Kate (Katherine) Stitham is the President, Founder, and Principal Consultant of Integrative Inquiry, a consulting firm that partners with organizations to build stronger, more effective teams rooted in collaboration, innovation, and equity. Drawing from more than a decade working nation-wide and internationally, her integrative approach fuses cutting-edge educational development theory with diverse contexts and perspectives. She specializes in the facilitation and design of retreats and workshops across industries to support strategic planning, leadership development and culture change.

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EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

MA International Educational Development 

Conflict Transformation in Multicultural Contexts 

Columbia University, NY

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BA International Affairs, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies

Skidmore College, NY
 

Conflict Resolution Certification, Cornell University
Certified Mediator, Maine Association of Mediators

Designing Virtual Training Certification, Association for Talent Development (ATD) 

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Certification, ITTT 

Positionality

Having grown up in Hawaii and then spending many years living throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, I spent a great deal of time immersed in environments rich with a range of experiences, beliefs, and values that differed from my own. Particularly as a white minority, I've found myself frequently involved in dynamic conversations that transformed the way I thought about the world and myself, which has led to a life-long commitment to growth and self-study, and an openness to change. Now living in Maine, I spend a lot of time reflecting on the ways in which my background and experiences inform my work.

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In my studies, I dove deeply into understanding the processes of how people work together, driven to better understand the nature of human connection and conflict. My knowledge of instructional design and strategic planning, combined with a deep passion for social psychology and diversity, equity and inclusion, gives me a unique lens in this field. I am interested not only in policy and practice, but in how we as individuals can transform our own beliefs, biases, and behaviors. 

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I have often seen myself as a bridge, collaborating with others to navigate complex challenges, link diverse ideas and perspectives, and engage change efforts with enthusiasm and dedication. The mission of this company is fundamentally about fulfilling this role as a "bridge" and is, in many ways, the culmination of my professional, personal, and academic experiences. 

Claudette Ndayininahaze has extensive experience as a culture broker in intercultural communication in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. As Executive Director of In her Presence, she sits on multiple boards in Portland and is deeply connected to community-based initiatives across the city. As a community leader who has herself gone through the immigration process, she has a unique ability to anticipate challenges New Mainers face and utilizes her professional expertise to empower people and communities. A highly proficient negotiator, both intuitive and resourceful, she collaborates with executive leadership in businesses and to develop organizational capacity and culture to promote opportunities for New Mainer success.

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EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

BA in Administration & Management, University of Burundi
 

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator

Association for Talent Development (ATD) Training Design & Delivery Certification [ongoing]

IHP works to further a thriving immigrant community in Maine by lifting the language barrier and supporting the career trajectory and financial stability of immigrant women and their families.

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SPECIALTIES

Intercultural communication training

Culture broker programming and support 

Addressing language and cultural barriers within organizations

Hiring, promoting, and retaining New Mainer employees