Takiema Bunche Smith, MPA, MS Ed is the CEO and visionary founder of Anahsa Consulting, LLC. She brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her clients, having served as an Executive Coach, Equity Consultant, Thought Leader in the DEIA-B space, adviser, writer, and educator for almost three decades.

Her work in the early childhood education space inspired Takiema to create Anahsa Consulting, LLC as a way to bring an innovative anti-racism and social justice approach to organizations, corporations, and early childhood professionals – one that centers joy and liberation.

Through coaching, speaking, and professional development sessions, Takiema, who has been lovingly referred to as “The Beyoncé of DEI”, expertly guides leaders and professionals to ignite change in their organizations through equity, joy, and inclusive leadership. Her approach is guided by culturally- and identity-responsive perspectives, adaptive leadership frameworks, and adult learning and development theory. 

Takiema's groundbreaking Journey to Nia™ Curriculum was a standout finalist at Harvard’s Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge in 2023. Her impact is amplified through partnerships with renowned institutions like Carnegie Hall, Little Sun People (African-centered preschool), and Mount Holyoke College, and her work has been featured in outlets such as the Washington Post, ABC News, and more. Takiema is also an adjunct assistant professor at her alma mater, NYU Wagner, teaching a course on strategic leadership.

A Brooklynite through-and-through, Takiema received her Bachelor of Science with High Honors from Mount Holyoke College. She also holds multiple Master's degrees - in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College, in Urban Education Policy from the CUNY Graduate Center, and in Leadership and Management from NYU Wagner School of Public Service. 

In her limited free time, Takiema enjoys teaching and taking soca and afrobeats Zumba classes, exploring new adventures in Curve Modeling and stand-in work, and swapping stories with her 94-year-old grandmother.