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THE RESTORATIVE 

DEMOCRACY

PROJECT

THE RESTORATIVE 

DEMOCRACY

PROJECT

About The Founder

Raquel is a cat lover, DIYer, sun riser & coach for womxn of color & allies in the government & social justice sectors.

She made history in 2013, becoming the first-ever Latina elected to the Detroit City Council. She served for eight years before founding the Restorative Democracy Project, a program supporting womxn of color throughout their lifecycle in public office, from election night (win or lose) through their transition out of office.

Raquel is a born & bred Detroiter, with over 20 years of experience in the non-profit & political sectors. She holds a Masters of Social Work, and is trained in action learning, neuro-emotional literacy & self-compassion practices.

For 10 years Raquel’s trained with New American Leaders, coaching new Americans & BIPOC communities to run for office. She is an Open Society Foundation Leadership in Government Fellow, BMW Foundation Responsible Leader & a German Marshall Fund Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network alum.

Contact Us

  • Do you offer other services outside of this programming?
    Yes! Raquel offers facilitation, consulting and other custom services. Please email us to discuss further: raquel@raquelcastanedalopez.com
  • Are your services only for womxn of color?
    No. All self-identified LGBTQIAP2S+ women/womxn are welcome to participate. It’s invaluable for womxn of color to have safe spaces where we can show up as our full selves. If this aligns with your values and you support this, then we’d love to have you!
  • Why should I work with Raquel?
    Raquel’s entire career has been dedicated to fighting for equity, access and inclusion for historically marginalized communities, so that everyone has the freedom and resources to pursue their rights to “life, liberty and happiness”. As a double-minority myself, Raquel has lived experience and understands the challenges that womxn of color and marginalized peoples navigate in our society. In addition, she served as a local elected official for 8 years and has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors. Raquel holds a Master in Social Work and is trained in Action Learning, neuro-emotional literacy, and self-compassion techniques. She is deeply committed to this work and creating spaces of belonging for womxn of color to show up as their full selves.
  • How can the RDP benefit me?
    If you want to build a more fulfilling, joyful life, then the RDP can help you get there. Regardless of your role or where you are on your journey, the RDP will help you increase your impact, decrease burnout and support you in living your life the way you’ve been yearning to.
  • I don’t live in the USA, can I still participate?
    YES! We are building a global movement and would love to have you!
  • I have another question not listed here.
    Email us at raquel@raquelcastanedalopez.com
  • What is restorative coaching?
    The RDP coaches use techniques drawn from neuro-emotional literacy, self-compassion, somatic body work and action learning to hold space and support members in getting to the root cause of their challenge. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership. See: https://coachingfederation.org/about. Coaches don’t fix your problems for you, because they believe you are the expert in your own life. Coaches use powerful questions, deep listening and reflection to hold space for you to connect with your inner wisdom, natural strengths and your values to guide you on your own unique path. Here’s a few helpful articles to learn more about how coaching can benefit you individually, 6 Ways An Executive Coach Can Make You More Successful and your team, 5 Ways Organizations Can Get the Most out of an Executive Coach.
  • Do you only work with people in nonprofits and government in formal leadership roles?
    No. As a former elected official and social worker, RCL often works with people in mid to senior level positions in these sectors; however, we have worked with many folks in other sectors, i.e. people going through life transitions, folks feeling stuck. If you’re interested in working together then please book a complimentary call so we can see if we’re a good fit.
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