See what clients and colleagues have to say about RTE!
“Elizabeth is an extremely valuable resource; her detail-oriented approach to problem solving is admirable, and yet her genuine approach to serving people is where she truly shines. I've yet to find a balance of authenticity, professionalism, and approachability in a colleague...something I'm grateful to Elizabeth for. If you are looking for a consultant who puts people first, follows through on deliverables, and does it all with a great deal of positive energy, look no further.” ~Marc Neidlinger, Founder at Orange Nebula Creative
“Elizabeth is a fantastic communicator and consensus builder. She is able to navigate and negotiate various and sometimes opposing agendas to deliver a superior outcome.” ~Joseph Graves, Partner Workshed, Founder HYVA SPC
“Elizabeth is an absolute pleasure to work with. She is extremely dedicated to her work and fully committed to the people she serves. Her guidance, management, mentorship, ideas, and strategic planning have led to successful outcomes for the organizations she works with and excellence of the departments she oversees. I eagerly look forward to having the opportunity to partner with Elizabeth again in the future.” ~Nick Woodward, CFA, Consultant, Principal at Sellwood Consulting LLC
“There are few professionals I have worked with and known for 30 years, but Elizabeth is on that very very short list. Here's the context and will give you insight on the kind of person she is. In 1975 to 1977 or thereabouts, as an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, Elizabeth was a member of the State Board of Higher Education, where she had a state-wide view of policy affecting higher education at every State institution. I was a comparatively lowly vice president of academic affairs for the University of Oregon's student government and had worked to create a new UO department with a budget of about $1 million a year. Both of us were young and had no idea such things "could not be done. But Elizabeth manages to get things done that lots of people would consider "impossible." So, call her an entrepreneur from a young age. These days, Elizabeth helps non-profits become more effective. All organizations inherently are "social," but non-profits inherently must rely on social mechanisms more than for-profit entities. That means creating structures, organizing tasks, and coordinating lots of disparate volunteers in ways that for-profits often simply overlook. A non-profit is an act of will, no less than for-profit. But will is not enough. All organizations can become dysfunctional over time, in terms of mission, resource allocation, structure or process. That's the sort of thing Elizabeth enjoys working on. She likely could no more tell you “How" she does that than Tiger Woods can tell you "how" he knows just how hard to hit a golf ball to cover a certain distance. For Elizabeth, "what to do" is a function of her understanding of human beings and behavior in organizations that do not have a market-dictated feedback mechanism and that have high reliance on volunteers of various sorts. Elizabeth will approach those challenges in a non-linear way, and I mean that in the best possible way. Problem solving often requires non-linear thinking. That means applying private sector "sales" experience to public sector or non-profit resource generation: grant writing, fund raising and employee development. Governance issues are another area where Elizabeth has insight and experience. Board members in the non-profit sector often are not "born," they are "made." That means applying human development skills to governance bodies as well as staff and volunteers who work as part of committees. All organizations--for profit or non-profit--are organisms that require inputs and outputs. Elizabeth helps organizations better understand how to deal with both.It's been some time since both of us were in college. But Elizabeth has lost none of her energy, insight, or creativity since then. These days, she simply applies those skills helping organizations become more effective.” ~ Gary Kim, Editor in Chief, Dagda Mor Media
“Elizabeth is a knowledgeable, empathetic and effective HR leader. Her focus on people-centric leadership and diversity and inclusion approaches is much appreciated. She grounds her expertise in HR functions & tactics with the foundations of respect for human dignity & flourishing. She works hard to earn and maintain trust among her direct reports, peer and leadership.” ~Maileen Hamto, MBA, MS, Doctoral Student, Leadership in Educational Equity and WTIA Washington Technical Industry Association
“While employed with the Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs, Oregon, I worked closely with Ms. Asahi Sato and was fascinated by her knowledge, enthusiasm and superb communication skills which made her a valuable asset to the Tribe. She exceeded in many areas of her position, changed the face of the Human Resources Department, and still made time to listen and help her peers, community members and tribal council with difficult situations. Ms. Asahi Sato is tremendously competent in the areas of HR, Organizational management, fund-raising, marketing, the arts and is quite organized with a positive attitude and a sense of humor which enlightens the spirit she carries. Ms. Asahi Sato would be a tremendous asset to any organization and her confidence is beyond measure.” ~Maureen Curley, Executive Director - Procurement at Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
