Forest & Trees is a New York City-based consulting firm specializing in guiding nonprofit organizations through transitions.
Our name plays on the metaphor "can't see the forest for the trees," reflecting our unique ability to focus on both details and the big picture simultaneously.
Forest & Trees' services combine strong facilitation practices with strategic insight and design thinking. Helping nonprofit teams align priorities and chart clear paths forward by examining both the intricate components of an organization (the "trees") as well as the overarching strategic vision (the "forest") that guides its future.
Our expertise lies in cultivating a meaningful, intentional approach to organizational challenges, transforming moments of change into opportunities for growth and impact.
How We Started
Sara and Sam's paths first crossed at a Creative Mornings talk in August 2018, where Sara spoke passionately about community during transition. Their connection deepened through the Constellation Collective, a group for women business owners that reinforced their belief in intentional spaces and collaboration.
In early 2023, Sara left her role as executive vice president at a creative agency, while Sam departed from her position as a manager at Netflix. Over coffee and notebook scribbles, they realized their shared values and desire to empower others aligned perfectly. This revelation sparked the creation of Forest & Trees.
Built on their combined experience and passion for facilitation, Forest & Trees emerged as a testament to Sara and Sam’s journey. Their mission is to elevate and empower nonprofit organizations to find success in meaningful work, creating the kind of transformative support they have experienced. As a M/WBE, Forest & Trees brings a unique perspective to their work, embodying the diversity and resilience they champion in their clients.
Sara (she/her)
Sara is an award-winning Creative with two decades of experience in design, leadership, and education. Her Masters from Pratt Institute, fellowship with Milton Glaser and commitment to mission-oriented spaces inform her unique blend of creativity and strategy.
As a consultant and former agency executive, Sara has helped global brands infuse purpose into their positioning and nurtured emerging talent through teaching and mentorship.
Sara now focuses on guiding nonprofits through challenging transitions. She empowers teams to realign with their mission and transform change into opportunity. Her approach, which seamlessly integrates structured methodologies and creative ideation, ensures purpose-driven organizations maintain their impact during significant transitions.
Sara Hashim
Sam (she/her)
Sam is a seasoned navigator of organizational change, with over two decades of experience across various industries and roles. Her background in sociology, user research, and information architecture equips her with unique insight into complex challenges.
As a former Manager at Netflix and successful nonprofit consultant, Sam honed her skills in both corporate and purpose-driven environments.
Now, as co-founder of Forest & Trees, Sam combines her diverse experience to guide organizations through transformative change. Her approach blends strategic problem-solving with empathetic understanding, enabling clients to uncover hidden potential and thrive during periods of transition.
Sam Raddatz
Forest & Trees’ Values
Community
The strong belief that community allows us to achieve more than we are able to do on our own.
We take care of each other and support each other in whatever way is needed. Supportive care is generous, clear, empathetic, and motivating.
Supportive Care
A commitment to creating and participating in intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful spaces that have a clear purpose.
Intentional Space
Curiousity
Curiosity enables us to grow, learn, experiment, and move through discomfort.
Each person and organization contains an abundance of possibilities and potential, as well as the ability to decide what “enough” and “success” are for them.
Plentitude
Select Clients
