The Roots Of Swarm Strategy: Who We Are and Why It Matters
Photo: Uptown Skyline in Charlotte, North Carolina
Swarm Strategy was founded by educator, facilitator, and policy advocate Bryce Celotto. The name Swarm is an homage to Bryce's upbringing, roots, intergenerational culture, and his energy for social justice work. The name is also deeply tied to the history of rebellion and revolution for freedom in the American South.
Bryce's organizing and strategy work is heavily influenced by his connection to the South - a place with a rich history of Black organizing, resistance, movement building, and intellectual power. Bryce was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose NBA basketball team - the Charlotte Hornets - was named after the city's fierce resistance to British occupation during the Revolutionary War.
The British commander, Lord Cornwallis, referred to the resistance in Charlotte as "a veritable hornet's nest of rebellion". Bryce grew up a diehard Charlotte Hornets fan and frequently attended games with his grandmother who worked at the old Charlotte Coliseum as an usher. Bryce always felt a connection with the historical nature of the team's name and in his work, Bryce continues to challenge the status quo of complacency, inequity, and injustice with the same fervor and ferocity as a Swarm of hornets.
Swarm is about attacking the issues head-on while taking a collaborative, team-driven approach - similar to the approach taken by the Revolutionary people who defended Charlotte from the British. Swarm is about combining the warmth of the Black southern organizing tradition with the power of storytelling and creative approaches to solving organizational problems. Read our theory of change to learn more about how Bryce can help your organization build power, shift narratives, and create a more equitable workplace.
New In 2021: Stay Up To Date
Swarm Strategy is diving into 2021 with some exciting updates and fresh content on the horizon. We are creating, and implementing, structures and supports to improve our services to clients and the community.
We have also relocated our HQ to Charlotte, North Carolina! Swarm is excited to bring the Hive home for this next chapter.
What Swarm Can Do For You
Products, Services & Offerings
Swarm Strategy offers clients and collaborators a variety of products and services including Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) centered training, facilitation, communications support, executive coaching, leadership development and long-term strategy work rooted in creating organizational change. Learn more about the full-range of products and services that Swarm Strategy offers by exploring the categories below.
Training + Facilitation
Swarm offers dynamic facilitation with Bryce's extensive experience leading training and workshops for all audiences - from youth activists to corporate leaders.
Storytelling
Swarm is focussed on the power of stories. Bryce uses his background in History and education to blend together historical context, current politics, and strong analysis to craft cohesive stories that center the experiences of marginalized communities.
Speaking + Media
With Swarm, Bryce uses his extensive public speaking experience to connect with audiences on a variety of topics from racial justice, education policy to LGBTQ equity.
Consulting
Swarm can help you create inclusive, diverse, equitable teams. Bryce is a skilled strategist and project manager who knows how to get the best from people and their work.
Clients and Collaborations
We Work With a Diverse and Broad Range of Clients
Kyle Cornforth, Executive Director - MakerEd
"Bryce embodies a powerful set of skills that I encourage leaders to learn from. He can support thoughtful organizational change and draw out what your goals and needs are, while centering justice and joy. He offers concrete and actionable feedback and is a pleasure to work with!"
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Kenya Garrett, Global Director, Diversity & Inclusion - Kendo Beauty
"Bryce has worked as consultant for my Team Kendo Brands providing executive coaching, training, and live support for all employees through a Speaker Series we created. His authenticity, knowledge, and love for people is truly magnificent and impactful. He has helped to spark change with in our people and given so many hope, comfort, and the tools to make a difference. I am forever grateful for his support and and company that hires him will be happy that they did."
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Rachel Kacenjar, Founder - Work In Progress Consulting
"It's been an incredible honor and a pleasure to work with Bryce. I contracted with Swarm Strategy a few months ago to do a deep dive into some HR policy related work, and Bryce has gone above and beyond as an organizer, strategist, teacher, and policy writer. His attention to detail is impeccable, and his workflow is both flexible and reliable. He's a great communicator and his implementation style for group trainings and meetings has had a positive impact on all of the colleagues involved in our project."
What Our Clients Are Saying
Why Choose Swarm Strategy?
Making an impact with strategic thinking, high-level expertise, and collaboration
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