“The complex challenges that we face in creating truly equitable workforce development pathways require the highest levels of strategy, humility, perseverance, and willingness to simultaneously embrace and pressure test bold new ideas. I can imagine no better thinking partner along this journey than Empathways. Kennan and Karen bring a rather extraordinary combination of relevant skills, professionalism, open-mindedness, critical thinking, creativity and empathy. They are effective, inspiring and a pleasure to work with. “

“Empathway Designs is truly passionate about working with our program’s young adults, coaching and empowering them to realize their potential in the IT industry. They are an integral partner, excelling at incorporating participants' perspectives to ensure projects meet their goals. Empathway Designs has been instrumental in identifying and engaging key stakeholders within the community. They thoughtfully develop programming and meticulously measure and document a program’s success through their Impact Reports. These reports provide enriching details that are invaluable for informing future program expansion. Kennan and Karen have been a pleasure to work with, demonstrating exceptional dedication and effectiveness in driving success for any program or project.”

"We had the privilege of working with Empathway Designs this spring, and our introduction to their work came at the perfect time. From the start, it was clear they understood our challenges and how they could support us.  Every step of the project exceeded our expectations. Their communication throughout the process was excellent, giving us confidence, and their work was outstanding.  Our partners were so impressed, which reflected positively on us! Karen and Kennan truly walk the walk, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Empathway Designs.”

“My participation in their Introspect & Connect group over the last year has been instrumental in helping me navigate the landscape of challenges I've faced in leadership roles while also centering on self-care and compassion that supports my mental health. It builds the resilience to support those in my care and community. Empathway Design's approach ensures the ongoing nurturing and development of ourselves as leaders going through a human experience. I'm grateful for the space created to step back from the day-to-day responsibilities and reflect among others with shared values.”

“Empathway Designs has been an incredible ally and thought partner (to) Tech Exchange. Kennan and Karen were incredibly thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative in their approach to working with our leadership team, and our entire staff to strengthen our existing programs, as well as guide us in developing new programs and enhancements to our organization as a whole. Their educational experience, as well as their commitment to community, shined in all of their sessions with us and in guiding, as well as galvanizing our organizations to take on new challenges. We are truly fortunate for the experience and to continue to have them as a trusted ally and partner.”

"It has been my privilege to partner with Empathway Designs to design an aerospace workforce development program bridging high school, early college, and career entry.   Doing so has demanded fluency in the needs, expectations, and opportunities of multiple organizations and industries.  Creating a diverse student pipeline from families with limited resources has required the experience and empathy to represent their needs, expectations and assets as they transition into the worlds of college and career.  Kennan and Karen were the ideal partners in this venture.  Together they span the requirements of human-centric design, project management, cultural competency, workforce development in low-income Black and Brown communities, STEM knowledge, and charismatic personal outreach.  The sum of their unique individual backgrounds is an equally unique whole."

“Kennan and Karen are inspiring in supporting diverse youth and adults by providing them with technical skills training through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and the East Bay Youth Technology Apprenticeship (EBYTA) project. Their engagement and dedication to serving the diverse community is remarkable! We appreciate their collaboration; their unique perspectives add so much to our partnership. We are grateful to work with Empathway Designs!”

“I’ve had the honor of working with both Kennan and Karen — two of the best humans you could ever meet. During the pandemic, the company I worked for grew quickly and workplace dynamics inched away from the desired human-first culture. Karen and Kennan developed an Introspect & Connect group to connect with workers based in Oakland/Bay Area. These groups eventually scaled across the entire organization, encompassing multiple states, time zones, and company roles. The incredible work of the Scotts met a diverse group of humans where they were at — in unprecedented times. And, they developed the framework and tools to allow others to do the same, myself included. Training with the Scotts was a true highlight of my time at the company. I saw, first-hand, how their work allowed team members to become more self-aware, while finding community, resilience, and opening their perspective in the process.”

“Kennan and Karen are professional, personable, and very easy to work with. Their many years of knowledge and expertise combined with understanding and empathy makes it possible to create unique projects/events that incorporate both meaning and impact, which is very rare these days. I cannot recommend Empathway Designs enough. “

“We were impressed by Empathway Design's ability to quickly understand our goals and objectives — and effectively help us realize them. They did excellent work bringing together a supportive ecosystem of partners for our workforce development initiative, including leading a two-day workshop with a diverse group of participants.“