Meet the Team

Danielle Hartley

President, DHIR

Danielle Hartley, leader of DHIR Inc., is a community relations expert with over 15 years of experience in Indigenous engagement and strategy. Known for fostering ethical business-Indigenous partnerships, Danielle has advanced employment, procurement, training, and investment in Indigenous communities. She was the first facilitator for the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business's Partnership Accreditation program, helping numerous companies achieve certifications. With key roles in Canada’s most economically successful First Nations and a global utilities leader, Danielle brings unique insights. She holds a Public Relations degree from MSVU, certifications from Ivey School of Business and University of Calgary, and serves on committees with DCI and CANS.

Brook Carpenter

Vice President, Strategic Alliances

Brook, raised in Yellowknife, NWT, developed a deep appreciation for the wilderness, traveling across the Arctic with his father, who worked to preserve the Canadian Inuit Dog. This inspired his studies in Sustainable Business Development in Resources and the Environment. Brook’s expertise in relationship management has driven over 60 joint ventures, securing $1 billion in contract awards. His work aligns goals across stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and industry. Serving on the NWT Protected Areas Strategy, he identified culturally significant sites, and he helped develop a family-owned lodge on Great Slave Lake, creating tourism experiences like dog sledding for Japanese visitors.

 Billy Hartley

Indigenous Business Development Lead

With a “team first” mentality and over 8 years of experience, Billy guides companies on the path to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Studying Business Administration at Mount Royal University and Cape Breton University, he developed versatile skills across Tourism, Digital Sales, and Marketing. His ability to connect industries has fostered inclusive, prosperous relationships between companies and Indigenous communities. 

A former high-performance athlete, Billy is passionate about sports, often found at hockey rinks, baseball fields, or on the golf course. In his free time, he enjoys hiking with his partner Emily and their German Shepherd, Phoebe.

Julietta Sorensen Kass

Education & Community Engagement Lead

Julietta Sorensen Kass is an environmental professional with 9 years in environmental management, driven by her passion for "plants and people." After studying Environmental Science at the University of Lethbridge, she began as a field technician and later became a Science Educator in the Middle East, creating impactful environmental programs. 

With a Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University, Julietta launched "Text-A-Tree," a community engagement initiative. Her roles at WSP and ECO Canada have highlighted her skills in collaboration, community relations, and Indigenous program leadership. 

She enjoys outdoor time with her family and embraces her European and Red River Métis heritage.

Keegan Skye Beazley

Psychological Strategiest for Community Engagement

Keegan-Skye Beazley, a proud Mi'kmaq from Gold River, NS, is a Psychological Strategiest for Community Engagement at DHIR Inc., promoting inclusion and innovation.

Studying Psychology with a minor in Social Justice at Saint Mary’s University, she’s been honored with the Chief Noel Doucette Award and holds GBA+ Certification. Keegan-Skye is dedicated to advancing cultural wellness, knowledge preservation, and decolonization within Indigenous communities. Previously Saint Mary’s Indigenous Wellness Ambassador, she organized wellness events and peer support for Indigenous students.

Outside work, she enjoys nature, writing, singing, and caring for her two cats.

Azar Razavi

Indigenous Relations, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion consultant

Azar brings over 15 years of experience across marketing, business development, advertising, and communications—skills that are now channeled into advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and strengthening Indigenous relations within organizations. 

With a strong background in DEI strategy, Azar has led cross-functional initiatives alongside People & Development teams, legal talent groups, marketing departments, and Employee Resource Networks to embed equity and inclusion into corporate culture and operations. 

As a first-generation immigrant woman with a rich multilingual and intercultural background, Azar is driven by curiosity and connection. Her ability to listen deeply and foster trust has helped her build strong, respectful relationships with clients, colleagues, and Indigenous partners alike. 

Deanna Lankester

Office Manager

Deanna manages DHIR’s daily operations, bringing vibrant energy to the office. Passionate about DHIR’s “people first” approach, she values learning about Indigenous culture and the company’s impact on Indigenous communities. With a background in Early Childhood Education, Deanna previously owned a childcare facility before moving to Home Health Care. She joined DHIR as office manager in October 2021. A lifelong Halifax resident, Deanna has strong community ties. Outside work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

Dave McPherson

Director, Human Resources

Dave, originally from a small town in Alberta, has over 20 years of HR experience, including roles in employee relations and training at Dow Chemical of Canada. Now based in the Okanagan, BC, he founded Human Performance Management Inc. to support the underemployed through education and training. Dave’s philosophy centers on motivation over monetary rewards, encouraging employers to equip employees with essential tools and skills for personal success. He advocates for recognizing achievements to foster growth, believing empowerment and support are key to driving individual and organizational success.