Who is Parfait Bassalé?
Parfait (friend) 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.
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 co-chair of the Social Justice and Equity Commission for the City of Olympia, sits on the United Way of Thurston County and Olympia Federal Savings Board of Trustees.
Creating real belonging requires us to acknowledge past wounds and foster connections grounded in courage, curiosity, and compassion. My mission is to inspire people to befriend ‘the other’ and provide the tools to make those connections genuine and lasting.
Parfait Bassalé
Also known as Le Verbe
A life long journey building relational bridges through music
Parfait Bassalé is an American singer songwriter and peacemaker originally from Benin Republic (West Africa) whose music is known to take listeners on an emotional journey. His lyrical vulnerability- dressed with haunting melodies and carried by soulful and velvet vocals- trigger introspection, self discovery and a "feel good vibe." Reflective of his immigrant story, Parfait’s music echoes various musical traditions. He is a crossover artist between pop, reggae, neo-soul, French conscious hip hop, and gospel. You are in for a treat!
Parfait usually performs solo acts but occasionally teams up with various guest instrumentalists. Some notable collaborations include with cellist arranger James Dehart, conductor Cameron May, Jazz arranger Mark Thome, jazz artist Dominic Castillo, and the South Puget Sound Community College orchestra.
