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ABOUT us

Vision

Workplaces where staff are eager to come every day, feeling motivated and empowered to envision, learn, create, and thrive.

Mission

Empower organizations to cultivate trauma-informed and inclusive workplaces. 

Guiding Principles

- Trauma Informed Practice

- Compassionate Leadership

- Relational Approaches

- Intentional Collaboration

- Equity and Inclusion

‌Our Story

It all started over lunch, a simple conversation that sparked something bigger. We were talking about how important it is for people to feel truly safe, seen, and valued at work. Not just physically safe, but emotionally supported, like they really belong and can bring their whole selves to what they do. The more we talked, the more we realized just how much life experiences, especially the tough ones, shape how people show up in their jobs, in their teams, and in themselves. Over time, these conversations grew deeper. We kept coming back to one core truth: building strong, resilient, and connected teams starts with understanding people—what they’ve been through, what they’re capable of, and what they need to thrive. That means creating work environments that are trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive. Between us, we’ve spent years designing and implementing trauma-informed systems. That experience gives us a strong foundation to help organizations shift from just “getting the job done” to building cultures where people feel empowered, respected, and invested in the mission. Novena Consultancy thrives to be the most trusted partner for organizations seeking to build trauma informed. learning centered cultures through resilient and empowered teams. We believe in the power of compassion, human resilience, and meaningful connection. And we’re here to help your teams grow—not just in productivity, but in purpose. Want to know more about what we bring to the table? Keep reading below.

Raghida Mazzawi, MC, RP

Co-Founder and Senior Consultant

Raghida is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and a qualified Clinical Supervisor under the College’s standards. She holds a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and brings specialized expertise in adult education, child development, and early childhood education.

Drawing from training in Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative approaches, Raghida integrates an eclectic, relationship-focused approach that emphasizes empathy, connection, and collaboration.

With more than 18 years of experience in the Gender-Based Violence sector, Raghida has extensive expertise working with both individuals who have experienced harm and those who have caused harm in their relationships. She has led multidisciplinary teams, fostered cross-sector partnerships, developed innovative programs, and provided mentorship and guidance to professionals across the field.

Raghida’s work is grounded in trauma-informed, equity-centered, and inclusive practices. She ensures these principles are embedded in every aspect of her work—from training and supervision to program design and implementation. Her excellence has been recognized with the Elizabeth Manson Clinical Excellence Award from SickKids Hospital for her contributions to evidence-informed treatment approaches in children’s mental health.

An accomplished educator and presenter, Raghida has designed and facilitated numerous training sessions and workshops, presented at national conferences, and provided clinical supervision to emerging professionals in the mental health field.

Passionate about fostering both personal and professional growth, Raghida views challenges as opportunities for learning, resilience, and transformation. Known for creating inclusive, engaging, and impactful learning environments, she is deeply committed to empowering others through knowledge, reflection, and authentic connection.

Suchira Banerjee, MSW, RSW, MBA

Co-Founder and Senior Consultant

Suchira Banerjee is deeply committed to helping organizations grow into places where compassion, connection, and well-being are part of everyday practice. As a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and an MBA graduate in Social Entrepreneurship, she brings together the worlds of human care and strategic leadership with remarkable depth and empathy. 

With over 22 years of experience in the social service sector—both internationally and in Canada— Her career has been shaped by her work in gender-based violence and mental health sectors, where she witnessed firsthand the importance of trauma-informed approaches in building safety and trust. This understanding now guides her consultancy and training work, helping organizations reimagine their systems, culture, and leadership through a trauma-informed lens.

Suchira’s professional journey has been guided by curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for human resilience. Trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-based therapeutic modalities, and currently pursuing certification in Compassionate Leadership, Suchira blends strategic insight with empathy and lived experience. Her approach is grounded in the belief that organizations can thrive when they center humanity in how they work—creating spaces where people feel valued, empowered, and supported to do their best work.

As a seasoned organizational development consultant and trainer, Suchira has extensive experience in Results-Based Management, strategic planning, change management, and leadership development. Suchira partners with social service agencies, corporate teams, and government organizations to strengthen communication, staff wellbeing, and team alignment. She designs and facilitates training that supports leaders and teams in embedding trauma-informed principles into policies, practices, and everyday interactions—turning awareness into sustainable change.

For Suchira, this work is deeply personal. She believes that every organization has the capacity to become a more cohesive, compassionate, and high-performing environment—and she is dedicated to guiding that transformation with authenticity, curiosity, and heart.