Hi, I’m
Ryan McClinton
Equity Strategist | Community Organizer | Community Systems Architect
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Visionary community leader, equity strategist, and systems-change practitioner with over a decade of experience advancing racial justice, policy reform, and culturally responsive public services. Proven track record of leading multi-sector campaigns, advising public agencies, and building powerful coalitions that transform emergency response, behavioral health, and governance systems. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 Honoree and Men of Honor Award recipient for impactful leadership grounded in community wisdom and sustained civic engagement.
Overview
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)Sacramento, CA
Equity Coach & Policy Consultant
02.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Train over 400 organizations on the SMART Assessment Tool to evaluate anti-racist practices and equity readiness across internal and external operations.
- Provide direct policy feedback and technical assistance to agencies drafting equity-centered policies.
- Design online learning modules and facilitate peer-learning spaces to deepen sector-wide equity capacity.
Transformational Change Partnership (TCP)Sacramento, CA
Equity & Community Engagement Consultant
05.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Lead the Community Advisory Council (CAC) supporting six county government teams on co-production and equity-centered engagement implementation and systems transformation in behavioral health.
- Deliver virtual and in-person training sessions, co-develop coaching tools, and shape the design of statewide technical assistance infrastructure.
- Contribute to public-facing blog posts and guide co-production strategy through continuous community feedback and advisory input.
- Strategic thought partnership developing technical assistance training for county government teams.
Public Health AdvocatesSacramento, CA
Program Manager / Lead Program Manager
11.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Lead program operations for the statewide First Response Transformation Campaign (FRTC), supporting five California cities in establishing equitable alternative crisis response systems.
- Manage cross-functional teams of up to 15 staff and sub-grantees, guiding campaign development, budget oversight, and community-led strategy.
- Facilitate partnerships with city officials, grassroots leaders, and public agencies; represent FRTC in high-level forums to advance systemic policy goals.
- Oversee grant deliverables, create long-term work plans, and develop sustainability pathways in collaboration with funding partners.
- Supervise project staff, lead organizational trainings, and shape internal equity practices aligned with community-centered values.
Sacramento Area Congregations Together (Sac ACT)Sacramento, CA
Community Organizer
01.2016 - 12.2020
Job overview
- Organized community-led policy campaigns resulting in major justice reforms, including the passage of SB 1421 and AB 392—the strongest police accountability bills in California history.
- Led advocacy to establish Sacramento’s first Community-Led Police Oversight Commission, implement a Use of Force Policy, and adopt the Advance Peace gun violence reduction strategy.
- Co-founded Safe Black Space and played a key role in the Build. Black. Coalition, advancing Black healing and systemic equity.
- Organized citywide responses to police violence, including large-scale direct actions following the killing of Stephon Clark.
- Influenced budget advocacy and Measure U oversight through coalition-building with community leaders and faith institutions.
- Advocated for the expansion of culturally responsive mental health programs and resources as a member of the MHSA Steering Committee and Executive Steering Committee (2019–2024).
Education
University Overview
- Completed 60+ units of undergraduate coursework
- Ongoing professional development in racial equity, public health, and organizational leadership
Skills
Strategic planning
Community engagement and collaboration
Integrated program and grant management
Equity-focused systems change
Team Training
Team development
Team motivation
Program leadership
Team Leadership
Building relationships
Group facilitation
Project management
Interpersonal relationships
Community Affiliations And Leadership
- Founding Member, Build. Black. Coalition
- Co-Founder, Safe Black Space
- Former Team Member, Decarcerate Sacramento
- Racial Equity Alliance Member, City of Sacramento
- Advisor to multiple public agencies on alternative response and equity initiatives
Awards
- 40 Under 40 Honoree, Sacramento Business Journal, 2020
- Men of Honor Award Recipient, Sacramento Community, 2019
- Building Power Fellow, Rockwood Leadership Institute, 2019
Affiliations
- Founding Member, Build. Black. Coalition
- Co-Founder, Safe Black Space
- Former Team Member, Decarcerate Sacramento
- Racial Equity Alliance Member, City of Sacramento
- Former Executive Steering Committee, Sac County MHSA
- Advisor to multiple public agencies on alternative response and equity initiatives
Timeline
Equity Coach & Policy Consultant
Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
02.2024 - Current
Equity & Community Engagement Consultant
Transformational Change Partnership (TCP)
05.2023 - Current
Program Manager / Lead Program Manager
Public Health Advocates
11.2020 - Current
Community Organizer
Sacramento Area Congregations Together (Sac ACT)
01.2016 - 12.2020