Catherine embodies a profound passion that extends beyond her professional life and into the very core of her being. Originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa, she came to America without her parents, escaping her second civil war. Rather than being defined solely by her status as a refugee, Catherine focused on what she loves most: connecting with people and understanding their stories.
After earning her degree from the University of Central Florida and settling in Colorado with her husband, Catherine initially launched a successful diversity and inclusion business. Her approach as a conversation innovator in diversity to fostering meaningful conversations helped numerous companies thrive over a span of six years. However, her journey took a new turn when she chose to invest more time in her growing family, which now includes three boys.
During this period, Catherine wrote her first book, I Am Goodness, published in March 2022. This work reflects her dedication to helping others recognize and embrace their own worth. Alongside her literary achievements, she has developed a speaking career centered around the concept of "I Also," a framework she uses to empower diverse audiences—from corporate leaders, women's groups, religious organizations to high school and college students. Her mission is to encourage people to share their stories, affirm their self-worth, and change the world one story at a time.
Catherine’s impact is far-reaching, but her greatest joy remains with her family. Residing in Colorado, she balances her professional endeavors with the rewarding challenge of raising her sons, whom she repeatedly reminds every day are men of valor, truth, integrity, and courage.
Catherine Ojala is one of the most powerful and inspirational human beings that I've ever met. She is more than a talented speaker and author. Catherine is a force. And she is the thought leader that everyone will know her name someday really soon.
-Tommy Spaulding, New York Times bestselling author of The Heart-Led Leader and The Gift of Influence
Catherine was a featured speaker for our annual Children of the Nations fundraising events in both Seattle, WA, and Orange County, CA. Catherine is such a naturally talented and gifted speaker! She effectively connects with her audience by utilizing personal stories to engage and inspire. It was obvious that Catherine had spent time studying the organization’s goals for the evening and then strategized her speaking points to accomplish those goals. We heard from many attendees that they were inspired, encouraged,
and motivated by Catherine!
- Clark, Children of the Nations
There are many reasons I really like Catherine speaking to our Colorado Christian University students. Catherine brings "diversity"- she is an African refugee (with an amazing story), a committed wife and mother in a mixed marriage, and an accomplished female speaker and author. It is difficult to find good Christian female speakers- Catherine is a good woman speaker! It is for these reasons I will continue to book Catherine Ojala as a regular speaker in our university Chapel program
-Jongeward, Colorado Christian University
When Catherine speaks, she brings energy, insight, experience, and wisdom to important life-changing topics. Her book encourages women to be all they were created to be. She expresses humor and life experiences in an honest and edifying way. I would highly recommend her book.
- Jean, reader
Catherine led a captivating, emotional, and inspirational discussion with our commercial real estate team. Her personal story of tragedy (though Catherine rejects the notion of tragedy) and perseverance as a young refugee from Sierra Leone dwarfs the significance of our daily tasks as bankers, but Catherine did a remarkable job of translating her life experiences and lessons into action items for our team. I have since shared Catherine’s story and message with many friends and family.”
- Cullin, Senior Vice President Wells Fargo
The first time I heard one of Catherine's talks was through a virtual Mother's Day event organized by Lifegate Church. Catherine spoke about the meaning of womanhood based on the timeless lessons from the Old Testament's Book of Ruth. While I am not religiously affiliated and definitely not well-versed in the stories of the Bible, I found Catherine's presentation to be very well-researched, captivating, and most of all, deeply meaningful. She has the ability to talk about complex, emotionally charged, and sometimes even controversial topics in an educated and easy-to-understand manner while still encouraging you to have your interpretation. Through her projects, she is helping cultivate a sense of faith and togetherness for the people in her community that she genuinely cares about.
- Kasheva, attendee
Catherine has an incredible gift when it comes to speaking. She knows how to read her audience and comes prepared with just the right amount of energy, humor and knowledge. Her vast understanding of such a wide range of topics makes her all the more impressive. She takes time to connect with people one on one and truly cares about the women (and men) she speaks to.
-Schafeer, MOPS leader
Catherine's words and stories written in I am Goodness inspired me, encouraged me, challenged me, and helped put words to some of my experiences as a minority woman, immigrant, and wife in a cross-cultural marriage, understanding and blending into the American culture. So many things! And amid all these challenges to hold onto my identity in Christ.
- Ross, reader
Catherine is a dynamic speaker that we could all tell instantly and is sweetly entwined with the Holy Spirit. She spoke at our women's conference and her talk had a profound effect on everyone who heard her. She is passionate about God's word and she shared her heart and stories in a vulnerable authentic way that inspired and transformed our group.
- Churches, The Landing Church
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