Workshop | Cultural Pivots for Belonging

In this session, participants will discuss and reflect on their organizational culture and how it contributes to belonging among their members. Participants will be invited to think about the “way things are done” in their organization, their own positionality in that culture, and the ways that such norms help or hinder the sense of belonging for others. Then, participants will be introduced to Dr. Shawn Ginwright’s framework of pivots required in organizational culture to increase belonging for all. Participants will be equipped with practical strategies they need to implement these pivots and create a greater sense of belonging for the members of their organization.

Handout(s):

1. Some Dominant Cultural Traits in the West

Parfait Bassalé is a true catalyst for change. He is a consultant and singer-songwriter who helps individuals and organizations create a culture of belonging through engaging keynotes, workshops, and coaching that leverage the virtues of storytelling, music, and reflexive inquiry. Through his consulting services, Mr. Bassalé has done training sessions for many types of organizations, including state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector organizations alike. Mr. Bassalé has also been the keynote speaker at various education-sector and government-sector conferences.

During his five-year tenure as the Executive Diversity Officer at South Puget Sound Community College (a 2023 ASPEN Top 10 Community College finalist), Parfait championed a culture of belonging and implemented equity programs that reduced the achievement gap for historically excluded students.

Mr. Bassalé holds a Masters in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University and has supported many state agencies, boards, non-profit and private sector organizations with their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. He is a Social Justice and Equity Commissioner for the City of Olympia, sits on the Olympia School District Education Foundation Board of Trustees, as well as the Washington State Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.

Learn more about Parfait at parfaitbassale.com