Helping Organizations Demonstrate Leadership With Empathy

Linda McKenzie’s Global Empathy Training Academy has been a tremendous asset to the Restorative Justice Partnership. Linda’s sensitive and incisive training approach is deeply impactful. As a trainer, she is prompt, reliable, thoughtful, and adaptable to our organization’s evolving needs and schedules. Her sessions are not just insightful; they’re transformative. By highlighting the components of empathy as a vital role in restorative justice and calling attention to common biased beliefs, she empowers RJP’s volunteers to strengthen and utilize the essential connection and communication skills that are crucial to moving beyond punitive approaches.

Linda has also played an integral role in strengthening the onboarding process for new trainees. Her continuing support in mentoring and training new RJP facilitators has been key in the successful onboarding of several new volunteers from diverse backgrounds. She has also remained actively engaged as a practitioner to keep her skills sharp and her program knowledge up-to-date. She excels in building strong connections with both participants and volunteers and is always looking for ways to advance the program. Linda actively champions restorative justice work statewide and has included RJP in meaningful discussions about implementing restorative practices in government and criminal justice settings.

As a crucial training partner, Linda brings vast knowledge and understanding to her role with RJP. Her contributions have strengthened our training programs and advanced our goal of fostering empathy and understanding within the criminal justice system. We’re lucky to have the opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented professional

Nicole Kirkaldy
Program Director
Yolo County District Attorney’s Office