Speaking on Law, Equity, and the Future of our Workforce

At Harkness Consulting Solutions, we speak on topics at the intersection of law, policy, access, equity, technology, and workforce development. Our presentations highlight how these areas shape opportunities for underserved communities, influence systemic change, and create pathways toward greater inclusion and innovation. We bring a justice-centered lens to every conversation, ensuring that knowledge translates into action.

Press & publications

"Sun's out, guns out:" New report on Albany summer violence highlights possible solutions (2025)

As Chair of the Albany Violence Prevention Task Force, Melody Harkness led the research and drafting of the “Suns Out, Guns Out” report, which outlines actionable, community-centered strategies to address summer violence in Albany.

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Harkness Consulting Solutions is making change one business at a time - ABC Localish (2022)

In 2020, this CEO took a leap of faith and started her own diversity consulting business. Now, she's guiding businesses and employees across the US, helping them have conversations about what it means to run an inclusive and diverse operation.

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Lack of Diversity at the Top - Albany Business Review (2020)

In Albany’s executive suites, the faces are mostly white and male. In this cover story, our president offers tips to groups seeking to advance DEAI initiatives. Read Article

Systems in Crisis: Identifying Critical Issues in Response to Mental Health Crisis Calls - John Jay College of Criminal Justice + Disability Rights New York

Harkness interviews with Mark Fliedner, Director of PAIMI and PAIR at Disability Rights New York about the intersection of race, disablity and mental health. See remarks on pages: 17-18.

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Plan Your Event — Speaker Kit

Signature talks, formats, outcomes, and bio. Pricing tailored towards event budget.

Speaker-Kit (1) (pdf)Download

Past Speaking Engagements

American Bar Association/National Legal Aid and Defender Association Equal Justice Conference

Capital Region Association for Talent Development & Capital Region Human Resources Association

Capital Region Chamber of Commerce BusinessU

Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Talent & Inclusion Summit

City of Raleigh Youth Development Program

Civil Legal Aid Technology Conference

Guidehouse MWBE Mentorship Program

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Regional Conference

New York State Bar Association Partnership Conference

Pro Bono Institute Conference

Technology Initiative Grants Conference

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