As the CEO of Deo Mwano Consultancy (DMC), I’m incredibly proud to reflect on the work we’ve done in 2024. This year, like the past seven, has been a journey of growth, collaboration, and impact. Our mission has always been to bring authentic, innovative, and sustainable solutions to the organizations and communities we partner with. Thanks to the trust of our clients, we’ve had the privilege of working on projects that drive meaningful change and create lasting value.

Highlights from 2024

City of Manchester: Supporting Small Businesses

This year, we concluded a multi-year partnership with the City of Manchester's Economic and Planning Office. Our work began in 2021, supporting a federally funded program to provide grants and resources to small businesses during and after the pandemic.

Impact: Over $3 million allocated in grants and capacity-building resources to more than 60 businesses.
Key Achievements: Helping businesses upgrade their digital presence, implement advanced point-of-sale systems, and access legal and accounting support.
Lessons Learned: Thinking outside the box and challenging traditional structures were crucial to reducing barriers for business owners, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

Granite United Way: Bridging Equity Gaps

We partnered with Granite United Way as advisors for their Equity Partner Program, which focused on supporting smaller nonprofits led by historically marginalized groups.

Impact: We built bridges between Granite United Way and 22 equity partners across the state.
Key Contributions: Helping integrate recommendations into Granite United Way’s strategic plan, redefining funding through an impact-based lens.
Lessons Learned: These nonprofits demonstrated incredible resilience and a relentless focus on serving their communities, even when resources were scarce.

Dartmouth College Campus Services: Transforming Employee Experiences

Our ongoing collaboration with Dartmouth Campus Services continues to inspire us. Over the past four years, we’ve helped transform their culture through listening sessions, surveys, and training programs.

Key Initiatives:

Implemented a Culture and Belonging role and enhanced HR support for learning and development.
Conducted annual culture and climate surveys, revealing significant improvements in trust and employee connection.
Redesigned onboarding and training programs to align with organizational values and employee needs.

Results: A workplace where employees feel seen, valued, and connected, driving stronger engagement and productivity.

Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI): Equity and Workforce Development

In partnership with ARMI, we conducted a transformative equity study in Manchester, NH, as part of their mission to make the city a hub for regenerative medicine.

Scope: Engaged over 500 individuals, particularly underrepresented groups, to understand their transportation needs and experiences.
Outcome: Delivered actionable recommendations to inform ARMI’s broader workforce development and equity initiatives, specifically addressing transportation needs for current and future employees commuting to and from work.
Impact: A deeper understanding of the community’s needs, ensuring a diverse and inclusive future workforce for the regenerative medicine industry.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services(DHHS): Bringing a Strategic Plan to Life

We began an exciting partnership with Maine DHHS this year, collaborating with division and office leadership to support their 3,000+ employees across multiple offices and divisions.

Focus Areas:

Improving data collection and customer satisfaction tracking.
Diversifying the talent pool.
Strengthening relationships with Maine communities.
Embedding DEI into leadership priorities and organizational structures.

Impact: Our recommendations are already helping DHHS make strides in aligning their strategic goals with actionable steps for meaningful change.

Our Approach

What ties all these projects together is our authentic, community-centered approach. We collaborate with our partners to meet them where they are, identifying opportunities for growth and creating solutions that connect them more deeply with the people they serve.

At DMC, we believe that strong connections and positive experiences drive productivity, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose. When people feel seen, valued, and included, they go the extra mile to contribute to their organization’s success.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up 2024, I want to thank everyone who has supported Deo Mwano Consultancy, whether as a client, partner, or advocate. Your trust and collaboration inspire us to keep doing this work with purpose and passion.

We’re excited about what 2025 holds as we continue to work with our amazing partners and forge new relationships. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your organization maximize its impact, we’d love to connect.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a successful year ahead!

Warm regards,
Deo Mwano
CEO, Deo Mwano Consultancy