Thulani DeMarsay, PhD

A Boston native, Thulani is the visionary founder and dedicated Chief Impact Officer of the Sankofa Institute for Collective Wellbeing. She is a person in long-term recovery from substance use and mental wellness challenges, committed to supporting others on their recovery journey. For nearly a decade, Thulani served as a senior facilitator and consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health – Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS). She delivered trainings statewide for the peer recovery community, provided mentorship and coaching for a team of facilitators, contributed to the creation of a statewide recovery coach learning community, and developed comprehensive curricula and training materials.

Thulani’s personal journey and consulting experience revealed a significant gap in services and education tailored to the experiences of people of African descent, inspiring her to establish the Sankofa Institute. The Institute aims to provide high-quality, culturally responsive learning experiences that empower the recovery workforce and community-based organizations, with a focus on communities of color and allies.

Since 1997, Thulani has practiced mindfulness and meditation, integrating Buddhist teachings into her personal life and professional work in recovery and coaching. In 2022, Thulani authored “An Invitation to Contemplative Leadership,” providing leaders with tools and practices to cultivate greater self-awareness and resilience during times of uncertainty, crisis, and adversity.

Thulani holds a BS in Psychology and a Master of Management Degree in Leadership from Cambridge College, as well as a master’s degree and PhD in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University.