Parfait Bassalé
Artist + Reconciler + Belonging Strategist
"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. Instead, people need to heal from their trauma via relational proximity, compassion and honesty; feel connected, cared for and involved in co-creating a shared experience."
"It would mean a lot to me for you to know that your song was my call to understand and change….. As a white woman I feel honored whenever I am encouraged and pressed to remember the ways I contribute to boxes."
- Workshop participant
"You have a wonderful message to bring and lead these difficult topics with folks gently and masterfully. People can’t make changes if they think they are “bad,” or “being targeted,” or defensive and YOU can deliver a message that gets through to some of our more rigid and less open staff. "
-Executive Director
“Today a filter was removed. This was impactful to me. I don’t think I will ever look at the world the same way again!”
- Workshop participant
"It would mean a lot to me for you to know that your song was my call to understand and change….. As a white woman I feel honored whenever I am encouraged and pressed to remember the ways I contribute to boxes."- Workshop participant
"Parfait, I wanted to personally thank you for the awesome job you did with our board retreat, especially your compassion and professionalism. During the session I kept thinking about a friend I had for many years and how we had become estranged from each other; I wish to reach out to her in hopes of reconciling and in order to do that, I would like to use your song “Gods Tears” and was wondering if you would send me the lyrics with permission to use it only once in reaching out to this friend."
- Workshop participant
“Today a filter was removed. This was impactful to me. I don’t think I will ever look at the world the same way again!”- Workshop participant
The Mission
Help individuals and organizations create a culture of belonging
With this clear but simple mission, Parfait Bassalé is known for making a memorable impact. His unique approach that combines storytelling, interpersonal neuroscience, music and reflexive inquiry helps individuals and organizations find solutions for greater equity and belonging for everyone.
The Challenges We Solve
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Blind spots that get in the way of belonging;
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Resistance to Diversity and Equity initiatives;
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Uncertainty about what steps to take next with a diversity initiative;
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Confusion and frustration related to DEI work.
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Conflicts
The Transformation We Ignite
Through multisensory experiences that involve interpersonal neuroscience, storytelling and reflexive inquiry, you can expect:
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Transformative awareness,
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More people joining the conversation and,
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Proven strategies and tools to transform your organization
Our Guiding Principles
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Leverage the transformative power of music, storytelling and reflection.
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Meet people where they are and as they are.
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Heal and transform through relational proximity.
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Involve those most impacted when finding solutions.
Parfait provides a unique perspective and innovative approach to discussions that further diversity, equity, and belonging. His style of engagement works with everyone from the CEO to the newly hired line-staff.
Doug Mah, Former Mayor of Olympia
In the Press
Articles and Profiles
Student debt relief is good. But there is still more we need to do!
September 18, 2022
"Nineteen states across the country currently offer free community college. It is a proven policy with proven results. Free community college will not only give more students across the state access to a higher education, it will help the state economically. Washington should become the 20th state to enact the policy."
Parfait Bassalé & Migrations
January 24, 2015
Dmae profiles guitarist and singer Parfait Bassalé who is about to debut his new EP of original songs. Originally from West Africa, Bassale weaves joyous guitar melodies with his intricate vocals. He often sings about his experiences and introspections of immigrant dreams and daily life