Celebrating African Women Culture Shifters in the Diaspora

We are celebrating African women in the diaspora community that inspire us in many ways because of how they are shifting culture in their various spaces of work. Every year around this time, we like to curate some type of list of the women we have our eyes on for the year and all the amazing work they are doing. These women have been studied, handpicked and trailed for some time.  Personally as EIC, I have either had coffee, skype chatted, or blatantly stalked their linked in profiles. 

We wanted to highlight women who you may not hear about every day on the "big screen" but are doing amazing work in their various spaces most of these women are professionals who are also running their businesses at the same time. What's not to celebrate and applaud? We present this year's list of culture shifters in the Diaspora. Get to know them and celebrate them all year round. This list is not curated as a ranking list but more so as a celebration list. 

Sulafa Salim, Dawa Apothecary, Canada 

Sulafa is a trainer, facilitator, project manager, but more than anything else, she is a connector. She is the founder of Dawa Apothecary, bringing her expertise as a health and wellness consultant together with her desire to connect women of color to a wellness space that is tailored specifically for them. 

For more on Sulafa and her work visit www.dawaapothecary.com 

Eyitemi Popo, Ayiba Magazine, Canada 

Eyitemi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Ayiba Magazine. She is a Master of Digital Experience Innovation graduate from the University of Waterloo and an alumna of Mount Holyoke College. She also holds a graduate certificate in digital publishing from New York University. She also founder of Girls Trip a community built to encourage African millennial women to travel across Africa whilst also doing good. 

For more on Eyitemi's work visit www.ayibamag.com 

Dr. Nwando Olayiwola, Inspire Health SOlutions LLC & Association of Minority Women Professionals, The United States 

Dr Nwando Olayinka is  CEO and Founder of Inspire Health Solutions, LLC and the Association of Minority Women Professionals, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also the Chief Clinical Transformation Officer of RubiconMD, a leading technology company that provides electronic consultations between physicians to improve access to care. She also serves on the board of the African Women's Development Fund-USA. 

For more on Nwando's work visit: http://www.drnwando.com/

Cynthia Amo, Africans Gone Natural, The United States 

Cynthia Amo has garnered tremendous success in her platform and online community Africans Gone Natural. A community that seeks to empower and uplift and educate African women about their natural hair. She has move on along with her partner to launch Afrikinky a product line that focuses on natural products from Africa necessary for hair, skin and body. Cynthia is also an accountant by day and serves on the board of the African Women's Development Fund USA. 

For more on Cynthia's work visit www.afrikinky.com 

Farai Simoyi, The Narrativ, Bloom The United States 

We love a good concept shop with African owned luxury brands. This is exactly what our girl Farai is doing in her Brooklyn owned concept store the Narrative, where she hosts various global eclectic African owned brands. Farai also hosts a gathering for women entrepreneurs called Bloom. 

For more on Farai and her work visit www.thenarativ.com 

Rita Oluchi, The Building You Foundation & Corporate Black Girl, The United States

There is nothing that makes us happier than seeing other black women helping other black women to succeed. This is exactly what Rita Oluchi is doing with her company corporate black girl, a company that is focused on supporting black women in corporate America to land their dream jobs. Rita has also recently launched the Nigeria version of Corporate Black Girl, Corporate Black Girl Nigeria. 

For more on Rita and her work visit https://www.thebyf.org

Farai Mubaiwa, African Matters, The United Kingdom

                                                    

Farai Mubaiwa is project manager at The Aurum Institute, a leading African TB and HIV research and implementation institute. She is a Queen’s Young Leader for South Africa for 2017, a One Young World Ambassador and a King’s Principal’s Global Leadership Award Recipient. She is also co-founder of Africa Matters. 

For more on Farai's work visit www. Africamatters.com

Stephanie Quaye, Naa Duku, The Netherlands 

        

Headwrapping became very special to Stephanie when she started to wear it more often in the year 2015.  She drew many to her creative sense of headwrapping in the Netherlands. With her Ghanaian cultural heritage she has found a way to infuse her creativity, culture and womanhood into her brand Naa Duku a brand that aims to bring women together to equip them with the art of styling and wearing inspired headwraps. 

For more on Stephanie's work visit www.naaduku.com 

Adaku Ezeudo, Phoenix Rize, Denmark

          

Adaku Ezeudo is on a mission to engage, educate and empower individuals, companies and organisations to recognise the value of diversity & Inclusion. She is passionate about creating
platforms which celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity, explore differences and embrace multiple
ways of thinking and working together. Founder of PhoenixRize, she is a Diversity & Inclusion
Consultant, trainer, life coach, mentor and speaker. 

