My Story
How my roots, lived experience, and work came together.
My Journey
Roots
Born and raised in the sunny town of Hyères in the South of France, with a strong connection to my Senegalese heritage, I felt drawn to North America and dreamed of living there from an early age.
Growing up in a predominantly non-Black community, I quickly became aware of unconscious bias and discrimination—whether at school or when searching for internships.
At the time, I didn’t have the language to name it, but I instinctively began advocating for myself. I didn’t know it then, but that ability to speak up would become a cornerstone of my career.
I went on to earn a Master’s in Marketing & Applied Management in Lyon, completing a three-year co-op in the field. That chapter sharpened my skills, but it also reinforced my desire to see the world beyond France.
Crossing Continents
After graduation, I pursued my American dream and moved to Boston, MA. Over four years, I became bilingual, immersed myself in American culture, and embraced diverse perspectives. That experience confirmed that North America aligned more closely with my values and ambitions.
When visa restrictions forced me to leave the U.S., I chose Toronto, ON as my next chapter—a chapter that came with its own challenges. I navigated systems not built with me in mind, faced “You don’t have Canadian experience” more times than I can count, endured layoffs, visa obstacles, and long stretches of uncertainty.
Despite my credentials and ambition, I often felt overqualified but overlooked, unheard, and disconnected from my voice. I wore the mask. I survived the system. Until the pandemic became my wake-up call. I realized I was shrinking, hustling for worth, and heading toward burnout. That’s when I made myself a promise: if I found a way through, I would make the path lighter for others.
That promise became the heartbeat of my work. It started with Brown Sugar Talk—a labor of love and a haven for marginalized voices—which opened doors to speaking engagements with renowned organizations and solidified my role as an advocate for equity. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem Still I Rise, I began shaping what would become my RISE method—even before it had a name.
Today
Since 2021, I’ve led Equity, Diversity & Inclusion work as an award-winning leader—providing strategic guidance, cultivating psychological safety, and helping organizations build inclusive, equitable environments where every voice is valued.
Alongside my EDI leadership, I’m an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and the founder of SheRISE—a group coaching program rooted in identity, mindset, and sisterhood.
Through this journey, I became the woman, the guide, and the safe space I once needed—helping ambitious women with layered identities step into career transitions with clarity and confidence, without burning out, shrinking themselves, or doing it alone.
My Purpose
“My mission is to help marginalized communities and mission-driven institutions overcome barriers, lead with purpose, and create meaningful, lasting change.”
My values guide every aspect of my work, shaping my interactions with clients, my approach to personal and professional development, and my commitment to creating a better future for communities from diverse backgrounds. They are rooted in embracing your RACE—Resilience, Authenticity, Community, and Empowerment—because every step you take brings you closer to winning your own RACE.
Resilience: I help you cultivate the strength and adaptability to bounce back from setbacks and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
Authenticity: I guide you in embracing your true self, allowing you to create a genuine and memorable presence.
Community: I believe in fostering a supportive network, where shared experiences and intersectionalities strengthen us all.
Empowerment: I empower you to take control of your destiny, inspiring positive change and fulfilling your potential.
My Difference
Certified Expertise: ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with training and credentials by international bodies in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), coaching, psychological safety, workplace investigation, and change management, I provide a solid ethical foundation for my work. My expertise enables me to address complex issues with compassion and clarity.
Strategic Marketing Background: Holding a Master’s in Marketing and Management with over 10 years of experience, I excel in developing actionable strategies and communication plans that drive engagement. My ability to analyze data and craft compelling narratives ensures impactful advocacy for EDI initiatives.
Multicultural Insight & Bilingual Advantage: As a French African Black woman and immigrant fluent in French and English, I understand intersectionality deeply and create an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, ensuring effective communication across cultures.
Global Experience: My professional journey across France, the U.S., and Canada enriches my perspective, allowing me to offer valuable international insights that cater to diverse cultural contexts and connect with diverse audiences.
Proven Impact: Recognized both internally and externally for my contributions, I deliver proven results across all my roles. To see testimonials and learn more about my impact through coaching and public speaking, I invite you to explore those dedicated pages.