I am, because we are
Welcome. I'm Maria Petnga-Wallace, founder of Ubuntu Works. Belfast born, London raised and Brighton based; a neurodivergent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner passionate about authentic organisational change rather than clichéd performative 'actions'.
Ubuntu Works is a Cultural Intelligence consultancy, based upon the values of collaboration, active listening with radical understanding and empathy.
Learning Facilitation
Interactive learning experiences ranging from awareness raising bitesize sessions to behaviour change programmes aligned with particular stages of the employee lifecycle or targeted stakeholder groups.
Primary and Secondary Research
Including facilitation of listening groups, Adinkra focussed interviews, rapid evidence reviews and secondary reviews of sector relevant empirical research.
Cultural Audits
Discovery to deep dive reviews built upon evidence based approach of scientific, organisational, stakeholder and practitioner sources.
Impact Review
How do you know how effective your interventions are? Closely related to research and audit services the impact review will assess, match to maturity matrix and provide co-created action plan.
Services
Capabilities for change
based on specialist skillsets
18
Years of DEI Experience
Two Masters in
Business Psychology &
HR Research Methods
+
Certified Cultural Intelligence Facilitator
+10%
Increase (on average) in DEI related scores within people survey results throughout in-house roles
Enabler
Co-creator of Colorintech's Enablers Report focussed on advancing progression of global majority professionals in tech
94%
Of learning session participants (average) learned something new about a culture different to their own and would adapt their approach
The methodology
Community focused, collaboratively led
and culturally embedded
01
The starting point based on discovery discussion
Active listening and radical review of the state of play for your organisation matched to a DEI maturity matrix.
02
A carefully designed set of interventions based upon an evidence-based approach
Crafting tailored solutions that align with your core objectives which could be culturally intelligent, anti-oppression or consciously inclusive focussed.
03
Embedding into organisational ecosystem
Based on the Ubuntu Works Self, Society and Systems approach.
04
Review
Impact measuring based on objectives set in stage one. Gaps and successes cultivated for communication and action planning.
Clients and colleagues
"Maria has worked with UpSkill over the past year on programmes we provide for our clients around Inclusive Leadership and Hiring, Resiliency and Leveraging Strengths. Often our first choice of facilitator on DEI programmes and her invaluable input has contributed to our success with many clients."
"Maria facilitated our anti-racism education. She was incredibly engaging and knowledgable. The creation of the education programme was done in a collaborative manner, which really helped us hone in on what we wanted to get out of the sessions, ably advised by Maria."
"One of the most creative and effective change-makers in the world of business. During my time in work, I have never met anyone more passionate or committed towards bringing about a fairer society. Maria’s genuine sense of care and responsibility towards others is what really sets her apart."
Kemi Olawole, Upskill
Jason Court, Marylebone Cricket Club
Kian Bakhtiari, The People
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Cultural IntelligenceFri 10 Janhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction
Changemaker AwardsThu 28 NovBrighton and Hove
Let's All Go to Timbuktu!Wed 30 Octhttps://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/onl
Book a discovery call
To find out more about making your workplace more productive and inclusive.