For more on Adaku's work visit: http://phoenixrize.ie/

Micheala Turay, MQ Events LLC , The United States 

           

With a keen eye for details, beauty and glam, Micheala has found a way to turn her passion for curating impeccable events with her business MQ events. She is a mother and enjoys spending time with her daughter whilst taking on the events world with  a bang.  Micheala plans everything from weddings, to small launch events, to birthday parties and constantly brings a unique flare to every event she produces. 

For more on Micheala's work visit www.mqevents.com

Maria Bradford, Maria Bradford Kitchen, The United Kingdom 

     

Maria Bradford is a creative culinary artist and genius, she is of Sierra Leonean heritage, based in the United Kingdom. She utilizes her love for food, culture and people to share Sierra Leonean inspired cuisine with the world. You can find her creating some of the most artistic and mouth watering dishes which are Sierra Leonean inspired with a global palette. 

For more on her work visit mariabradfordkitchen.com 

Rashidat Oyegunle, Tailoring Needs, The United States 

  

If you don't know who Rashidat Oyegunle is, stop what you are doing right now and follow her brand Tailoring Needs.  Tailoring needs is a one stop shop for all things African fashion. The platform helps you find the nearest custom wear fashion designer. Rashidat is also an engineer by day. 

For more on Rashidat's work visit www. tailoringneeds.com

Wura Kolawale, Miss Wu on Hair, The United States  

No one should have a wedding and not hire Wu for their wedding hair style.  Wura is a hair stylist, enthusiast and as she calls herself a "Hair Slayer". She is also a grade school teacher by day and a firm believer in Jesus Christ 365 days of the year. 

For more on Wura's work visit www.misswuvirginhair.com 


Mahawa Kamara, Mahawa Kamara Consults Ltd., The United Kingdom 
                                         
Mahawa Kamara has been dedicated to supporting business professionals in the design of their business. Looking for business development support ranging from business strategy and beyond? Mahawa is the person you need. She centers her business around faith, family and business. She is also owner of the Soap Connoisseur a skin luxury company.
For more on her work visit www.mahawakamara.com 

Aisha Addo, Power to Girls Foundation & Driver Her App, Canada 

Aisha is a graduate in Business Administration and uses her true passion and dedication in ensuring girls around the world are provided with the guidance and resources that help them identify their true purpose and calling to reach their full potential. She founded Power To Girls Foundation a non for profit organization that helps offer mentoring to girls. She is currently launching her DriverHER app a ride sharing service for women by women which is her latest initiative.

For more on her work visit www.aishaaddo.com 

Wunmy Eyiwunmi, Those African Chicks Podcast, The United States 

Wummy is the curator of the podcast Those Africa Chicks, she is a firm believer in telling stories about African women that breaks the typical monolith about our lives. On her podcast she explores, femininity, womanism, identity and many other topics. 
For more on her work visit http://www.thoseafricanchicks.com/about


Desiree Young, Vice President Programs, Tory Burch Foundation, The United States 

Désirée is the Vice President of Programs at the Tory Burch Foundation. She is involved in several philanthropic efforts including her most recently led Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, a company she started in 2012. Prior to that, she lived in Nigeria working as the Director of Entrepreneurship & Leadership Development for the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She began her career in philanthropy at the Robin Hood Foundation in New York and later at Synergos Institute, an international development organization connecting philanthropists to solve complex social issues. She is an active board member of several organizations in the U.S. and abroad.


For more on Desiree visit http://www.toryburchfoundation.org

Sarah, Nakintu Kintu New York, Switzerland 

Sarah is founder and creative director of Kintu New York a handmade global bag curated with Italian leather and Kenyan craftsmanship. Sarah is on a mission to preserve artisanship, culture and her love for travel all in one brand. Her brand brings a refreshing vibe to the fashion industry. Sarah is of Ugandan heritage and is a true social entrepreneur with experience in working across industries and companies such as Google, Aol and many others. 

For more on Sarah's work visit https://www.kintunewyork.com/


Edwina Kulego, Essentials by Edwina, The United States 

Born and raised in Sweden by Ghanaian parents, Edwina Kulego manages International Business Development at UBM Fashion Group. Edwina is the founder and CEO of Essentials by Edwina; A vegan, make up collection in partnership with Celfie Cosmetics. She began her career working for Zara/Inditex Group, as a Sales Manager in Copenhagen Denmark. 

