Pooja Kothari, Esq.

is a trailblazer in the field of cultural competency, training and guiding organizations towards profound cultural transformation. As the founder of Boundless Awareness, LLC—a certified Minority and Woman-Owned Business (MWBE) in New York City and New York State—Pooja brings a powerful blend of lived experience, legal expertise, and profound empathy to her work.

With empathy and compassion, Pooja employs the skills and understanding gained during her time working as a public defender at The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice. She spent seven years advocating for her clients in all aspects of the criminal case, from arraignment and bail applications, investigations, plea negotiations, and suppression hearings and felony and misdemeanor jury trials.

She uses the depth and breadth of her experience to present employee engagement work at the intersections of race, disability, sexuality, gender, socio-economic status, etc., examining the histories and existing structures of our work places through a multimodal pedagogical process. Her workshops are experiential journeys, custom-built to address the unique concerns and experiences of each client organization.

Pooja is a cis, queer, first-generation Indian-American woman of color, and a mother of two Black and Brown cis-girls. These identities infuse her work with an authenticity and urgency that can't be taught. With compassion and vulnerability, she harnesses the power of shared humanity to interrupt unconscious biases and foster truly inclusive spaces.

Boundless Awareness's mission is to equip organizations with the tools to engage in open, respectful dialogue and make decisions rooted in equity and belonging. From government agencies and nonprofits to law firms and global corporations, Pooja's clients emerge transformed and equipped to build a more just, inclusive world.

In the pursuit of justice and equality, Pooja Kothari stands as a steadfast advocate, showcasing empathy, lived truth, and an unwavering dedication to creating positive change.

If you're ready to embark on a profound journey of growth and change, there's no better guide than Boundless Awareness.

Our Values

At Boundless Awareness, our core values are the driving force behind everything we do, and serve as guideposts, ensuring we remain focused on building an organization of substance—one that makes a positive and lasting impact.

We strive to uphold these values in our interactions with clients, partners, and one another.

  • We believe in being truthful and transparent in all of our actions and communications. We will never misrepresent our services, capabilities, feedback or education. Honesty builds trust, and trust is the foundation of great relationships.

  • We operate with unwavering ethical principles and strong moral character. Our words are backed by actions that demonstrate our commitment to doing what is right, not just what is convenient or profitable. Integrity guides us to make decisions we can be proud of.

  • We have a genuine understanding and care for the needs of others. Every client and participant is treated with empathy, respect, and kindness. Our compassionate approach allows us to build meaningful connections and provide thoughtful solutions.

  • We constantly challenge ourselves and our clients to reach new heights of excellence. We are never satisfied with the status quo, but rather continually pursue growth, innovation, and improvement. This mindset allows us to stay ahead of the curve and deliver ideas that create value.

  • We are dedicated to sharing our anti-oppression knowledge and expertise to educate and empower others. Our communications are clear, insightful, and designed to enrich understanding. An informative approach reinforces our authority in our field.

How We Teach

Tailored Training

At Boundless Awareness, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to facilitation work. That's why we start by conducting a thorough assessment of your organization's needs, including individual interviews, focus groups, and surveys. This allows us to design customized training that pushes each employee to their next level of awareness and growth.

Continuous Learning

Cultural competency work is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. That's why we offer a range of courses, from foundational lessons to nuanced, advanced workshops. Just like going to the gym, building and maintaining an inclusive workplace requires consistent, challenging practice. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Compassionate Curiosity

Whether it’s a workshop or a speaking event, a 1:1 coaching session or a company retreat, we are committed to building a space of curiosity founded in compassion and trust. Our trainings rely on participant engagement to spur discussion, generate questions, and rally enthusiastic learning.

Our Clients

A non-comprehensive list of our past and current clients.

  • Columbia University, The Earth Institute | Columbia University, School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Faculty, Post-Doctoral Students and PhD Students | Brooklyn Law School Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Legal Clinic | CUNY Disability Rights and Aging Justice, Legal Clinic | New York Law School, Student Leaders | Brooklyn Law School, Adjunct Faculty | Brooklyn Law School, Adjunct Faculty | Union College

  • APCO | Wolters Kluwer, Governance, Risk & Compliance Group | Tory Burch, General Managers Conference | Tory Burch, Creative Department | Mustache Agency | Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP | CooperKatz |Global Strategy Group | M Booth | Walker Sands Communications | Rower, LLP

  • New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene | New York City Economic Development Corporation | New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services | The Education Trust New York

  • NetImpact NYC | The Interdependence Project | New York Civic Engagement Table (NYCET) | Drive Change | Youth Represent | Brooklyn Defender Services, Family Defense Practice | Physicians for a National Health Program | Uptown Progressive Action | Legal Aid DC | National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) | Row New York | The Chesapeake Bay Trust

  • Housing Court Judges, Law Secretaries | Brooklyn Bar Association | New York County Lawyers Association | Brooklyn Tenant Lawyers Network | Military Law Committee