Political Strategist & Organizational Consultant
LaShaya Darisaw offers expert consulting services grounded in over a decade of experience in social work, public administration, and trauma-informed care. With five collegiate degrees, including a master's in Public Administration and Policy, and over 45 certifications, LaShaya is uniquely positioned to guide organizations through complex challenges. Her certifications in biomedical and human social-behavior research make her particularly adept at addressing issues related to trauma, mental health, and systemic inequality.
LaShaya specializes in creating trauma-informed organizational structures, developing comprehensive diversity and inclusion strategies, and providing strategic planning for nonprofits, political campaigns, and businesses. Whether your organization needs help navigating policy development, community engagement, or fostering an inclusive workplace, LaShaya offers customized solutions designed to drive social impact and lasting change.
Who is LaShaya?
LaShaya is a grassroots activist at heart and has been actively organizing and consulting for over a decade. Lashaya Darisaw played a significant role in the activism surrounding the Flint water crisis. Her involvement began as a response to the severe public health crisis caused by lead-contaminated water, which affected thousands of Flint residents starting in 2014.
Darisaw's activism was multifaceted, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term solutions. She was instrumental in organizing rallies and community events to raise awareness and demand accountability from government officials. For instance, she participated in a rally at the Michigan Capitol building to protest the state's decision to end its free bottled water program, despite ongoing water quality issues in Flint. Her efforts also included pressuring companies like Nestlé to provide continued support for Flint residents. In 2018, Darisaw's actions brought national attention back to the crisis, highlighting the ongoing struggles and needs of the community(Rising Up With Sonali).
In addition to public demonstrations, coalition building and strategic planning, Darisaw leveraged her position as the Flint Organizing Director for Michigan United to advocate for systemic changes. She worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of Flint residents were heard in the broader conversation about environmental justice and public health(The MIT Press Reader)
Through these activities, Darisaw has been a key figure in the movement to address the injustices faced by Flint residents and to push for meaningful policy changes to prevent similar crises in the future.
One notable rally was at the launch of her campaign for the 49th District state representative seat. This event, held in Beecher, Michigan, drew a supportive crowd and highlighted her commitment to representing the needs and voices of her community. Darisaw emphasized the importance of government accountability and community involvement, echoing Franklin Roosevelt’s sentiment that "government is ourselves and not an alien power over us"(East Village Magazine).
In addition to campaign events, Darisaw has also organized and participated in rallies addressing broader social issues. For instance, she was involved in a march celebrating the life of Breonna Taylor, which was part of the larger movement against police violence and racial injustice(East Village Magazine, MLIVE).
These rallies are part of Darisaw’s broader strategy to engage with constituents directly, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among those she seeks to represent. Her efforts are aimed at mobilizing voters and advocating for policies that address local concerns such as the water crisis, economic development, and public health. This activism is part of a larger movement in Flint to address environmental racism and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and acted upon in decisions affecting their health and environment.
Darisaw's involvement extends beyond local activism. She played a crucial role in protests and rallies that drew national and international media coverage, emphasizing the systemic failures that led to the crisis and advocating for long-term solutions. Her voice has been pivotal in keeping the Flint water crisis in the public eye, ensuring that the plight of Flint's residents remains a critical issue in discussions about environmental justice and public health.
LaShaya Darisaw has garnered international attention for her activism, particularly concerning the Flint water crisis. Her advocacy has been highlighted in various global news outlets due to her relentless efforts to bring awareness to the ongoing issues faced by Flint residents. For example, she has been featured in The Independent The New Zealand Listner, and Rising Up with Sonali, discussing the continuous struggles for clean water and the broader implications of the water crisis on public health and safety in Flint(The Independent)(Rising Up With Sonali).
LaShaya Darisaw's activism is not just limited to the Flint water crisis. She has also been involved in various social justice movements, making her a significant figure in the fight for environmental and racial justice both locally and globally. Darisaw has been featured on MSNBC, where she discussed these issues and more, bringing her message to a broader audience. Throughout her career, LaShaya Darisaw has worked with several notable figures, including documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, with whom she shares a commitment to social justice and political reform in Michigan,further amplifying her impact.
LaShaya isnt just an activist. She is a change-maker!