Beyond Ally

Help. Change. The. World.

Meaningful and sustainable change is only possible when allies and BIPOC work together to dismantle systemic racism.
True allyship requires you to be open, vulnerable, and insightful. You have to be willing to face conflict and willing to accept accountability.

The first step in understanding how to become a strong advocate is to have a road map for your journey!

As You Begin Your Journey, Ask yourself:

Do you recognize that inequalities exist and wonder what you should do about it?
Are you seeking tools to become a better supporter of diverse families, friends, co-workers?
Do you wonder if you’re doing as much as you can to advance inclusion and equity?
Do you wonder what your role is in creating safe spaces and understanding differences?
Do you struggle with the label "white privilege"?

What is Allyship?

Allyship is an Earned Title.

Allyship is an Identity.

Allyship is a Responsibility.

Allyship is an Honor.

Dr. Maysa Akbar, PhD, ABPP

Dr. Maysa Akbar is a groundbreaking psychologist, best-selling author, and healer. A thought leader and expert in racial trauma, allyship, diversity, equity, and inclusion, she is sought out by corporations, philanthropies, nonprofit organizations, urban school districts, and social services agencies to promote antiracism and advance racial equity. She brings insight, courage, and passion to her conversations with communities of color and white communities. Dr. Akbar is a board-certified clinical psychologist and is a leading expert in racial trauma. She has held positions as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Akbar is the founder of Integrated Wellness Group, a psychotherapy practice specializing in treating race-based trauma since 2008. She has worked nationally and internationally to advance the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion.

This is your call to action!

Learn how to practice antiracism in various aspects of life- work, home and community
Learn about the history of inequalities in our society and how it impacts us all
Learn what it means to be an inclusive advocate, ally or accomplice
Learn how you can specifically move forward to effectuate change and promote antiracism in a role that is most fitting and comfortable for you

Become an Effective Ally

Engaging in allyship work can be transformational to you as an individual. It can help you learn how to be an active listener, have honest and clear conversations, manage moments of productive conflict, and become a leader who exemplifies empathy and vulnerability. Dr. Akbar is a board-certified clinical psychologist and is a leading expert in racial trauma. She has held positions as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Akbar is the founder of Integrated Wellness Group, a psychotherapy practice specializing in treating race-based trauma since 2008. She has worked nationally and internationally to advance the conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion.

frequently asked questions

How long does it take to complete this program?

We recommend that you spend a few days on each module to absorb the information, reflect on the critical nature of historic systemic racism, ask yourself has history repeated itself, and complete the homework assignments.

Is the course worth it?

The course offers immense personal development opportunities as you learn to be an ally with a course thoughtfully curated for this purpose. Don’t stop there. Do your part to help change the world.

Can I return to previous modules to refresh my understanding of a topic?

Yes! You will have access to the entire program for one full year after you enroll. Review the materials at your convenience.

Can I share the information with others in my community?

We encourage you to share your newfound knowledge with people you work with and others in your community. But please be aware that access to the membership site is only for you. The materials in the program are copyrighted by Dr. Maysa Akbar and are not available for duplication or distribution without her permission. This course prepares you for a journey of personal development and growth. It does not, however, certify you to train others on this subject.

When you enroll in the Beyond Ally program, you will receive access to
the Welcome area and the first 2 modules, reflections and calls to action to facilitate learning in different media.
When you have completed this learning, you will have the option to purchase the next 2 or the entire rest of the course.

The reflections and calls to action will provide practical tools to support the
transformation process and help build mental toughness.

Each module will be broken up into two to four lessons and each will have a mix of three components:

Urban Trauma® Informed

VIDEOS

Resources

I am a white woman who grew up in racially-segregated Louisville, Kentucky. Because my working-class family was fairly open to other cultures, and because I had the opportunity to live and work with indigenous communities in Latin America, I thought I had no prejudices. Was I ever wrong! Reading Dr. Akbar’s book woke me up to the multitude of ways that “kind-hearted” people like me are oblivious of the deep racism in our core. Maysa’s use of personal stories and strong research brought things home to me with clarity and strength. The book taught me a lot. And let me know that I have much more to learn. Thank you for educating us, Dr. Akbar.

- Millie Grenoug

“This is a critical moment in our country’s history, and defeating systemic inequality will take allies who are committed to learning what it really means to fight racial injustice.”

- Peter T. Grauer,

Awesome Services!

“Having a family filled with POC who I love dearly doesn't make me an ally. Dr. Akbar helps us to learn what we need to do to transform our love and desire for racial justice into actionable steps. Beyond Ally is a compassionate, insightful guide to recognizing and accepting our privilege to turn it into a tool to build meaningful change in our communities- brick by brick.”

Lisa Votto, LMFT