CULTURE
The Future of Death & Grief Care is Multicultural
Embrace diversity and build meaningful connections in a world of evolving traditions and communities.
Meet Joél; A trailblazer in Multicultural Death and Grief Care
Joél Simone Maldonado, affectionately known as The Grave Woman, brings over a decade of groundbreaking expertise and innovation to the fields of end-of-life, death and grief care. As a sacred grief care practitioner, licensed funeral director and embalmer, award-winning educator and speaker, Joél is dedicated to empowering professionals, organizations and governmental agencies to create and implement culturally sensitive protocols and inclusive practices that honor diverse cultures and traditions.
She is the founder of The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy where she offers expert insights into cultural competency and dignified end of life, death and grief care for communities of color empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of serving diverse families, staff and communities with authenticity and respect.
Bring Joél to Your Organization
Culture is the Medicine for Grief
At The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy we believe that honoring culture is the medicine that helps the world heal through navigating grief. We equip and empower professionals with the tools to create authentic, culturally inclusive experiences that honor diversity and inclusion at the end of life, after death and through grief support. Our trademarked methodology is proven to empower death and grief care professionals to earn lasting trust and build connections that reflect the needs of all communities. We provide a range of specialized courses, training and workshops highlighting topics ranging from Black deathcare to international funeral traditions, rituals and ceremony.
Inclusive, Empowering & Innovative
In today’s globalized society, cultural sensitivity is not just a skill to check off a box – it’s a necessity. We help you to elevate your abilities and services through comprehensive cultural competency training.
Cultural Competency Consulting & Training
We help organizations navigate the complexities of multicultural needs in death and grief care when supporting grieving employees and clients with our tailored strategies.
Inclusive Death Care Education
We guide your journey toward cultural fluency in end of life, death and grief care, ensuring services and offerings resonate deeply with the needs of diverse employees and clients.
Keynotes & Speaking Programs
Joél brings her wealth of expertise and speaking experience to deliver engaging presentations that highlight cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in death and grief care.
What Others Say About Us
Don’t just take our word for it—hear from those who have experienced the difference firsthand. Read the stories and testimonials from our valued clients who inspire us every day.
Nancy Hoyt
Compassion & Choices Board Member, Co-Chair of DEIB Committee
"Joél offered our community a deeply informative and dynamic webinar. Her inviting presence balanced with her knowledge, led to a rich and engaging conversation around end-of-life care. On a personal level, she is a joy to connect with and leaves you wanting to engage more following each interaction."
Loren Talbot
INELDA, Director of Partnerships and Communications
"(Joe'l's) dedication to fostering collaboration and open dialogue made a significant impact, allowing us to highlight how these partnerships can enhance the care and support we provide to families. (Her) insights and commitment were invaluable to the success of that presentation, and I look forward to any future opportunities to collaborate again."
Ashley Johnson
Founder, Loyal Hands LLC
"Recognizing the systemic barriers folxs in the BIPOC community face, we sought a professional in the deathcare field who has professional and lived experiences in this topic. Working with Joél was more than satisfying. She entered the conversation of death with grace, intention, and purpose. The knowledge she shared and the journey she took participants on left them feeling better prepared when speaking to loved ones and deathcare professionals about the needs BIPOC community members require."
Beatriz Esparragoza
King County Library System, Adult Services Librarian
Death & Grief Talk Podcast & YouTube Channel and Social Media
The Death & Grief Talk Podcast and The Grave Woman YouTube Channel provide a safe space to explore the complex emotions surrounding loss and grief. Highlighting compassionate experts, each episode offers insightful conversations, expert advice, and real-life stories to help individuals navigate the often-overwhelming journey of grief. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or supporting someone through their grief journey, our platform is here to provide support, comfort, and resources.
The Death & Grief Talk Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, and our YouTube Channel offers visual content, including interviews, guided meditations, behind the scenes funeral professional insights and supportive resources. We invite you to join our community and engage with content that validates your feelings, provides hope, and helps you heal.
Culturally Sensitive Trainings
The Multicultural Death & Grief Care Academy specializes in providing culturally sensitive resources and training for professionals, leaders and teams empowering you to navigate death and grief with compassion and competence. We are the go to resource and training ground for those in the health, death and grief care industry seeking a meaningful professional change of pace. Contact us to learn how we can transform your career and/or organizational culture.
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Newsletter
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"Joe'l is always thoughtful and deliberate about creating programs and messages that both challenge board members to consider other vantage points and models inclusive behaviors and active listening."