ENDORSEMENTS

"Success in this field requires patience, wisdom, a strong sense of historical perspective, a commanding vision of the common good, and a commitment to the flourishing of all persons. I am very happy to testify that Paul Tokunaga and Phil Bowling-Dyer possess these qualities in great measure, honed by extensive practical and theoretical experience. If your organization needs a collaborator who can help you develop a vision for a thriving diverse workforce, you will hardly do better than this talented team."

Nicholas Rowe

Kenneth and Jean Hansen Associate Professor of Leadership, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“Paul Tokunaga’s MELD workshops begin by soliciting participants’ cultural competencies—meeting them where they are at—then respectfully challenges them to think more deeply. His approach is highly interactive, keeping workshop participants moving in our heads and around the physical space of the room. Our own experiences drive the workshop exercises so nobody feels like an outsider; everybody’s opinions and feelings matter as groundwork for necessary discussions on difficult topics and for the best of outcomes.”

Dr. Monica Chiu, University of New Hampshire’s Interim Associate Vice-President for Community, Equity and Diversity

“From many years working with NCAA Division I Athletic Departments across the country, I know there is a definite need for the valuable training that Paul Tokunaga provides. I recommend that athletic administrators and coaches seek his genuine insights and wise counsel to establish stronger communications and relationships within their programs."

Bill Carr, Former Athletic Director- University of Houston 

and University of Florida

President & Founder-CarrSports Consulting, LLC

“As a former D1A Athletic Director, I am very excited about the positive contributions Paul Tokunaga’s MELD program can make to NCAA athletic organizations. My wife Susan and I have been friends with Paul and his wife Margaret for 35 years. We have followed his career closely over the years. His dedication to investing in students and faculty of all ethnicities has continued to this day.  Among his peers, he is widely regarded as one of the finest leadership development trainers in the country.”

Thom Park, Ph.D., Former Division 1A Athletic Director and Football Coach

46 year Member, American Football 

“I’ve been around the world playing basketball and I’ve gotten to experience a lot of different cultures. Nothing has taught me more about how to understand, appreciate and interact well with people from other cultures than what I learned through Paul at MELD. Simply put, I didn’t know what I didn’t know, until he taught it to me. In a short period of time, Paul taught me more about how to lead, love and engage with people from different cultures than I ever picked up in 3 years of traveling.

Ben Sturgill, Former Division I and Professional Basketball Player

"Paul has a unique skill and sensitivity in creating meaningful programs and products that match organizational objectives and advance critical learning related to diversity, inclusion and ethical leadership." 

Steven Rivelis, CEO, Campaign Consultation, Inc., 

Entrepreneurs for Social Change

"I've watched Paul skillfully facilitate small and large audiences for 15 years, and he has the uncanny ability to convey his message with genuine care and good humor to everyone present. He is a wise advisor who speaks from a place of authenticity. Your team will benefit greatly by having him by your side as you navigate the diversity & inclusion journey in your athletic department!"   

Jane Hyun, Global leadership consultant and coach, Author 

of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling and co-author, Flex, The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences  

"It's been a pleasure working closely with Paul Tokunaga as we've engaged him and his colleague Phil Bowling-Dyer to construct a strategic plan to make shalom a living reality at all levels of the Gordon College campus. I have found Paul particularly helpful as he's drawn on his executive-level experience at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to assist me through some high level challenges. His combination of wisdom, clear and balanced thinking and savvy in diversity issues is rare. I highly commend him to my fellow college presidents and to institutional leaders everywhere."
Michael Lindsay, Gordon College President