Founder

Dr. Zakiya O. Mabery 

Dr. Zakiya considers herself a “triple diversity threat”—Black, a woman, and living with multiple disabilities. She provides exceptional insights that help organizations foster meaningful social change for themselves, their customers, and the communities they serve. As a speaker who shares powerful stories from her lived experience, she brings authenticity, empathy, and vision to every stage and boardroom.

In the fall of 2009, Dr. Zakiya’s life story was featured in the award-winning documentary Able and Willing, which aired and circulated internationally. She also contributed to the development of Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success, a soft skills curriculum created by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

Dr. Zakiya is passionate about influencing C-suite executives, middle management, and frontline employees alike by focusing on storytelling, intersectionality, and systems-level change in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Formerly known as B. Global Diversity Consulting, her business has evolved into The Oni Project—a name change that reflects both personal growth and a deeper commitment to purpose-driven work rooted in healing, identity, and cultural transformation. In Arabic, “Oni” means desired one—symbolizing her journey of reclaiming power, honoring her ancestors, and leading boldly with purpose and intention.