our story
our story
we created civitatem resolutions to focus on the human in the loop.
as emerging technologies evolve at breakneck speed, we are confronted by a challenging reality. these technologies add to a social system in which power dynamics, discrimination, violence, injustice, and inequity are deeply entrenched.
focusing on making emerging technologies ethical calls on us to work on the human in the loop, the containers holding the human, and the knowledge streams informing the human. our work looks at the continuum between the online and offline world.
we focus on community, where we harness the power of people coming together to listen, learn, and facilitate change; containers, where we shape spaces, platforms, and networks by embedding feminist principles and values; and constellations, where we build knowledge repositories to guide communities and shape containers for engagement.
in the words of gloria anzaldua, in her poem the new speakers:
“we don't want to be stars but parts of constellations”
what we do
our work is centred on the following areas:
policy advisory: we develop ethical, intersectional, and human-centric policies to govern emerging technologies
facilitated workshops: we create and roll out facilitated workshops that help build community and foster collective engagements
training: we offer on-demand and live trainings on a variety of topics that address emerging technologies and community needs
research: we study emerging technologies and their impact and create knowledge building toward human-centric technology
how we work
our approach is grounded in the belief that sustainable community building requires addressing three levels simultaneously:
the relational level: building individual and interpersonal capacity for healthy connection
collective level: creating group dynamics and cultures that support thriving relationships
structural level: developing systems and policies that enable rather than obstruct community formation
we bring expertise in conflict transformation, policy advisory, tech governance, research, and collective work. we work with an understanding of power dynamics, inclusive practices, and the interconnected nature of personal and systemic change. through this work, we support:
organizations seeking to build more cohesive, collaborative cultures and ethical technologies
communities experiencing division who want to find pathways forward together
policymakers and institutions developing frameworks that impact how people connect
leaders who want to create environments where authentic relationships can flourish
Our Core Values
connection over division: we believe in people's fundamental capacity to find common ground and build meaningful relationships across difference.
transformation over quick fixes: we focus on addressing root causes and building lasting capacity rather than applying temporary solutions.
inclusion and equity: we ensure all voices are heard and valued, recognizing that true community requires justice and fairness for all members.
systemic thinking: we understand that individual, relational, and structural changes are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
integrity in process: How we work matters as much as what we achieve—our methods model the collaborative, respectful relationships we seek to foster.
the civitatem team
it all begins with an idea. maybe you want to have a difficult conversation. maybe you want to interrogate power. maybe you want to resolve a conflict and preserve a relationship. maybe you want to learn something new! these people are happy to help you get started.
a note on our “designations:” we’ve decided to move away from capitalistic frames that tell you our roles in relation to productivity standards we don’t subscribe to. instead, we leaned in on deepa iyer’s social change map and identified our roles.
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experimenter, disruptor, builder
kirthi jayakumar is a lawyer, facilitator, and mediator, working with a special focus on areas of feminist facilitation, conflict transformation, and peace mediation.
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experimenter, disruptor, builder
aparnaa nagesh is an interdisciplinary performer, writer, and art-maker blending dance, theatre, and storytelling with social impact, education, and gender advocacy across platforms.
she champions purpose-driven creativity and community through artistic expression and transformative facilitation.
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healer, guide, caregiver
gita jayakumar is a mediator and energy therapy practitioner, working with a special focus on trauma release, root cause analysis, and mind-body energy work.