We are reaching out to request your donation to help our friend and colleague Rianna Moore who has been in dire financial straits for a long while owing to the cancellation of her consulting contracts, given the current administration’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rianna has not been able to make ends meet between her social security payment and a small pension that just covers her mortgage payment. She has unpaid taxes and delinquent bills. She is considering filing for bankruptcy but willing to see if some friends might come through with enough to get her out of the current jam. Beyond that, she is hoping that future conference presentations and the imminent publication of a few of her writing projects may result in enough income to stay current with bills and taxes. At the same time, she is chagrined and embarrassed to be asking for financial help, given her working class roots which is why she asked us to write the narrative.

If you know Rianna, you know that her life purpose and professional work are interwoven. In her work and publications, she critiques social systems set up to subjugate one people group in order to increase the financial resources of and privilege another. She creates models, writes articles and books, and coaches people to better understand themselves and their organizations. She is co-author of Journeys of Race, Color, and Culture, a powerful tool that has helped many communities and workplaces across the country engage in meaningful dialog about and across race difference. Her current project, in collaboration with a colleague, portrays the journey for White women who navigate a lifeway between being privileged in White Supremacy while harmed in Misogynistic Patriarchy. She helps others with their social justice projects as well. Even though she is struggling financially, she continues to work on fulfilling her life purpose. Rianna gives generously of her knowledge, expertise, and wisdom to any who ask and works on a pro bono basis a few times each year to help make a difference.

Now she needs help with unexpected and overwhelming medical (pancreatic cancer scare and other issues Jan-Jun 2025) and dental (broken bridges and implants) expenses not covered by insurance. Our goal is to raise enough to cover those expenses as we support her continued work in the world on behalf of all of us. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Please keep in mind no contribution is too small… or too large. This email is being sent only to those who we believe are likely to be non-judgmental and willing. If there are others in your circles who share this perspective, feel free to forward, and thank you very much.

Signed,

Judith Leibowitz

Joanne Rocky Delaplaine

Jeannie Kokes

P.S. I'm Kendra Toth and I've taken on the task of setting up the Go Fund Me page on Rianna's behalf. Rianna has been my mentor and coach for the past 16 years and I have benefitted beyond measure from her efforts on my behalf, most of it unpaid work on her part. Over time, we became close friends, I want very much to support her and this is my contribution. I hope you will join me... as her colleagues said above, no amount is too small or too large (!).