Meet your instructor

James Demers (He/Him/His)

As a Senior Strategist & Trainer at CEC, James has educated clients on DEI concepts, gender and sexual diversity, and more. He is known for tackling challenging topics to support clients in their learning journeys. With over 10 years as a professional facilitator and 2SLGBTQIA+ diversity educator, and 16 years as a community builder, James brings depth, clarity, and compassion to every conversation. He has facilitated learning with over 300 teams across government, corporate, academic, non-profit, unionized, and non-unionized sectors—often in rooms where participants may feel uncertain, disengaged, or resistant. He’s particularly skilled in navigating high-stakes and emotionally charged conversations, helping learners explore new perspectives while maintaining a sense of dignity and psychological safety. James’ facilitation practice is grounded in equity, trauma-informed principles, and a deep understanding of group dynamics. He uses a range of methods including circle process, identity-based dialogue, and experiential learning to create inclusive and engaging environments for all learners. James adapts his approach to meeting learners where they are—whether supporting executive teams in strategic reflection, guiding frontline staff through inclusive practices, or navigating tension in intergroup dialogue.