ABOUT US

Welcome to Relational Notions!

We partner with organizations to create spaces where people can show up fully, engage in honest dialogue, and co-create the future they want to see. Whether we’re guiding a strategic planning process, facilitating team conversations, or supporting culture transformation, we bring openness, warmth, and a belief in the power of people.

Our approach is simple, human, and grounded in trust. We don’t come with all the answers—we come with the right questions and a process that helps you uncover what’s possible. Everything we do is co-created, because lasting change isn’t delivered—it’s designed together.

We’re known for making the complex feel doable and the uncomfortable feel safe to navigate. Clients think of us not just when they need help with planning or strategy—but even when they’re not sure what they need. We’re here to be a trusted thought partner, one step away when you need insight, guidance, or a space to think things through.

We are based in the San Francisco Bay Area and partner with businesses and organizations across the U.S.

Businesses and organizations are often at odds with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts because they haven’t seen long-term results.

At Relational Notions, we achieve noticeable changes by working together to create the right environment for the lasting improvements you want in your organization's culture and the communities you serve.

OUR VALUES

Humanity First

We believe our humanity needs to come first in a world where so many other things are prioritized. No amount of money, disagreement, urgency, or resentment is worth making other people feel like they don't matter as human beings. That's why we lead with vulnerability and humility.

Imagination

It takes courage to imagine something different in a society that has failed many. We must acknowledge the past and collectively heal to work towards a newly imagined reality that truly embodies justice and belonging. Audacious ideas require that we give ourselves permission to fail forward until we succeed.

Integrity

Trust is the most valuable asset in our work towards an inclusive society. We build trust with clients and among stakeholders by consistently delivering high-quality work that upholds transparency and follows through on commitments.

Joy

We challenge traditional notions of communication, education, intellect, and action in the way we work to bring about experiences that help people know or remember joy and what belonging truly feels like. Connecting with our hearts is liberatory work.

Co-Creation

Solutions to social and organizational problems call upon the contributions of everyone who is involved, not just a select few who may be considered experts. We see ourselves as trusted partners who can unearth the wisdom within us all to shape the impact of our collective work.

About Elsa,

Our Founder

Elsa Casanova (pronouns: they/them) is a Culture Strategist and Social Equity Consultant who initially walked in their mission for social justice by speaking up against racism, sexism, and homophobia within their circles of influence from a very young age. Elsa grew up in East Oakland, CA where they were exposed to the social injustices that come with being brown, queer, an English learner, and the child of immigrants. Their experience of disadvantage in a society that was not built for people like them motivated Elsa to focus their professional career on leading systemic change through organizing in communities for public policy.

Over the course of their career, Elsa has: developed community advocacy and leadership programs that promote racial equity and community ownership; provided strategic operational leadership to efforts that advance equity-centered strategies for internal and external organizational change; developed leadership trainings for various types of audiences and leadership levels; and, provided guidance and mentorship to leaders of progressive social change. Founding Relational Notions has allowed Elsa to bring their unique human experience, skills, and strengths to the justice movement across multiple sectors. Elsa exemplifies our company's values in all areas of their life, embodying anti-oppressive principles in their relationship with themselves and others.