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Whether you're curious about what it means to cultivate belonging, want to attend Parfait's trainings, or hear Parfait's music, this site has all the information you need.

Join us on a journey towards greater belonging!

Welcome!

Upcoming Events

Please note that webinar sessions are not intended for whole-team trainings. They are intended as one-off trainings for individuals. Representatives of organizations can attend these webinars per agreement with Parfait or out of curiosity about Parfait's content to see if they want to pursue a larger contract. 

  • Having Difficult Discussions
    Having Difficult Discussions
    Tue, Oct 22
    Webinar
    Oct 22, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
    Webinar
    Oct 22, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
    Webinar
    A live webinar with Parfait focused on reflective activities, frameworks, and strategies for navigating hard conversations constructively.
  • Navigating Bias and Microaggressions Constructively  (Fall)
    Navigating Bias and Microaggressions Constructively  (Fall)
    Thu, Nov 21
    Virtual via Zoom
    Nov 21, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM PST
    Virtual via Zoom
    Nov 21, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM PST
    Virtual via Zoom
    By means of various activities participants will understand the pervasiveness of bias in interpersonal interactions and system designs; acquire mitigation strategies and tools to engage microaggressions constructively.
  • Reimagining the Other Through Empathy (Fall)
    Reimagining the Other Through Empathy (Fall)
    Thu, Dec 12
    Virtual Zoom
    Dec 12, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM PST
    Virtual Zoom
    Dec 12, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM PST
    Virtual Zoom
    Empathy is the commitment and ability to engage from a place of understanding toward greater mutual understanding. It starts with the self and extends to the other.
  • Managing for Belonging (Fall)
    Managing for Belonging (Fall)
    Wed, Sep 11
    Virtual via Zoom
    Sep 11, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM PDT
    Virtual via Zoom
    Sep 11, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM PDT
    Virtual via Zoom
    How can you, as a manager, intentionally design a culture of belonging based on the levers of belonging?

Parfait Bassalé

Artist + Reconciler + Belonging Strategist

As an immigrant, my life journey has given me insight into experience of being an outsider - always on the margins, looking in. I've come to understand that being invited to a place isn't enough to make it like home. Instead, healing from trauma requires relational proximity, compassion, and. People need to feel connected, cared for, and involved in creating a shared experience in order to truly feel at home.

"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 people 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, songs, and reflexive inquiry helps individuals and organizations find solutions for greater equity and belonging for everyone.

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The Challenges We Solve

  • Blind spots that get in the way of belonging;

  • Resistance to Diversity and Equity initiatives;

  • DEI initiatives gone wrong;

  • Confusion and frustration related to DEI work;

  • Interpersonal and team conflicts

The Transformation We Ignite

Through multisensory experiences that involve interpersonal neuroscience, storytelling and reflexive inquiry, you can expect:

  • Transformative awareness,

  • More people joining the conversation and,

  • Proven strategies and tools to transform your organization

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Our Guiding Principles

  1. Leverage the transformative power of music, storytelling and reflection.

  2. Meet people where they are and as they are.

  3. Heal and transform through relational proximity.

  4. Involve those most impacted when finding solutions.

Rows of Pillars

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

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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."

Olympia city council appoints 11 to new social justice and equity commission

April 20, 2022

 

Olympia City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the appointment of 11 inaugural members of the Social Justice and Equity Commission.

Portland’s Parfait Bassalé uses the arts to teach empathy

 

May 17, 2017

The musician from West Africa has a unique style of music and storytelling aimed at inspiring a better understanding of others

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

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