I work at the intersection of youth, workforce, and community development, food, and small business entrepreneurship. These are the ventures I’m building right now, inspired by the confluence of my goals, interests, education, and personal and professional history.
Los Compas Coffee is a social enterprise that supports the development of youth entrepreneurship in the Inland Empire through educational workshops and scholarships for high school students who are currently running small businesses, or want to launch or grow their own enterprise. This endeavor is based on the belief that developing an entrepreneurial mindset and and small business know-how raises a young person’s self-esteem, sense of ownership in society, and their economic agency, ultimately providing them with a pathway out of poverty.
Working Creative is my independent consulting practice through which I help schools, workplaces, cities, and community organizations build more equitable systems for youth. I also offer leadership coaching and short courses to support and develop other impact-oriented leaders so that more of us can design and deliver meaningful work that nurtures our freedom, flexibility, and well-being.
👉🏽 Learn more about
Work-Life Design Coaching, and how applying design principles to career exploration and decision-making can yield a more fulfilling and creative life.
Good Youth Jobs is an upcoming nonprofit organization that works with local businesses, schools, and community partners to connect young people transitioning into adulthood with meaningful paid internships, durable skills training, mentorship, and support services to place them on the path to economic self-sufficiency. Our long term vision is for work to become an early and enduring source of dignity, hope, pride, and opportunity for all.
Kind Words
“Swati has a way with words that makes you feel like she’s invited you over to her home, sat you down at the living room with a bottle of wine and cheese spread ready to talk about the things that really matter. The things that matter aren’t easy to talk about or articulate, but Swati is able to make it all feel personal and important.”
— Minnow P. / Coach, Photographer, & Writer
“You often hear about a writer’s “eye for detail” or their “ear for the language.” Swati definitely brings those things, but what impresses me most is her heart. She has an enthusiasm for life that comes through in her writing. It’s magnetic.”
— Robert J. / Founder of Cause Consumer
“Swati’s sharpness, empathy and writerly insight are clear in each of the pieces of hers that I’ve read. She has a knack for discovering and developing stories and characters in her community, and positioning them in such a way that they fully shine in the spotlight. Her curiosity about the world around us — especially when it comes to food, drink and the production of both — inspires me.”
— Ashlie S. / Food Editor & Writer
“I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Swati about my journey as a founder. The interview was very pleasant since I left learning something new and not just answering questions. The resulting profile was an amazing read and captured the story of starting my company Shore Buddies in an engaging way.”
— Malte N. / CEO of Shore Buddies
“As a BIG thinker, Swati works magic with words in a way that paints vivid pictures full of emotion and realness. You often feel as if she’s talking straight to you – bold, raw and outside of the box.”
— Tina M. / Founder & Lead Visionary of The Vibe Movement
“Swati combines poignant storytelling with an insatiable curiosity about the world to create beautifully crafted sentences and prose that leave me awestruck and delighted, sometimes even moved to tears. I deeply admire and champion her honesty, humility, and keen insight.”
— Molly M. / Freelance Travel Writer
“Swati was an invaluable sounding board for me when I made a transition from K-12 education to Leadership Development in a non-profit setting. As I worked to find a path that was meaningful to me, she offered invaluable insights from her own experience that helped keep me focused on what I was moving toward, rather than against in a difficult transition time.”
— Amy W., Learning and Development Specialist
“Swati has an extraordinary ability to offer fresh perspectives. I admire her entrepreneurial knowledge, her dedication to empowering young people, and her remarkable creativity in envisioning the future of work. She has become a trusted partner on writing projects, helping me think through ideas and gain clarity.”
— Karin D., Family Business Executive
“Swati’s expertise in K-12, higher education, and workforce development is an invaluable—and in my experience—a unique asset. Her ability to understand and bridge these fields enables her to assist clients in designing innovative, relevant programs that prepare students for meaningful careers. She fosters collaboration, aligns programs with industry needs, and helps organizations strategically leverage funding opportunities. As the landscape of education and work continues to shift, having a consultant who understands these nuances and can act as a strategic advisor is a transformative resource.”
— Joseph Stark, Regional Apprenticeship Director
“Swati is a pioneer. What makes Swati exceptional is her unwavering commitment to those she serves, and a willingness to be flexible in how she serves. Her venture teaches entrepreneurial skills that result in increased economic mobility for under-represented and overlooked talent. As a leader, she embodies an open-hearted and authentic spirit, guided by her core values. As a pioneer, she strives to guide others in overcoming barriers, because she genuinely wants others to thrive.If you seek someone with profound insight into people, a dedication to a grand vision, and the skills to bring that vision to life, look no further than Swati.”
— Lawrese Brown, Workforce Innovation Coach, 4.0 Schools
“Swati is such a genuine and inspiring person. As a coach, she pushes me to be my best in all aspects of my life and genuinely cares so much about every person that she meets. She has such an incredible ability to focus your ideas into actionable steps and makes you feel (realize!) you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
— Chandler Claire, Photographer, Potter, & Entrepreneur
“Swati highlighted some options for moving a project forward that really didn’t occur to me! Her insight and fresh perspective were so valuable and she is exceptionally easy to connect with. Her enthusiasm for helping/supporting others is palpable and I feel so lucky to have found her.”
— Tara S., Business Professor & Writer
