Dr. Benny Rieth
Welcome! I am story teller who partners with campuses and organizations to help them build real, meaningful belonging. My work is rooted in Indigenous knowledge/ways of being and a framework I developed the Five Rs of student sense of belonging. I do this through keynotes, workshops, storytelling, assessment, and revamping programs like first-year experience.
Our Approach
Benny leads with story, joy, and possibility. As a storyteller grounded in Indigenous ways of being, he approaches his work with a belief that the glass is always half full and that every campus and organization already holds the seeds of belonging within it.
Benny’s research-informed approach is rooted in the Five Rs of belonging—relationships, relevance, reciprocity, respect, and responsibility. Rather than focusing on what is broken, he helps institutions see what is already working, inviting them to build from strengths, lived experiences, and community wisdom. Through storytelling, reflection, and evidence-based practice, Benny creates space for people to reconnect with purpose, joy, and one another.
By blending culturally rooted knowledge with practical strategy, Benny helps teams move from intention to action and from compliance to care—creating environments where belonging is not just a goal, but a daily practice. Explore how Benny’s approach can help your institution or organization grow, thrive, and lead with heart.
About BelongingU
BelongingU is a consulting and storytelling practice led by Dr. Benjamin “Benny” Rieth, dedicated to helping campuses and organizations cultivate real, meaningful belonging. Benny’s main focus is delivering keynotes and workshops on belonging, finding joy in your work, the first-year student experience, and helping college students discover a true sense of home on campus. He works with audiences ranging from large conference crowds to intimate leadership and student groups, in person or virtually via Zoom. Each engagement is grounded in Indigenous ways of being, research, and storytelling, meeting communities where they are. Whether on a stage or in a small room, BelongingU creates space for reflection, connection, and action.
Dr. Benny's Services
Keynote Presentations
Benny delivers engaging, research-informed keynotes that inspire and challenge audiences to rethink belonging, find joy in their work, and create spaces where students and staff truly feel at home. His talks can be tailored for conferences, campus events, or professional gatherings, reaching audiences large or small.
Workshops & Facilitated Conversations
Through interactive workshops, Benny works with teams and communities to explore the Five Rs of belonging, Indigenous ways of being, and practical strategies for building inclusive, connected environments. Workshops can focus on first-year student experiences, student engagement, leadership development, or staff and faculty growth.
Program Design & Assessment
BelongingU partners with institutions to design, evaluate, and revamp programs like First-Year Experience, student engagement initiatives, and community-building efforts. Benny blends storytelling, research, and culturally rooted approaches to ensure programs create meaningful and lasting impact.
Virtual & On-Site Engagements
Benny’s services are flexible—he travels for in-person sessions or connects virtually via Zoom—bringing the same energy, insight, and relational approach to every engagement.
Keynote
I deliver inspiring and research-driven keynotes on belonging, finding joy in your work, the first-year student experience, and helping students and staff feel truly at home on campus.
Workshops
Customized workshops to build skills and promote understanding of belonging concepts, teambuilding, etc.
Strategic Planning
I support institutions in developing strategic plans that align deeply with mission, vision, and values.
First Year Experience
I help institutions redesign their FYE programs to be more engaging, joyful, interactive, and rooted in belonging.
Transforming campuses, one relationship at a time
I believe that fostering belonging is essential for creating thriving campus communities. My relational, research-based consulting services are designed to help institutions and businesses cultivate authentic connections, promote equity, and empower every member of their community. - Benny
Benny brings an energy to his talks that draws people in, connects with everyone in the room, and leaves a lasting impact.”
"The workshops provided by Benny were invaluable. Our faculty and staff gained a deeper understanding of belonging and practical strategies for implementation."
"Benny's commitment to Indigenous knowledge and the Five Rs framework is truly inspiring. His consulting services have had a lasting positive impact on our institution."
About Dr. Benny Rieth
I am an Indigenous keynote storyteller, trainer, facilitator who focuses on finding the joy, relationships, and sense of belonging. Partnering typically with higher education, K-12, and nonprofits.
I am the founder of BelongingU: Rieth Strategy Solutions and a higher education leader dedicated to creating communities where every person feels seen, valued, and connected. As an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a descendant of the Menominee Nation, my work is grounded in Indigenous ways of being and guided by the Five Rs—Relationships, Responsibility, Respect, Relevance, and Reciprocity. These values shape how I approach leadership, strategic planning, and belonging-centered transformation.
With a decade of experience in higher education, I have led initiatives in student affairs, enrollment, DEIB, first-year experience, and student engagement. Throughout my career, I have developed belonging ways of being that transforms cultures, reimagined campus programs, and helped institutions create cultures that align with their mission, vision, and values.
I bring storytelling, joy, and authenticity into everything I do whether consulting with college departments, coaching student leaders, or speaking to teams about belonging, optimism, and Indigenous knowledge. My goal is simple: to help organizations strengthen their culture, build meaningful relationships, and create spaces where people thrive.
Belonging isn’t just an outcome—it’s a way of being and I’m here to help you bring that to life in your community.
Contact Dr. Benny