“It is my pleasure to share my endorsement of a dear friend and incredible human being, Elizabeth Asahi Sato. We started our relationship in an Ethics class, we both needed to finish our Master’s degree. As a lifelong committed public servant, I was immediately drawn to her fierce passion for public service, community engagement and commitment to equity. Elizabeth is one of the most dynamic, articulate, and professional people I know. Her drive coupled with her beautiful and incredible grace brings a unique presence to all things she commits to. I admire the appreciation the celebration of diversity she demonstrates through meaningful action. It has been my great pleasure to know Elizabeth supporting each other through common academic pursuits, supporting each other in our career growth and as a true friend. Elizabeth Asai Asahi is a highly intellectual leader and professional.” ~Tiffany Hicks- Drug Intelligence Officer, Executive MPA, Mark O. Hatfield School of Government Center for Public Service. ONDCP High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and Consultant: Community/Law Enforcement Engagement, Strategic Planning
“I was very fortunate in having Ms. Sato as a graduate student in my PA 591, Employment Law and Public Policy course at the beginning of the pandemic and during the immediate ramp up to a solely remote environment in Spring 2020. What a joy it was in having her in the classroom? Her presence not only contributed to the very spirited classroom discussions, not to mention her wealth of experience as a human resource management professional, but for the few students of color whom I get the pleasure of having in my courses, she was a welcomed and timely addition. And I'm confident that whomever she crosses in her path, they will be equally and undoubtedly changed by her infectious personality.” ~G.L.A. Harris, Ph.D. Professor, Public Administration and Public Policy at Portland State University and author Blacks in The Military and Beyond and Women Veterans: Lifting the Veil of Invisibility
“Elizabeth is a very rare person, and I am not using these words lightly. I had the honor to spend several days together with her attending different workshops and trainings as fellows of American Leadership Forum of Oregon. She is a deeply spiritual being who uses her special kindness to meet all people at their own place; to lead them then to a higher level of connection with her, with themselves and others. Her smile is infectious, and her profound caring is inspirational and charismatic. I cannot imagine a better person to lead a Human Resource department. She is also a wonderful ambassador to her Japanese and her tribal ancestors and she is able to honor both cultures with stories, anecdotes, traditions and facts. Elizabeth is a unique leader who is leading other from her heart. She touched my life deeply, humbly and sincerely and I am honored to call her a friend in the journey of life.” ~Maurizio Valerio, Member Board of Trustees at Eastern Oregon University
“Elizabeth was a student of mine in a course on Scaling Up and Social Entrepreneurship. She was an outstanding student, highly passionate and committed to working for social justice and social change. In my class she demonstrated strong skills on public speaking and strategic planning. I have no doubts in her new company she provides outstanding services on organizational development and diversity as she has a special sensitivity in those areas and how people and organizations work.” Richard Kohl (he, him, his) Evaluation, Strategy & Impact Consultant in International Development Specializes in Scaling Up Innovations and Projects
“I had the distinct pleasure of working with Elizabeth during her time at ALF Oregon. Her drive, passion and commitment were testimony to her strong values. Elizabeth would be an asset to any organization.” ~Craig Trames, Sr. Director, Innovation Strategy &Culture, Future—Adidas Corporation
“Elizabeth, while an undergraduate, was a member of the Oregon State Commission on Higher Education, which is some indication of how her value was seen at the time. I interacted with Elizabeth while I was VP, Academic Affairs for Associated Students at the University of Oregon, and later when I was coordinator of the Council for Minority Education at the University of Oregon.
Elizabeth always has been a "take charge and get it done" kind of person, in all her endeavors over the years since then, with a particular talent for starting and sustaining new initiatives. She always has excelled when an organizational objective or outcome is identified, but the implementation is not firmly established. In other words, she can figure out a logical path to achieve the objective, without always having established policies, procedures, staffing or sometimes even funding.
She is quite familiar with working in situations where her management structure involves a board of directors, which often involves a defter understanding of organizational dynamics than situations where there is a more -traditional executive structure.
