Draft:Helen Ofosu

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Dr. Helen Ofosu

Dr. Helen Ofosu [Oh-faw-soo] Helen Ofosu is a Canadian Industrial/Organisational (I/O) psychologist., career and executive coach, author, speaker, and adjunct professor, known for her work in workplace inclusion, diversity, bullying, harassment, and resilience-building in careers. She is also a prominent advocate for Black psychologists in Canada.

Early Life and Education

Helen Ofosu was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, with family roots in Jamaica and Ghana . She earned her MA and PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from McMaster University and the University of Windsor. During her graduate studies, she authored the 1998 article “Body Image Perception among Women of African Descent: A Normative Context?” published in Feminism and Psychology.

Career

Public Service and Early Roles

After completing her PhD at the University of Windsor in Applied Social Psychology, Ofosu joined the Depart of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) where she developed hiring tools and screening to staff at Canadian embassies.

She also held positions at;

• Global Affairs Canada
• Canadian Department of National Defence
• Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International
• For over 9 years she held the position of Industrial & Organizational Psychologist for the Public Service Commission of Canada.

I/O Advisory Services Inc.

In 2012, Dr. Ofosu founded I/O Advisory Services Inc., serving as president and principal consultant. The firm offers career and executive coaching, leadership assessment, HR consulting, and applied research focusing on workplace inclusion, psychological safety, and DEI

Academic and Leadership Roles

She serves as an adjunct professor at Carleton University’s Psychology Department, mentoring and guest lecturing to students.

Economic and Social Development Canada - applied research investigating the link betweens workplace inclusion, visible and invisible identities, psychological safety, leadership style and organizational culture.

At the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), Dr. Ofosu was a founding officer and currently chairs the Section on Black Psychology. She is also on the board of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.

Black Mental Health Canada - Advisory Board Member 2023-current

Publications and Media

• Book: How to Be Resilient in Your Career: Facing Up to Barriers at Work (Routledge, 2023), nominated for the 2024 Trillium Book Award
• Article: Body Image Perception among Women of African Descent, Feminism and Psychology (1998)
• Podcast: Featured on 50 Women Over 50 discussing career resilience for women over 50 ()
• Brainz Magazine Freelance Writer from 2022 - 2023
• Individualism-communalism and employment equity: The effects of value priming on hiring decisions.
• Frequent media contributor on workplace bullying, racism, and career development, including features by CPA and Canadian media  .

Speaking and Consulting

Dr. Ofosu delivers workshops, webinars, and speaking engagements on topics such as:

• Inclusive leadership and ally-ship
• Workplace bullying and the glass cliff
• Post‑COVID workforce re‑entry
• Psycho social risk and insider threats
• BIPOC mentorship frameworks

Awards and Recognition

• Named one of the Black History Month featured psychologists by the CPA
• Under her leadership, I/O Advisory Services was recognized by the Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (CSIOP) 
• Book nomination: 2024 Trillium Book Award 

Personal Life

Dr. Ofosu lives in Ottawa with her partner and son. She enjoys boating, family time, and actively mentoring Black and racialized professionals through her consulting and volunteer roles.

External Links

• I/O Advisory Services – Official website and consulting services
• CPA Section on Black Psychology – Chair of the executive committee
• How to Be Resilient in Your Career – Routledge (2023)
• Podcast: 50 Women Over 50 featuring Dr. Ofosu