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In a world of contentious polarizations, our biases steal not only the dignity of others but also our own humanity. . 

BACKGROUND

Will Osmun, founder of Wicked Bridges, has a personal passion for organizational change and social justice with years of professional, corporate, and nonprofit experience. Through coaching, speaking engagements, group facilitation, training, and panel discussions, Will takes clients through a meaningful process of exploration, self-reflection, practical steps, and hard research. He is a facilitator of Compassionate Listening and a community connector specializing in building awareness of marginalized communities and systems-based problem-solving.

EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE

Wicked Bridges LLC - Principle Consultant/Coach, 2/2015 - present

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Consulting, coaching, strategy, facilitation, and program design. Working with CEO’s and Executive teams committed to addressing diversity concerns and creating equitable and inclusive workplaces. IFS Coach.

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Kids’ Food Basket, Grand Rapids, MI -  Vice President of Programming, Expert in Residence, 1/2020 - 5/2023
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Leads and provides strategic direction to the Leadership and Programming Teams – includes Nourish, Engagement, Grow, Learn, and Evaluation pillars. Provides strategy, consulting and customized training related to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion internally and external consulting for regional and national organizations.

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Urban League of West Michigan -  Vice President and Chief Strategist, 9/2016 - 1/2020
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Lead Housing, Education, Employment, and Youth programming teams. Developed and facilitated external DEI consulting initiatives for corporate leaders, community organizers, and government officials regionally and nationally.

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UnitedHealthcare, Detroit, MI. - State Director of My Connections, 10/2015 - 7/2016

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Successfully co-developed and launched an innovative ‘one-stop’ center in Detroit Mi. Partnered with local, city, and state organizations in the development and implementation of the initiative. Leveraged UHC technology and cost/claims data to understand the ROI implications of social interventions related to Medicaid recipients.

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The SOURCE, Grand Rapids, MI - Executive Director,  1/2011 – 12/2014
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Responsible for initiatives, programming, fundraising, budget, operations, oversite of staff, and ROI to partner organizations. Developed and managed relationships with 22-member companies, funders, MDHHS, local nonprofits, community organizations, and board of directors. Cofounded the Greater Grand Rapids Racial Equity Network.

Thirty years in the Manufacturing industry. Fourteen years in labor and sixteen years in Middle and Upper Management.

EDUCATION 

  • Doctoral Degree, Leadership and Change. Antioch University, Yellow Springs, OH. 2019                   

  • Master of Arts, Leadership and Change. Antioch University, Yellow Springs, OH. 2017

  • Master of Science, Supply Chain/Logistics. Michigan State University, Lansing, MI. 2005  

  • MM, Management. Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI. 2000

  • Bachelor of Arts, Communication. Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI. 1996

Dr. Osmun's dissertation, Hiring the “Other”—A Biographical Narrative Inquiry of Progressive Human Resource Professionals. 

CERTIFICATIONS

  • IFS Online Circle Foundations  2023

  • IFS Legacy Burdens  2023

  • Somatic Psychotherapy  2022

  • Compassionate Listening Facilitator  2017

  • Certified State Mediator  2015

  • Immunity to Change Certification  2014

  • Motivational Interviewing  2013

  • Leadership Grand Rapids  2012

  • Aspen Institute Sector Skills Academy Marano Fellow  2011/12

  • Leadership Advantage  2011

  • Bridges Out of Poverty and Getting Ahead  2011 

BOARDS

  • The Compassionate Listening Project – Board of Directors  2018-present

  • Kids’ Food Basket – Muskegon Advisory Committee  2018 – 2020

  • Kids’ Food Basket - Board of Directors  2014-2018

  • Access of West Michigan – Board of Directors  2009 – 2011

COUNCILS & COMMITTIES

  • HireReach Racial Equity Subject Matter Expert  2019

  • Talent 2025 Education and Skills Committee  2018-2019

  • Ecosystem for Nonprofit Leadership  2019

  • African-American Male Achievement Conference Leadership Team  2016-2019

  • Family Economic Security: Action Team W.K. Kellogg Foundation  2014/2015

  • Greater Grand Rapids Racial Equity Network Co-Founder/Leadership Team  2012 - 2015

  • Essential Needs Task Force - Economic and Workforce Development Committee  2011 – 2014

  • National Skills Coalition Leadership Council  2014

  • Power to Thrive Coalition  2014

  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Community Ventures Advisory Board  2013/14

  • Rapid Employer's Advisory Council  2011-2013

  • Grand Rapids United Way Vision Council  2013

  • W.K. Kellogg’s Grand Rapids Racial Equity and Civic and Community Engagement Group 2013

  • Grand Rapids Urban League Executive Director Hiring Committee  2013

  • Family Economic Security Steering Committee - W.K. Kellogg Foundation  2013

  • Michigan League for Human Services - Workforce Development Coalition  2012

  • Income Vision Council W.K. Kellogg Foundation  2012

  • Michigan League for Human Services Workforce Development Coalition  2012

AWARDS

  • UnitedHealthcare Community and State Innovation Award 2015

  • Systems Thinking Champion Award 2012. Grand Rapids, MI Chamber of Commerce

  • Rookie of the Year 2012. National Skills Coalition

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