She is a gifted communicator and leader; smart as a whip and able to make an organization's goals her own. I do not know what she will decide to do next. I do know she will do it very well.” ~Gary Kim, Analyst at IP Carrier
“Elizabeth is a passionate learner who continues to give much to the world. She demonstrates resilience in face of challenges and is committed to making a better world.” ~ Jay C Bloom, Founder Principal Bloom Anew
“I had the luxury of meeting Elizabeth Asahi Sato in April of 2017 when she gave me an unbelievable opportunity hiring me as the HR Generalist for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and since then I have had the pleasure of being mentored under Elizabeth. Over the last few months of knowing such a great individual, mentor, and mother, I’ve had the chance to blossom and grow in Human Resources. She has inspired me to continue my higher education towards getting my Master’s in Business, as well as shown incredible leadership and guidance as I have pursued my MBA. She is an active role model and figure in the Human Resources community who has inspired me and others to achieve whatever we want in life and to dream big.
On a personal level, I have served in many capacities over the years and have been surrounded by some very bright individuals. To me, Elizabeth to me is simply one of the most intelligent people who has the capability to make those around her excel in achieving their maximum capacity. She has shown me an enormous amount of knowledge in the Human Resources field, and I have come to be able to rely on Elizabeth to lean on during my troubles as well as for guidance as I start my professional career. I am grateful and blessed to have met such an amazing leader, teacher and human being.” ~Michael Jackson, Sr. Human Resources at Amazon
“Elizabeth is a dedicated and uniquely talented professional who strives for excellence in her work but also with her relationships with peers and colleagues. I have had the opportunity to know and work alongside Elizabeth since we participated in the American Leadership Forum of Oregon (Class 27). Since that time, Elizabeth has continued to carry on her transformational work with the Warms Springs tribe. She leads by example and carries a deep well of generosity, empowerment, and wisdom that has served her well in her professional career.” ~Eddie Sherman, Principal at Against the Current Consulting
“Elizabeth is a passionate, thoughtful, human-centered individual with a mission-driven focus on improving the lives around her. Among her strengths is the ability to bring people together to tackle and solve problems from a place of common purpose. Elizabeth melds her extensive background in operations, human resources and management to bring comprehensive vision and leadership to her role, inspiring those around her to have a sense of accomplishment and value in what they do” ~Catherine Reynolds, Director, Employment Strategy and Workforce Planning, Legacy Health Systems
“I have known Elizabeth for many years. She is a very passionate person when it comes to her work. I know Elizabeth has spent a lifetime as a social justice change agent, her background in the public, private and nonprofit sector is diverse. Elizabeth adds a tremendous amount of value to all the organizations she has been involved with.” ~ Anthony Veliz, President IZO Public Relations & Marketing & STORI jobs
“Elizabeth is one of the most capable people I know. She is an inspiration to many and seeks to encourage everyone to rise to their fullest potential. She is a hard worker and an inspiring team member. There are few people that I can give a "5-star" rating to, but Elizabeth is definitely one who deserves that!” ~ Christopher Hyde, Awards Cross Team Technician at Oregon Health & Science University
“I met Elizabeth through the American Leadership Forum of Oregon. She is a great thinker and brings a lot of compassion and heart into her work. She has a great strength of character, and I am honored to be considered a colleague of hers. I would jump over the moon for her!” ~Amy Callahan Tracewell, Experienced Revenue Generator, Network Builder, and Strategic Thinker
“Elizabeth was a (Graduate) student within the Executive MPA program while I was the Program Manager. Elizabeth showed creativity and persistence in pursuing academic work that advocated for historically excluded peoples. Elizabeth was resilient, creative, an active problem solver and often would co-create solutions with me.” ~ Jessica Heilman, Executive Director - Center for Women's Leadership, College of Urban and Public Affairs, Portland State University
“Elizabeth Sato delivers whether it is in her capacity of developing leadership skills in others, writing about and/or practicing inclusion of all diverse populations or ensuring that the human resources she has charge of are properly included and invested in their lives as members of the commonwealth of human beings. Elizabeth has been a colleague and friend and I always look forward to reading her posts and gaining perspectives that I hadn't even thought of...A true renaissance woman who is equally at ease in boardroom or the trenches.”~Agatha Brown, Auditor at OR Dept of State Lands
“Elizabeth is dedicated by nature. Once she commits to something, you can count on her to be in for the duration. Elizabeth brings great passion to her work. She chooses work that really matters to her and then she brings all her power to the job. Working together on our project at the American Leadership Forum of Oregon she was always willing to go the extra mile. She has a big heart and makes special connections with people. She is a hard worker and always finds room to put another thing onto her plate. One of her superpowers is recognizing the work and talents of those around her, a habit that makes her a genuine team builder. I hold Elizabeth in the highest regard, and I would be delighted to get the chance to work with her again.” ~Ethan Benatan, Ph.D. Chief Information Officer at TriMet
