Colleen James

Principal Consultant & CEO

“Change starts with a conversation.”

Colleen is passionate about helping others learn and grow. With over fifteen years of experience promoting inclusive environments in public, private, education and not for profit sectors, Colleen has been able to blend her passions of education and diversity as the Principal consultant at Divonify where she provides equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) training to organizations, companies and individuals.

In her role as a professor in the School of Business at Conestoga College, she thrives on challenging her students to discover their inner resources, enabling them to better understand the realities and possibilities of their diversity.

“Colleen has a thorough understanding of diversity and inclusion and has the ability to make it relative to today's changing world.”

— Tara Johnson, Centre Director at The Progressive Centre

Colleen’s primary area of training focuses on using real-life situations to diffuse uncomfortable conversations surrounding race, ethnicity and gender. She is especially skilled at navigating thought-provoking discussions that challenge assumptions, leading to deeper understandings of power, privilege, and the ability to see through multiple lenses. The result is meaningful engagement that generates innovative solutions towards diversity, inclusion, and a shared sense of belonging. Her warm, approachable style allows her to navigate through complex emotions with sensitivity, empathy and skill.

Colleen holds an Honours B.A. degree from the University of Toronto, is a graduate from Leadership Waterloo Region Program, and is currently completing her Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). She has also completed various trainings in leadership and inclusion. She is engaged in her community and sits on several committees and collaborative projects, including the Mayor’s Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the Kitchener Public Library.

As a recognition for her commitment to building strong, inclusive and vibrant communities, she was awarded the Leading Women, Leading Girls – Building Communities 2020 Award and recently recognized as one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada 2020.

“When working with local issues, it is imperative to have local input. So, when we needed support with our Townhall, Colleen was the clear choice. Her years of experience in community political settings, combined with her focus on the collaborative process was invaluable in our work. We knew that the task was large, but had no doubt that Colleen could deliver. Any project of this calibre that brings together diverse voices requires a steady hand and skilled navigation.

Thank you Colleen.”

— Karen Redman, Regional Chair of Region of Waterloo