Founder - Fatima Camara
Fatima Camara is a cultural strategist, project manager, & DEI consultant from Minneapolis, MN. She specializes in inclusive training, professional development, wellness, and event planning. Her focus when working with organizations is to find what systems and processes need to be implemented to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. As a results driven cultural curator, Fatima is able to implement solutions that create impact for organizations that need to refocus and re-engage their staff.
Through her past work with TruArtSpeaks, an arts & culture organization based out of Saint Paul, she has skills in project management, event planning/coordination, public speaking, hosting, and more. Not only is she a 2020 Next Step Fund Grant Recipient, but a writer and spoken word performing artist. Her debut chapbook, Yellowline, can be found through Akachic Books and the African Poetry Book Fund. In 2023, her poem "Churai", was published in Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices. Fatima's creative work explores themes of cross cultural intersections and functions as a resource for other first generation peoples.
Fatima carries a Bachelors in Organizational Communications with a minor in Community Development and Organizing from Metropolitan State University. She has her Master's Degree in DEI Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. Currently, she works with Education Minnesota in their DEI Department.
Our Work
Cultural Strategy Meets Innovative Solutions
Smiling Coast Consulting draws its name from The Gambia—affectionately known as “The Smiling Coast”—and honors the heritage of our Founder, Fatima Camara. Rooted in Mandinka traditions, which emphasize collective growth and shared success, our work is grounded in the belief that it takes a village.
We partner with individuals, creatives, schools and organizations to strengthen their structures, cultures, and systems through a holistic consulting approach. Our services include DEI training, communication planning, leadership development, process improvement, wellness integration, and systems redesign. With build relationships across generations and experiences, help leaders foster inclusive, values-driven environments where curiosity and growth are encouraged.
At Smiling Coast Consulting, we believe that a workplace rooted in equity, belonging, and joy does not just meet company goals but it inspires you to return - emulating that, of The Smiling Coast.
Our Approach
Meaningful or sustainable change begins with deep listening, research, and genuine partnership. We collaborate with you to co-create strategies that are both practical and aligned with your organization’s unique culture, goals, and challenges. Whether facilitating DEI training, revising policies, or advising on leadership development, we lead with cultural humility, curiosity, and care.
Our goal isn’t to only deliver recommendations—it’s to help you build an inclusive, thriving workplace.