Safir Boukhalfa (They/Them) is a DEI Consultant, Business coach, Writer, Buyer and Founder, and serves as Chair of SPARK DEI Community at Foundation ENAR.
What are your favourite things about your background?
I am proud to be African, Amazigh, Algerian, queer, non-binary, neurodivergent, and Muslim. These parts of my identity have shaped how I see and interact with the world. Being Amazigh and Algerian connects me to my culture and history, while my African roots remind me of the diversity and contributions of the continent.
Growing up multilingual, speaking Darja and later learning French, English, Spanish, Japanese, German, and Portuguese has helped me develop my curiosity about other cultures and perspectives.
These experiences help me connect with people and offer understanding. My background allows me to approach situations with compassion and respect for human experiences, which guides my work to build inclusion and equity.
How did you end up at ENAR Foundation as SPARK DEI Chair?
I first became part of the community when I started to feel lonely as one of the only racialised DEI practitioners in my network. SPARK DEI quickly became a space where I could not only receive support but also contribute immensely. When Tamara decided to step down, it felt like a natural step to apply for the role.
Through my work, I knew I could bring new perspectives and practices to the community as the Chair. I am grateful that the Foundation shared this vision, and here I am!
You’re an advisor for EU for a day. What change would you recommend here and now? Why?
I would advocate for an approach to restorative justice that includes debt cancellation, land back movements, and reparations.
Debt cancellation is essential to address the financial exploitation that many (formerly) colonised countries face, freeing them from cycles of poverty caused by unjust financial systems.
Land back movements would ensure that Indigenous communities regain sovereignty over their lands, rectifying historical dispossession and respecting their rights to self-determination.
Reparations, both monetary and non-monetary, would provide restitution for the harm caused by colonialism and systemic exploitation, supporting communities in rebuilding their futures.
What book did you enjoy lately and would want to see more people reading it?
I recently read "Amour - Révolutionner l'amour grâce à la sagesse arabe et/ou musulmane" by Jamal Ouazzani, a member of our community.
It counters anti-Islam rhetoric in powerful ways, offering a narrative that is both humanising and offers plenty of knowledge. Beyond its message, the book is beautifully written, drawing readers into very rich language (the language nerd in me really enjoyed that part too)! It really stays with you long after finishing it.
