Amena Chaudhry

Get to know Amena.

A catalyst for individual and organizational transformation, Amena is a no-nonsense anti-racist personal trainer, laser-focused on activating executives, founders, and C-suite leaders, to transform their relationship with power and conflict and become the inclusive leaders of their dreams! 

A 2nd-generation Punjabi, a Muslim immigrant, and a bi-continental citizen, Amena spent her formative years living between Toronto, Canada, and Gujranwala, Pakistan. The experience of being raised at the intersections of multiple cultures, languages, religions, and worldviews has played a pivotal role in building her muscles for courageous and transformative discomfort. She adeptly moves through complex social dilemmas and holds multiple social truths to find the wisdom in difference and divergence. 

Growing up in both worlds, Amena yearned to be seen, heard, and valued by the systems that were built without people like her in mind. 

Today, she works with leaders who are hungry for systemic change, helping them to unlock their capacity for radical imagination through a heart-centered and systems-oriented approach.

Location

Amena belongs to Pilea's
Denver Chapter

Email

Feel free to email Amena at amena@zarafaconsulting.com 

  • “You are a no-nonsense, honest, caring coach who knows her stuff and is up to date on all things DEI. Your bullshit radar and humor were priceless ot my DEI learning. You had tools and strategies for every challenge I faced. You were stellar at helping me digest complicated concepts, really fast. I especially appreciated how you helped me translate ideas into things I could do I needed a coach who would me me where I was but also challenge me to grow. What a revolutionary experience.”

    — Sara Winters, DEI Executive Coaching

  • “I have found my voice as a DEI expert. I didn’t think I’d ever be so okay with discomfort. I know exactly how to show up in challenging moments now. I went from someone who froze when I’d hear or see something racist or just wrong to beng able to speak up seamlessly and lead honest & impact-centered conversations, in real time! I am a better leader, father, human. I am definitely a better cis-White, heterosexual person.”

    — Client, DEI Executive Coaching

  • “Amena is a gem! Her ability to capture unspoken emotions and bring truth to power is unparalleled. As a Black female professional navigating these times, she is a beaming light leading people like me and other marginalized communities to healing and transformation. I highly recommend Amena for those companies struggling to define and implement DEI practices in their workplace!”

    – Katrina S. Lee, American Counseling Association

  • “I have known Amena for almost 5 years. She is one of the most insightful, intelligent and well-informed persons on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion. She has a knack for explaining anti-racism theories and practices in a way that is clear and easy to understand. She is not afraid of difficult conversations and is a great facilitator. She would be a good fit for any organization that is truly committed to DEI and wants to make an authentic difference in this area.”

    – Smita Garg, Director of Graduate Programs, University of Saskatchewan

  • “My work with Amena has been life-changing. This is the work we need to be doing as White people to move the needle on racism and other kinds of oppression. This intensive was a great way to learn methods including shared language and tools to practice with my colleagues. It was also very interesting and helpful to learn along with my fellow class members. The shared experience helps me to understand we all have difficulties based on how we’ve been socialized and what seems “normal”. Amena uses her expertise, experiences, and teaching style to share a wide range of tools to help us learn how to better connect and address racism. I completed my coachign with plenty of tools to address many different aspects of my professional and personal life.”

    – Nicole Crutchfield, City of Fargo

  • “In one coaching session, Amena totally challenged, then transformed my thinking and perceptions, and how I act in the face of racism. The tools she provided for real life situations, plus her guidance, led me from a place of helplessness into an empowered alignment of my values. If you can lean into the discomfort of challenging yourself, you will be changed. It is worth it, for all of us.”

    – Rachel Asleson, Reach Partners

  • “I am a changed person. As a Black male, being able to calmly articulate injustice at work...well, it's been revolutionary. Amena is an amazing thinker. She asks tough questions and helped me find my way to myself. Learning to center my feelings, my experiences has been a powerful way to get my supervisor to hear me.”

    – Coaching Client, Surviving Systemic Oppression in the Workplace

  • My workplace was driving me literally insane. I was at my wits end. Amena helped me get organized and identify what to work on first. She helped me role play scenarios, and gave me really simple tools to use at work, in real time. I don't let anyone walk over me anymore.

    – Coaching Client, Surviving Systemic Oppression in the Workplace

  • "I learned to be more in touch with my own feelings in the moment, to anchor myself in the basic anti-racism beliefs so I know what my intention is, to remember to strengthen my "stabilizing" muscles, and to remember that we are dismantling systems and not people."

    – Workshop Participant, Art of Interrupting Racism

  • “Monday's "Art of Interrupting Racism" workshop was probably the most effective and valuable adult learning experience I've had. I can't think of a single seminar, conference or class I've taken since leaving college that can top it. Amena dives straight in--there is no fluff and not a second of wasted time. It was four hours of eye-opening insights that included the how and why we live in a culture constructed of inherently racist systems what people think is helpful in the fight against racism that isn't, and what some have tried that hasn't moved the needle and what I, as a white person, can and must do to help dismantle the racist systems we all live in and often don't see. This course isn't just a self-contained four-hour lesson, either. You will come away with "to dos" to help you start engaging in the self-reflection and preparation that are prerequisites for becoming a true ally.”

    – Lawri Williamson, BCBS of AZDescription goes here

  • "I've never attended an anti-racism training that was this intensive and hands-on. When it comes to trainings about discrimination and systemic oppression, most focus on the what racism sounds like and looks like, and why we need to stop it from happening, or whatever. This workshop focused on the HOW, and what a world of difference that makes. Perhaps it will literally make our world different...and better."

    – Monica Romano

  • SHRM-SCP (2017–2024)

  • DEI in the Workplace Certificate (2021) University of South Florida

  • Mental Health First Aid Certification (2019)

  • Advanced Peacemaking Circle Training (2019)

  • The Circle Way Practicum (2018)

  • Qualified Alternative Dispute Resolution Mediator, ND/MN (2017)

  • Crisis Intervention Certification, MN CIT Officers’ Association (2016)

  • American College Professional Association's Assessment Institute (2020)

  • Nonviolent Leadership for Social Justice Institute (2019)

  • National Association of Community & Restorative Justice, Annual Conference (2019)

  • Intercultural Development Inventory Assessment (2018)

  • Restorative Practices Institute with IIRP (International Institute of Restorative Practices) (2016)

  • Restorative Measures in Education (2016)

Trainings & Certifications
Specialties & Experience

  • Sales Experience 

  • Human Resource Experience

  • Startup Experience (Non-Founder)