About BelongingU
Dr. Benny is a storyteller, facilitator, trainer, and educator, who partners with campuses, nonprofits, businesses, and student organizations to cultivate real, meaningful belonging. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and his Five Rs framework—relationships, relevance, reciprocity, respect, and responsibility—Dr. Benny helps communities build connection, joy, and purpose.
Through keynotes, workshops, retreats, and program design, he turns insight into action and intention into transformation, creating environments where students, staff, and organizational teams feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Dr. Benny’s work blends research, lived experience, and storytelling to inspire individuals and communities to lean in, reflect, and grow together.
Who We Serve
Dr. Benny works with university administrators, diversity officers, student governments, principals of high schools, tribal colleges, non profits, etc. to foster a greater sense of belonging within their institutions.
How BelongingU’s Approach Sets Us Apart
Dr. Benny's services are different because don’t rely on generic DEI frameworks or one-size-fits-all consulting models. His approach is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems and Dr. Benny's Five Rs: Space and Student Sense of Belonging and the Outer Rim, a research-backed framework that centers relationship, story, reciprocity, and the environments people move through.
Dr. Benny's Focus
While most consulting firms focus on policy, compliance, or programs, Dr. Benny focuses on people, space, and relational transformation. He helps institutions understand how belonging is created, experienced, and sustained not just how it is measured.
About Benjamin "Benny" Rieth Ed.D.
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 nearly 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.
"Dr. Benny's relational and research-based approach has truly transformed our culture. We've seen a significant increase in student engagement and a stronger sense of community."
high school administrator