FDMIL
The Four Diamonds’ Model of Inclusive Leadership
Lessons Learned from Intersectional Leaders: The Four Diamonds Model of Inclusive Leadership Groups:
Holism from systems theory is a gem of a concept that reminds us the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When applied to mental health, this axiom can be lost in a landscape of Western biomedical disease models. These models would often privilege individual pathology, obscuring systemic and contextual perspectives. This privilege can spill over into clinical leadership; often influencing those of collectivistic cultural communities, to hesitate embracing mental health leadership roles due a misperception that one should lead as an “individual”. However, through its very nature, groups of inclusive leaders can encourage participation and foster personal and professional development by moving beyond an individualistic paradigm to one that considers both the individual and the collective.
As emerging leaders, working with each other across the diverse geographic, ethnic, and cultural landscapes of Nairobi (Kenya), London (England), San Francisco (USA), Anna Catherina (Guyana), and Hawaii (USA) Michelle, John, Deepa, and Ulash have worked to develop The Four Diamonds’ Model of Inclusive Leadership (FDMIL)©
FDMIL© consists of four stages. Correlating inclusive leadership development with the formation of diamonds, those employing FDMIL will find they have not only more productive, but also more personally meaningful work groups.
Moreover, FDMIL© can be applied to business groups, family groups, education groups, and more.
Dr. Michelle Karume, DMFT
Passionate about Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Dr. Karume runs a private practice, is a full-time faculty member at the United States International University-Africa, and is currently lead for the MA-MFT program. With a background in Program Development; Michelle also develops Masters and Doctorate level MFT programs.
Dr. John Souza, Jr., LMFT, DMFT
Dr. John Souza, Jr. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Dr. John specializes in working with young adults and their families.
Ulash Thakore-Dunlap, MA, MFT, PPSc
Ulash Thakore-Dunlap is full-time faculty, Associate Professor at Wright Institute MA Counseling Psychology Program, Berkeley. California. In addition, Ulash maintains a private practice in San Francisco supporting people of color and emerging leaders in the field of counseling, MFT and psychology. She recently accepted a position as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity and will be completing her doctoral studies in educational leadership.
Deepa Souza,LMFT, Ph.D-candidate
Vishwani (Deepa) Ram-Souza, LMFT serves the Hilo community in a co-owned private practice: Elemental Guidance, LLC. She is currently completing her PhD at the California Institute of Integral Studies and hopes to introduce a new meta-paradigmatic model (i.e., inclusive of mind, body, and spirit) into contemporary Western mental/medical healthcare approaches.
