We have invited our partner and fellow collaborator, Francisco Salinas to introduce himself in this week’s blog. We at Koné Consulting look forward to our ongoing projects with Francisco, and the Inclusive Excellence he brings to our team and clients.

Hello fam!

My name is Francisco Salinas, from Boise State University where I am currently working full-time as the first Director for Student Diversity and Inclusion. When my schedule allows, I am excited to share the insights and expertise from my professional experiences through my recent partnership with Koné Consulting. I am committed to Inclusive Excellence through systemic and structural change, and have created a tool called the “Inclusive Excellence Inventory” to help undertake this work.

A first generation college-graduate, my professional life in higher education has been spent advocating for the growth and success of under-represented minority populations on campus, with a number of administrative posts in both Washington State and Idaho, including the University of Idaho, Washington State University, Spokane Community College, Skagit Valley College and Yakima Valley Community College. As an instructor, I’ve taught a variety of classes ranging from Chicano Studies to Civic and Ethical Foundations, and hold the proud distinction as the founding advisor for both the first Latina founded sorority and the first Latino founded fraternity in Idaho. I was also recently honored by Boise State University’s Black Alumni chapter as the first recipient of the award they have named the “Francisco Salinas Commitment to Inclusion Award.”

I live in Boise, Idaho with my partner Nichole, who is a mental health counselor specializing in the treatment of sexual abuse recovery and trauma. I have three adult children and am a grandfather to a beautiful grandson who I travel to see every chance I get. I am a garage sale treasure hunter and a consumer of all things musical. I love live music and love road trips to any body of water. My indoor pursuits include playing foosball and scrabble and cheering on Nichole for her amazing Karaoke prowess.

What I most love about working with the Koné Consulting team is the opportunity to face new challenges and settings with a group of folks whose creative energies are unbound by the constructs of a traditional single setting environment. The value of diverse experiences and perspectives is nourished and allowed to blossom in an organic way that only the sunlight, the weather and a complete absence of walls can afford. The world needs advance along the axis of equity and it will take the best of us to step up and meet this challenge! I am pleased to be working with some of the best to advance this work.

I look forward to the possibility we may spend some time together. - Francisco

For more on Francisco’s work at Boise State University, visit:

Keeping The Dream Real

BUILD Program Trains Boise State Staff in Diversity and Inclusivity

Navigating Race Strategizing Space

Find Francisco on LinkedIn.