Ashanti Leadership and Professional Development Services

03/08/2025

Our own, Ann Divine, was invited to give a speech at the International Women's Forum (Atlantic Canada) Breakfast in Halifax on March 7. We thought it would be fitting to share it in our celebration of International Women's Day.

"Today, we stand on the shoulders of those women.

We celebrate the incredible achievements of women across all fields and building stronger communities.

We cannot gather today without acknowledging the deep and painful truths that still exist for so many women — here at home and around the world.

We hold space for the women in Nova Scotia who have lost their lives to intimate partner violence.

We recognize the voices of women who are too often pushed to the margins, whose journeys are usually shaped by strength and struggle.

We are here today not just as individuals, but as a collective voice — a voice that is stronger, clearer, and more powerful when we work together.

Each of us brings something unique to give and make lasting change.

So today, let us hold gratitude for the women who came before us, those who dared to hope, challenge, and dream.

Let us honour the women beside us — those we know and those we do not. And let us commit ourselves to the women who still face violence, discrimination, exclusion, and fear — for their fight is our fight, and none of us are truly free until all of us are free.

May this International Women’s Day be both a celebration and a reminder that together, our voices are unstoppable."

Happy International Women’s Day. Let's continue to

10/28/2024

In the light of some organization’s and the Nova Scotia government recently ordering staff back to the office, Khalaf and Ann Divine explore contemporary issues in the workplace and share practical recommendations from senior leaders who are navigating workplace complexities and change.

Read more: https://ashantileadership.com/the-new-workforce/

10/14/2024

Happy Thanksgiving to all our clients, collaborators and community. We are grateful for your engagement in meaningful dialogue and agency towards making our communities, organizations, and society fairer.

Have a wonderful day!

10/11/2024

Are you a stakeholder in improving gender diversity in your organization?

If so, take a deep dive into Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report by McKinsey & Company in partnership with Lean In.

Women in the Workplace is the largest study on the state of women in corporate America. Over the last 10 years, more than 1,000 companies have participated in the study and over 480,000 people were surveyed on their workplace experiences.

McKinsey & Company and Lean In have produced rich insights and practical tools to advance gender diversity in the workplace.

Download and review Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report: https://bit.ly/3BHjTHP

10/10/2024

Yesterday, Don MacLean was sworn in as Halifax's first permanent Black police chief!

In an emotional and inspiring ceremony, he shared some powerful quotes.

“I think that hopefully at the end of the day, it inspires young Black men or young Black women to be whatever they want to be, regardless of what that profession might be."

“At the end of the day, there are no limits.”

Congratulations, Don MacLean.

Read the full Saltwire article here: https://bit.ly/4h0PeVV

Photo credit: Ryan Taplin

10/08/2024

HR leaders are tasked with ensuring the learning and development (L&D) strategy is aligned with the business strategy.

Hundreds of employees have taken our online Introduction to Unconscious Bias and Introduction to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility courses.

As an effective tool for opening up the conversation about inclusion in the workforce, this could be a good fit for your L&D strategy.

If you are embarking on this journey and would like to discover more, get in touch and let's chat.

10/01/2024

Thank you, Nova Scotia Career Development Association for providing Ann Divine and Missy Symonds Searl the opportunity to lead a workshop on Neurodiversity in the Workplace at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre last month.

We enjoyed sharing first-person experiences, academic insight, and listening to diverse perspectives from participants in the workshop on how to foster inclusive cultures and create opportunities where all employees can thrive.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

09/30/2024

Would you like to participate in and observe events surrounding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

If so, you may find this guide to Truth and Reconciliation and Treaty Day in Halifax by The Coast - Halifax/Kjipuktuk interesting. We did.

Read more at: https://www.thecoast.ca/news-opinion/your-guide-to-truth-and-reconciliation-and-treaty-day-in-halifax-33627149

09/20/2024

It is exciting to see our leader, Ann Divine, in action as Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board of Directors and using her platform for raising awareness on key economic and social issues.

Ann Divine is the Founder & CEO of Ashanti Leadership and Professional Development Services and Chair of the Halifax Chamber Board of Directors.

In the latest issue of Business Voice, Ann reflects on the Chamber’s history and another historic year for our Board of Directors.

Read the full story today at:
https://halifaxchamber.com/business-voice/sharing-a-vision-of-prosperity-and-progress/

09/04/2024

In the summer we had the pleasure of working with the talented and creative team at Unbound Media to give our Introduction to Unconscious Bias course a refresh.

We aimed to improve our engagement, widen accessibility features and include more videos of our subject matter expert, Ann Divine. We couldn't be happier with the outcome.

If you are looking for a creative partner to bring your ideas to life, we certainly recommend that you get in touch with them.

08/30/2024

With increased immigration, migration and prominence on social justice topics and requirements, it can be challenging to remain current as a people and culture leader.

Our introductory courses in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) and Unconscious Bias are supporting companies by creating awareness and opening discussions in the workplace.

Are you interested in exploring how we can support your training approach?

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3MoBZAr

08/05/2024

It was such a pleasure to sit down with Modele Okoro, from Community Updates.

The Halifax business community is making strides with progressive ideologies, particularly in women empowerment. Among these trailblazers, Black women in lea...