Colleen James, M.Ed.
Principal Consultant & CEO
“Change starts with a conversation.”
Colleen James
Award-Winning Equity and Inclusion Consultant | Educator | Community Builder
Colleen James, an award-winning equity and inclusion consultant and founder of Divonify, believes in challenging the status quo of racial equity and social justice. James has over 15 years of experience working with organizations to question racial inequities and embrace the differences that exist within their workforce.
Growing up as a first generation Canadian, Colleen was empowered with the understanding that being Black was something to be celebrated. Her parents taught her she belongs in all spaces, especially the ones history excluded her from. Despite their support, growing up James was no stranger to racism, with stereotypical assumptions made about her appearance and level of education. Knowing systemic change is needed to create true spaces of belonging, Colleen has made it her mission to generate innovative solutions addressing equity, diversity, inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada in 2020 and one of the top DEI persons of the year in 2021. James has worked with many organizations leading thought-provoking discussions that challenge assumptions. Enabling leaders to deepen their understanding of power and privilege, she empowers her clients to rethink their outdated business models and create more equitable outcomes for everyone within their organization.
As a former Professor and Program Coordinator in the School of Business at Conestoga College, James she challenging her students to better understand and own the possibilities of their diversity.
Colleen sits on several committees and is involved in many collaborative projects, one being the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, with whom she has established the James STEM scholarship award. She holds an Honours B.A. degree in history political science and Caribbean studies from the University of Toronto and is has a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy.
Colleen was born, raised and currently resides in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband and daughter.
Photo credit: Alicia Wynter photography
“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
Marcia J. Henderson
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO COLLEEN JAMES, CEO, DIVONIFY
“TO CHANGE IS LEARNING.”
Marcia Henderson is the Executive Assistant to Colleen James, CEO of Divonify. She brings over 30 years of executive administrative experience to the table. Her expertise in scheduling, handling critical information, project coordination and client relationship building makes her a valuable asset to the company.
Originally from London, England, Marcia graduated from Karen Hall Careers with a Business diploma in Administration. After graduation, Marcia worked as an administrative assistant in the financial, and insurance industries undertaking a broad range of administrative duties. Her superior office skills resulted in Marcia being promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant, supporting C-Suite executives throughout her career.
Marcia resides in Kitchener with her husband and four adult children. She’s a proud grandmother of two, enjoys watching sports, and helping others.
Dr. Naomi Levitz-Shobola
BA, MSW, RSW, Phd
Consultant
“The discomfort IS the work, but the results can be transformative.”
Naomi has worked in both interpersonal and community social work settings in urban and rural areas in Canada, the United States and Haiti, in a variety of languages. She has spearheaded a newcomer mental health initiative in Southwestern Ontario and Windsor’s Take Back the Night program.
She has also been active on various local committees including the Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee, WEFIGHT Human Trafficking Initiative and Health Equity for Newcomers Initiative. She also chairs the board of directors for the AIDS Committee of Windsor/Pozitive Pathways and sits on boards for the Jewish Community Center, ALSO (Assisted Living Southwest Ontario) and has worked with the Accessibility Initiative for the Ontario Council for Agencies Serving Immigrants.
Ese Ijasan
CONSULTANT
Tomorrow’s successful organizations will be those that harness the collective and synergistic brilliance of all their people and not just an elite few
Ese is a passionate social scientist and a diversity & inclusion conversation starter. Her research endeavours touch on the sensitive topics of fostering diversity and optimal refugee settlement. She has worked in the corporate, academic and non-for-profit sectors in Europe, Africa and North America. With an MSc in Management from England and a doctorate in Diversity Management and Organizational Behavior from South Africa, she has been exposed to the intrinsic challenges of racialized and minority groups.
Working at Divonify
At Divonify we are always looking to extend our team. If you are passionate about equity and are committed to the work, we want to hear from you. Please send us an email with your resume and interest.
We are currently looking for the following positions:
Equity and anti-racism consultants
Researcher
Divonify is committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace and recruitment practices. Applicants of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, cultures, abilities and life experiences are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available for all candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.