As the Founder and Chief Consultant of the consulting firm ZaraYah, Delofante Atkins is a trusted Anti-Black Racism Educator and Diversity & Equity Consultant where she is involved in a number of initiatives in the corporate, government and non-profit sectors the that encourage the equity, sustainability, and prosperity of ALL persons.
A passionate historian with formal education in the social history and social justice spaces, Delofante has over 18 years of experience working to better understand and eradicate the systemic barriers and challenges for persons from underrepresented groups.
With professional experience in Human Resources, Organizational Development and Adult Learning Delofante is a Learning & Development thought leader where she has contributed to a number of global organizations in industries including: Human Resources Consulting, Foreign Exchange Trading, Commercial Real Estate and Asset Management.
Delofante is an active speaker, moderator and facilitator where she has led “Black on Bay Street” and “Leading for Excellence” discussions that centre around the importance of Diversity, Equity and Belonging in the workplace and within the community, and continues to guest lecture at post-secondary institutions in addition to delivering workshops to talent across Canada.
For organizations in the public and private sectors, Delofante has designed and facilitated programs that address:
• Racism and Anti-black Racism
• The historic origins of racial bias, prejudice, discrimination and microaggressions
• Allyship and Intervention strategies
• Inclusive Leadership Competencies
• Equity Awareness
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Mentorship (for youth, working professionals and people leaders)
• Community Engagement
• Restorative Community Healing Practices
• Professional Development
Utilizing this experience, Delofante currently serves as one of twelve Advisory Council members for the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism’s Partnership and Accountability Circle representing the interests and wellbeing of Black persons living and working in the city of Toronto. She also sat on the Corporate Advisory Board as an Educational Partner for the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals and has served as an Advisory Partner for the United Nations Global Compact Network Canada’s Gender Equality Leadership in the Canadian Private Sector Project.
Delofante is the recipient of the 2018 Top 22 Rising Stars Award from Human Resources Director Canada.
Delofante will be a plenary panelist in the 2020 Fall Education Conference and will facilitate the workshop Courageous Conversations.