BE THE BRIDGE
When tensions are high and distrust is rampant; when empathy is perceived as weakness and compromise dimmed a zero sum game; how do we disrupt the narrative that has brought about such an inescapable reality? How do we unstuck from the fatality of reactivity that demands entrenchment and dehumanization of those we disagree with?
To restore movement forward, we must courageously take action. We must vulnerably rise up from the muddy waters, with our feet still firmly planted in them, and extend an arm, a hand, maybe a finger to begin building the bridge; the only hope for reconciliation and healing.
"Would you be that bridge?
Cause I don’t want to be the bridge
Although I know one of us should be
Do you care to be the bridge?
What would it take for us to trade places?
It's getting old playing safe
So much at stake
Our children don't deserve this
We need a bridge between us."
(The Bridge, Parfait)
"My life journey as an immigrant has helped me understand what it feels like to be an outsider: the man standing at the door and on the margin of spaces. I have learned that for a place to become home people need more than an invitation or a performative act of inclusion. People need to be thought of, heard and cared for"
Parfait Bassalé
WHAT I DO
Help individuals and organizations build relational bridges.
Through artful facilitation, interpersonal neuroscience, and transformative storytelling, Parfait demystifies the constructs of diversity, equity, inclusion and othering and helps audiences become active players in fostering belonging. He has worked with thousands of youth, educators and professionals across the globe.
HOW I DO IT
Parfait Bassalé is the consummate storyteller, educator and performer. With expertise and experience in interpersonal neurobiology and empathy his talks and workshops are engaging, informational and inspirational.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
Meaningful & Memorable
Parfait can assist you with your fundraising efforts or for a meaningful evening of inspirational music.
CONSULTATIONS
Get Ready to Take Action
Parfait Bassalé works with individuals and organizations to implement effective EDI initiatives.
TRAININGS
Engaging & Insightful
Parfait provides transformational and multi-sensory workshops on what it takes to belong and to create cultures that foster belonging.
KEYNOTES
Memorable & Inspiring
Parfait Bassalé inspires audiences with a heartfelt message and music about the journey to belonging.
Partners
Parfait Bassalé provides professional speaking and coaching services for a variety of exceptional partners. Learn more about who Parfait has worked with below, and get in touch to book your own speaking or coaching engagement.
US State Department: Young African Leaders Initiative
Mercy Corps
Multnomah County
Portland State University
Seattle Children's Hospital
University of Oregon
Beaverton School District
Portland Public Schools
Edmonds Community College
Clark College
Portland Community College
Multnomah County library
South Puget Sound Community College
Reality Church
Experience Olympia & Beyond
Tumwater Fire Department
Association of International Schools of Africa
Association of Washington Cities
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Washington State Board of Educatio
Thurston Chamber of Commerce
Thurston Economic Development Council
City of Olympia
Olympia Federal Savings
Thurston Regional Planning Council
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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Port of Olympia
2020 Washington State Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit
Parfait would love to collaborate with you - get in touch!
Audience Testimonials
With a unique ability to connect with each and every audience, Parfait is an effective communicator and well-renowned speaker. Take a look below to see actual testimonials from previous audiences.
Wayne Scott, Therapist
OK, let me get the main news out there right away: He sings. Not just sings, but sings beautifully. And it's connected to his overall message of increasing empathy, dismantling otherness, and spreading peace. At Multnomah County we heard about Parfait first through word-of-mouth, the employee buzz, and people asking us, "Can you get Parfait to do a workshop here?" We set him up to do two on "Transforming Otherness through Empathy," and they immediately filled up with wait lists, and we added three more. The response has been enthusiastic. Parfait has a unique skill set: deep knowledge about the neurobiology of otherness and empathy and what gets in the way of people being more compassionate and the magical tool of his music, which touches people's hearts, shifts thinking, and really moves them. I recommend him to any organization with enthusiasm.