Client Testimonials
She listened with an empathetic and non-judgmental ear, and asked questions that really got me thinking about my motivations, as well as my impact on those around me. I truly believe that my time with Amena has brought clarity and purpose to my work as a recruiter and DEI advocate.
– Rachel Kargas, Talent Acquisition
I participated in Amena’s Critical Thinking for Violent Times (CT4VT) and learned so much… In today’s world of social media, news reporting and more, it can be really difficult to decipher what is the truth but when the truth impacts thousands of peoples’ lives, we must actively question it. It is difficult to speak up against the mainstream when it goes against what so many people believe. It’s easier to do this with the confidence I gained from Amena’s course. Thank you!
– Heather Ziemendorf, Senior Consultant at Gallagher Consulting
Amena skillfully guided me on a path of self-discovery, increasing my self-awareness and providing me with a deeper understanding of my intercultural competency. One of the most invaluable aspects of Amena’s coaching was her ability to create a safe and supportive space for me to learn and process. She holds you with such care and take you to a higher level of awareness that encompasses both your personal and cultural experiences.
– Christine Carino
Amena’s training was outstanding! She is the first person I’ve heard explain why, as a white person, my efforts have fallen short. Pure gold! No other DEI training has ever explained it so well. I highly recommend working with Amena at Zarafa Consulting.
– Sue Muraida, Director at Humanities ND
I appreciated her candid ideas that I was attempting to take down a “supporting wall” to the organizational structure and it would take time and influence to make this “replacement wall” possible. I appreciated her great ideas on how to move forward, including have a data-centered approached to building my message. Amena has great coaching skills!
– Sally Newbury, Volunteer Services at Animal Human Society
Amena is deeply knowledgeable and really cared about my learning. As a coach, it is important for me to reflect on my approaches to working with people who have different lived experiences and Amena helped me with this process. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her.
– Kim Burns, Higher Education Coach & Consultant
Amena is one of my favorite content providers and when I was unable to attend the last course she offered, I jumped at the opportunity to take the Critical Thinking for Violent Times (CTVT) course… The CTVT course not only introduced me to Dr. Ahmed Afzaal but also opened up a whole new perspective on foundational concepts of peace, violence, learning, and critical thinking… Despite our diverse backgrounds, they understood the unique challenges and perspectives that come with having Brown skin. This was a first in my educational journey, and it made a profound difference in my learning experience. I look forward to more courses with Amena and Dr. Afzaal.
– Susamma Seeley, MPA, CEM Professor
Amena has helped me in more ways than one, whether it is soundbite training (all people should do this) due to my job field; or strengthening my emotional resilience, she has genuinely been a guiding light to me on this journey. Amena is a thoughtful, deeply introspective, and just genuinely an intelligent human that makes you better just by being in their ether.
– Ashley King, Talent Acquisition Founder DEI Labs
I just attended my second training session with Amena… I wish I had thought ahead of time to invite other people to attend with me! She has a refined and rare ability to pinpoint precisely where a company’s DEI efforts start to go off the rails in a way that never feels harsh or uncomfortable or accusatory, and she knows how to get them back on track.
– Lawri WIlliamson, Brand Governance & Compliance, BCBS AZ
Amena’s AIR (Art of Interrupting Racism) workshop was enlightening. It gave me a framework for how to think about and respond to racism in real time. She presented and walked us through all of the concepts in a straightforward manner, while also creating an atmosphere that invited the participants to speak freely. If you are someone who wants to learn how to handle racist situations in the moment instead of figuring out what you should have said an hour later, this workshop is for you. It will take practice to really learn the techniques, but the workshop gives you the tools to start with.
– Heather Swope