About

DevelopWell is a People Operations consulting firm that supports social impact organizationas through growth, change, and cultural transformation. We partner with nonprofits, foundations, progressive political groups, social good startups, and impact-focused tech companies — organizations that prioritize equity not just in what they do, but in how they operate.

Our belief in this work is deeply personal. Many of us were raised by teachers, organizers, and community builders. We care about people, power, and systems: how they shape opportunity, culture, and the world. We've seen the toll that misalignment and burnout can take on even the most visionary teams, and we know that for people to thrive at work, the workplace itself has to work

Organizations turn to DevelopWell during pivotal moments: scaling, leadership transitions, restructures, cultural shifts, or preparation for major external events. In these times, external urgency often outpaces internal clarity. That’s when missions stall, values drift, and teams lose momentum. 

We help leaders refocus. With deep cross-sector expertise and an equity-first, human-centered, and systems-smart approach, our team brings clarity, alignment, and flawless execution to every engagement. 

Missions scale when people thrive. And we bring a wealth of experience to build the cultures and infrastructure that make both possible.

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The Team

We’re a multidisciplinary team united by deep expertise in People Operations and a shared commitment to equity-centered practices that help organizations thrive from the inside out. Our team has worked across government, philanthropy, nonprofits, advocacy, and startups, giving us a 360° view into the challenges organizations face — and the structures that help them thrive.

  • Holly Witherington, SHRM-SCP

    CEO
    She/Her

    CEO, People Operations Strategy & Organizational Design
    Seasoned strategist with 18+ years in HR, political advocacy, and leadership. Known for her clarity, precision, and deep alignment with justice-centered values.

  • Akailah Jenkins Mcintyre, Ed.D

    Managing Director & Principal Consultant
    She/Her

    Equity-Centered Leadership & Culture
    Doctorate-level systems thinker, educator, and equity strategist. Brings care, clarity, and rigor to cultural transformation.

  • Tiffany Ferguson

    Principal Consultant
    She/Her

    People-Centered Operations & Change Implementation
    Cross-sector operator and culture strategist (and MIT grad!) with a decade of experience redesigning systems for sustainable, people-first growth.

  • Kate Derewicz

    Head of Client Services & Project Management
    She/Her

    Client Experience & Strategic Project Leadership
    Nonprofit pro and collaborative problem-solver who leads from a customer service orientation and a sharp eye for inclusive, innovative solutions.

  • Kaelan Forbes

    Senior People Operations Consultant
    She/Her

    People Operations & Workplace Innovation
    Economics-meets-social-justice strategist who challenges workplace norms and champions bold, unconventional approaches.

  • Monica Andia

    Consulting Manager
    She/They

    Learning & Development, Culture Design
    Trained social worker with 10+ years designing equitable experiences who brings imagination, care, and co-creation to every engagement.

  • Molly Knowlton

    Senior Executive & Business Operations Manager
    She/They

    Executive Operations & Team Infrastructure
    Versatile creative who believes great teams are built on centering people, not just productivity, and keeps the DevelopWell ecosystem running with care.

Partners

  • “DevelopWell has been a trusted partner through major transitions at WDN—from going fully remote to navigating a leadership change after our founding CEO’s departure. Their guidance helped us strengthen culture, clarify roles, and build new People & Culture systems that support long‑term sustainability. Beyond their expertise, the team brought warmth, empathy, and genuine care to every step—helping us become stronger and more resilient.”

    WDN

    – Leena Barakat, president and CEO