonprofit executives and board members navigating unionization for the first time, grounded in real experience on both sides of the table.
Contact
Whether you are just beginning to navigate unionization or looking for ongoing support, we would love to connect. Reach out to start a conversation about how we can work together.