“Elizabeth is a tremendous human being. She is highly motivated, intense and detail oriented. She is passionate about every aspect of life. She has compassion for others; not just family and friends but for every person that comes in contact with her. When I met Elizabeth, she was a President of a company. She is incredibly articulate. Her gift to communicate with anyone is an ornate talent. She has been a pleasure to work with and to also be friends with. A smart, compassionate, beautiful person.” ~Randy Cannon, Patient Relations Specialist at Baylor Scott & White Health
“Challenges demand the engagement of people willing and capable of facing and overcoming them. During my tenure as VP of Account Management at Regence Blue Cross and Blue Shield and as CEO of the Urban League of Portland, I have had the opportunity to work with Elizabeth and to see firsthand the passion and intellect she bring to her professional pursuits. She is a tireless advocate of the roles and organizations she commits to serve. I would offer nothing but encouragement for her consideration if you are fortunate enough to have your organization fall within her area of interest.” ~Michael Alexander, Former Vice President Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, Retired.
“I first met Elizabeth when I was serving the second time as Interim CEO of United Way. I found her then and now to be a woman of deep thought, passion, and commitment to not only her own personal growth but to building a better world for all ages. Elizabeth is a continuous learner and embraces the diversity of people on many different levels. She would contribute to any organization or team in an meaningful way.” ~ Jay Bloom Former Interim CEO the United Way of the Columbia Willamette
“I first met Elizabeth thru the ALF program (American Leadership Forum) and immediately liked her. I found her to be passionate about her beliefs and quite a task master with organizational skills and tenacity. In working with Elizabeth, you will find her be a very positive and forward thinking person.” ~Cheryl Cruson, Owner at Oregon Trail Hobbies & Gifts
“Elizabeth Sato in my mind is a universalist - an incredible mind and outstanding human being, whose talents and global perspective are un-measurable asset to world citizenry.” ~Agatha Brown, Auditor at OR Dept of State Lands
“I first met Elizabeth when she was working at Clark College and I got a scholarship as a student there. Then, when I was working at YWCA Clark County, she was honored by the organization as a Woman of Achievement. Finally, when I was at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, Elizabeth worked for our fundraising campaign as a Community Account Manager. I am honored to have gotten to know Elizabeth over the years. She has a true, genuine passion for helping others and a commitment to supporting both individuals and organizations in achieving their potential. Elizabeth is perfectly suited to the nonprofit development field. She is highly skilled at working with donors, connecting their own interests and heartfelt causes to the organization's and providing extraordinary customer service. She is also very good at the other side of working in development--gaining a deep understanding of the the organization's work, the reasons for it and the challenges faced by our community. Everyone says they are a "people person" but with Elizabeth it is the real deal. She cares deeply about our community and our world, and she can inspire others to care too, and to take action for positive change. I would highly recommend Elizabeth for anything in the nonprofit, fundraising, leadership or organization development field.” ~Rose Hart, Lead Project Manager at ThinkShout
“For over 5 years, I have come to know Ms. Asahi not only as a professional but as an entrepreneur. Ms. Asahi is extremely detail orientated, flexible, compassionate and brings a refreshing perspective on various issues and populations. My confidence in her ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, effectively communicate in an ever-increasing diverse environment could not be matched. She is a unique individual, team player and definitely an asset to any pilot, program, project, organization etc. Please do not hesitate to contact to further discuss her strengths and capabilities, I highly recommend!” Sincerely, Yun-Sook Kim Navarre, Social Services Division, Service Employees International Union, Los Angeles, CA, Housing Navigator Manager
“Through nonprofit groups where I have served on the board as treasurer, I have hired Elizabeth Sato as a grant writer. She was thorough and professional. I would recommend her for your grant writing needs.” ~ David Austen CPA
“Getting to know Elizabeth through Leadership Clark County was a pleasure. Her passion and commitment to valuing the diversity and thereby strengthening our community was inspiring.” ~Ty Stober, Connecting People, Impacting Ideas, Expanding Possibilities
“I worked with Elizabeth Asahi on an almost monthly basis for over a year and her work is thorough, consistent and reliable. She is especially knowledgeable in the field of grants.” ~Linda Dietzman, 2003-2015 Council member at Camas City Council
“Words cannot describe Elizabeth Asahi's qualities as they do not do her justice. To know Elizabeth is to know an individual who is fun, friendly, humorous, detail oriented and above all gets the job done in a manner that is professional and respectful. These are all qualities I value highly when working with others and I look forward to being able to work on projects with her in the future.” ~VaNessa Duplessie, Director/Customer Services Advisory, Talent Neuron, Gartner. Inc.
