Belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through relationships.
Boozhoo! I’m Dr. Benny Rieth, founder of BelongingU. I partner with colleges, schools, and organizations to create cultures where people don’t just show up—they feel seen, valued, connected, and ENERGIZED!
Grounded in Indigenous ways of being, my work lives at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and relationality—helping communities turn belonging from an idea into something people experience every day.
Our Approach
I lead with story, joy, and possibility.
As a storyteller grounded in Indigenous ways of being, I believe every campus and organization already holds the seeds of belonging within it. My role is to help you uncover, strengthen, and grow what is already working.
My approach is rooted in the Five Rs of belonging:
Relationships, Relevance, Reciprocity, Respect, and Responsibility.
Rather than focusing on what is broken, I help institutions build from strengths, lived experiences, and community wisdom. Through storytelling, reflection, and research-informed practice, I create space for people to reconnect with purpose, joy, and one another.
By blending culturally rooted knowledge with practical strategy, I help teams move from intention to action and from compliance to care.
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
Engaging, research-informed keynotes that challenge audiences to rethink belonging, rediscover joy in their work, and create spaces where students and staff feel at home.
Workshops & Facilitated Conversations
Interactive, customized sessions that explore the Five Rs, Indigenous ways of being, and practical strategies for building connected, thriving communities.
Consulting & Strategic Support
Partnerships with institutions to design, assess, and reimagine programs like First-Year Experience, student engagement, and culture-building initiatives—ensuring lasting, meaningful impact.
Coaching for Leaders & Teams
I partner with leaders and teams as a coach, helping them integrate Indigenous ways of being into their everyday work. Together, we explore how relationships, responsibility, and reciprocity can transform not only how work gets done—but how people feel while doing it.
This work leads to stronger team culture, increased clarity and productivity, healthier environments, and a renewed sense of joy and purpose in the workplace.
Transforming organizations, one relationship at a time
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, and facilitator focused on cultivating joy, relationships, and a deep sense of belonging. I partner primarily with higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and nonprofit organizations to help communities thrive.
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 over 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-centered practices that transform cultures, reimagined campus programs, and helped institutions align their mission, vision, and values with the lived experiences of their communities.
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.
Outside of my professional work, you can often find me teaching a spin class at the local YMCA or on the Peloton embracing movement and radical joy. Feel free to follow my rides at @RadicalJoyRider.
Belonging isn’t just an outcome — it’s a way of being, and I’m here to help bring that to life in your community.
Contact Dr. Benny
