who we are
naa and verta have spent their lives in the practice of anti-racism, promoting equity and helping humans become the best version of themselves.
when they turned 45, they decided to start a company that brought their skills and gifts together, and here you are reading about it!
lemons are some of the most healing fruits on the planet. lemons can be used to do many things; they heal, they are used to clean, sanitize, they are sour and can be sweet...if you add sugar.
45 Lemons seeks to understand the individuals and organizations they work with and give them what they need at the time they need it.
this can be sweet or sour, bitter or mild and always healing.
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(naa and verta circa 1992)
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our founders
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verta maloney
co-founder
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verta {she/her/hers} is all love with appropriate doses of rage. verta is an anti-racism facilitator, a storyteller, a yogi and a mama warrior. she meets organizations where they are to design, facilitate and deliver appropriate experiences that lead them to a space where becoming anti-racist is possible and sustainable. additionally, she leads professional learning experiences and programs for school leaders and educators across the country focused on racial justice for young people.
verta holds a bachelor’s in human communication & middle school education from James Madison University and a masters in politics and education from Columbia’s Teachers College and knows her best experiences and education have come from the life she gets to live -- verta started a charter school, coached some dope school leaders, co-founded another company called the*gameHERs, helps genZers be dope at civics unplugged.
it is verta’s hope that in every encounter Black, Indigenious and folks of color will leave seen, heard, healed and loved.
naa bruce yirenkyi
co-founder
naa {she/her/hers} brings over 25 years of professional experience in human resources. At her core she strives to help individuals and organizations identify what deeply motivates them and how to use those motivators and gifts to be the best versions of themselves. naa believes that equity starts with individuals and when each individual knows their story and their strengths, they can help create a world that is equitable. naa currently works as an Executive Coach, Mediator and Human Resource Advisor with a specialty in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and creating anti-racist organizations.
naa holds a bachelor's from James Madison University where she majored in English Language and Literature. she holds a HCI certification as a Senior Human Resource Business Partner.
it is naa’s hope that people identify and specifically utilize their power, strengths and gifts to further their individual growth and development and in their spheres of influence, create a sustainable equitable world for all.