“Elizabeth is a wonderful colleague with a very strong work ethic who cares about the people she works with.”Bob Knight, President Clark College in Vancouver Washington, former Vice President Operations
“I had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth when she facilitated and led a group of community leaders in pursuit of a new recreation facility in Clark County, WA. Her skills and knowledge were invaluable and our successes along the way were a direct reflection of her involvement. She is an exceptional communicator and comfortable managing a broad interest group.” ~Doug Quinn, Director of Water Services at Clark Public Utilities
“Elizabeth is someone who is very active in community affairs in East Clark County. Not one to sit back and complain about problems - she has shown herself to be a person who will jump in and look for positive solutions. Compassion and true caring for others stand out as a demonstration of her character. Always a good communicator and a good listener, Elizabeth is a person who works to bring consensus when working in group settings.” ~Mitch Lackey, Chief of Police at City of Camas
“Elizabeth is very knowledgeable and passionate about her areas of expertise which are many and very diverse. When she accepts clients, they soon become friends because of her loyal and caring heart. Even though caring she has a keen ability to stay professional and personal at the same time. She is a strong leader with a caring heart. She is detail oriented and an admirable businesswomen with skills she does with excellence.” Sheryl Stephens, President and Founder at Our City Cares
“Elizabeth Asahi Sato is a very talented, well-informed and experienced business consultant in the Portland Metro who individualizes her program and information very well for each of her clients.” ~Sallee Kallenbach, Independent Contractor Virtual Customer Service Representative
“Elizabeth came to me with very high recommendations as both a writer and also a marketing person. We were in the process of putting on a large event for my Art-Women-Wine group and needed help getting press releases done as well as other marketing to promote the event. Elizabeth met me for coffee and literally the same day had press releases to all major newspapers, a Facebook fan page created for the group, and other specialty writings and promotions done for the event. I couldn't believe how much she got done in such a short amount of time and she went above and beyond my expectations in all areas. Elizabeth listened closely, made great observations, and took on the responsibility of promoting an event that was overwhelming for me at the time. We ended up having between 750-1000 come to the event and I contribute a lot of that to Elizabeth's work. She is an incredible talent and an even greater person. To know her and work with her is a privilege. There is no doubt that no matter what the task, Elizabeth can do it, and do it extremely well.” ~ Elida Field, Professional Artist & Owner of Elida Art Studio & Gallery at Elida Art Studio & Gallery
“There is not enough time for me to list all of Elizabeth's positive attributes. Not only is she someone who truly takes the time to understand what it means to truly listen to your concerns, but she is able to bring them to fruition that exceeds your expectations. Although she does have high professional standards, what I appreciate most about her is her genuine character. You know she is someone you can fully trust to bat for you, and you are confident to have her on your side. I highly recommend Elizabeth.” ~ Fez Vartan, Owner, FEZ Studio
“I've had the pleasure of meeting, working and knowing Elizabeth since '05 in San Francisco, CA. Elizabeth is extremely well-rounded, flexible, excellent communication skills and a real, true vision for social change and social justice. I highly recommend Elizabeth for any role in any capacity and definitely one to watch in the future.” ~ Yun-Sook Kim, Housing Navigator Manager
“Elizabeth's focus on the positive helps clients to explore the possible. Her strong business background makes that possible a reality.” Jeanne Kojis, Director of Nonprofit Resources at Integrated Tax Services