Shé:kon! ("Hello/Still" in Mohawk)

Natalie Bomberry

I am an Indigenous-Black (Mohawk and Bajan) woman from Six Nations of the Grand River, now living and working in Toronto.

I am a certified, award-winning project manager with over 15 years of account/project management and agency leadership experience, guiding North America's top public companies, institutions, independent businesses and seed-stage ventures. The clients I have worked with are in the fields of Consumer, Non-Profit, Tech, Healthcare, Education and B2B. I am a member of the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada, as well as a Board and Steering Committee Member of People of Colour in Advertising and Marketing (POCAM).

My focus and passion is supporting the advancement of the Indigenous economy and other Indigenous women entrepreneurs.

Why Indigenous

In Full Transparency...

...I don’t believe in anyone having to make the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion and why you should work with Indigenous professionals...but…I also get it - we’re not there yet.

And so if you need it, (and it doesn’t even have to be me that you work with) here are just a few reasons why you should work with an Indigenous project manager - much of which applies to working with Indigenous and/or diverse professionals in general.

Profitability:

"In the case of ethnic and cultural diversity, top-quartile companies outperformed those in the fourth one by 36 percent in profitability"*

*McKinsey & Company’s Diversity wins: How inclusion matters May 19, 2020 | Report

Cultural Sensitivity:

Embracing diverse cultural backgrounds is crucial in our globalized world. An Indigenous project manager brings a deep understanding of cultural nuances, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's contributions are respected and valued.

Unique Problem-Solving:

Indigenous communities have a rich history of resilience and creative problem-solving. Leveraging traditional knowledge and wisdom, an Indigenous project manager can offer innovative solutions that might not be apparent through conventional methods.

Community Engagement:

With a strong sense of community, Indigenous project managers excel in building meaningful relationships. This can translate into enhanced team cohesion, stakeholder engagement, and a collaborative working environment, leading to project success.

Building Bridges:

An Indigenous project manager can play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between diverse communities and stakeholders. Their unique ability to navigate cultural differences can facilitate smoother collaboration and understanding among team members.

Holistic Approach:

Indigenous cultures often have a holistic view of life and interconnectedness. This perspective can bring a fresh approach to project management, considering not only the immediate goals but also the long-term impact on communities and the environment.

Diversity and Inclusion:

A commitment to diversity goes beyond mere representation. An Indigenous project manager can actively promote diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace culture that celebrates differences and encourages a variety of perspectives.

Social Responsibility:

Indigenous values often emphasize social responsibility. Working with an Indigenous project manager can align your projects with socially responsible practices, contributing positively to the broader community.