For more on Edwina's work visit www.edwinakulego.com 

Susy, Oludele, The United States 

Susy is a hair creative genius, she owns a hair shop in brooklyn by the name of Hair by Susy where she creates the most eclectic, creative masterpieces for women's hair. She is known for creating hair styles for Solange, Beyonce and many other celebrities. Susy doesn't just stop at her hair shop, she also recently released a book titled Lady a collection of women and celebrating their various identities with hair at the center of it all. 

For more on Susy's work visit www.hairbysusy.com 

10 Female Owned Brands we celebrate for International Women's Day

In celebrating all things innovative and entrepreneurial for International Women's Day this year we wanted to take the time to celebrate women and all the great things they are doing. This post is dedicated to the African women who are running their various brands and running it well. Here is a list of our Favorite Women Brands for IWD 

1. Re-Connect Ghana

Founded by Ghanaian women  Maame Boakye and Stephanie Dei in 2011 while in Ghana conducting research for their graduate dissertations. With a vision of strengthening ties and deepening engagement between young professionals in Ghana and the diaspora, both ladies organized the first Re-Connect GH networking mixer on December 28, 2011


Visit their site 
Recconect Ghana

2. Cecret Candles, Liberia-USA

Cecret Candles 

Founded by Sesima Kamara, this brand is sure to be the future home brand line for sure. The owner describes her brand as home-made soy candles handcrafted with the finest ingredients in GRADE A unrefined shea-butter, eco-soy vegetable wax and premium fragrance oils.


Visit their site 
Cecret Candles

3. Fitclique Africa Uganda

Founded by Mildred Apenyo, Fitclique Africa is the first female gym in Uganda, Fitclique Africa is passionate about wellness and safety. They offer self-defense, strength training, dance and yoga classes.  



Visit their site 
FitClique Africa

4. Besharp Events California USA

 Rugie Bhonopha of Sierra Leonean American heritage and her team take pride in their event planning company. Her and her colleagues are sure to plan your event into stylish sophisticated event for either private or corporate purposes. 

Visit their site 
Besharp Signature Events

Be Sharp Events 

5. Wanjo Foods, Ghana

Founded by Yaganoma Wanjo Foods processes indigenous crops into food products. Wanjo producers create, juices, syrups, jams, preserves and sauces out of indigenous spice, herbs and veggies. Wanjo Foods' mission is to promote natural healthy African beverages made from fruits and vegetation that are found withing the continent.


Visit their site 
Wanjo Foods

6. Sophie Zinga, Senegal

Founded by Senegalese Afropolitan Sophie Nzinga, this brand  has wow-ed us all over the few years the brand has launched and been a success, she works hard to ensure her customers are satisfied. Sophie also launched her own flagship store in Dakar Senegal. She describes her brand as sophisticated and born from a unique vision of modern style, the Sophie Zinga line is marked by a new approach to design where luxury meets sensuality.

Visit their site
 Sophie Zinga

7. Bims Flavors, Nigeria USA 

Cupcake owner Oby provides the most creative and tasty cakes, cupcakes and desserts for your event to be made special. She takes pride in all of her customers and ensures they receive individualized service for their occasion. 

Visit their site 
Bim Cakes

Bim's Flavors 

8. Afroelle Magazine, Kenya-Worldwide

Founder Patricia from Kenya has truly made tremendous strides with her magazine Afroelle! AfroElle is a digital magazine celebrating women of African heritage. AfroElle exists to encourage, empower and elevate our readers through highlighting the plight of women of African heritage and celebrating their achievements and contributions to their communities. Our magazine features
editorials on book, film & music, technology, business, travel, lifestyle, health, art, culture, home décor, fashion

Visit their site 
AfroElle

9. Mui Pr- Nigeria, Nigeria-USA

MuiPr featured in Applause Africa 

Founder Ijeoma from Nigeria based in New York is taking the PR world by storm with her company MuiPR. The Public Relations Company is the first independent strategic public relations and promotions agency in NYC for Pan-African businesses and leaders in entertainment, fashion, politics, media, non-profit and urban development sectors.

Visit their site 
MUIPR

10. Maame Afon Musician, Ghana-USA 

Musician Maame Afong found a way to blend social justice with music and voila what do you have amazing talent.  Maame also does gospel music and has released an album as well in this arena. Her voice is sure to inspire, and uplift you. Her album titled Ekome is one you definitely want to download and give a listen.
Visit her site 
Maame Afon

Maame Afon

Feminism and Sisterhood Matters: Does African Sisterhood Exist?

She stared at me, with her lips pouted into a soft smile,  pulled her glasses down her in front of face as if she was about to make a strong point, her red colored warm earrings and her afro puff on her head and she says  " What inspires you? What motivates you as an African Feminist? Whatever it is do just that!" I was so taken aback by the question, it was  supposed to be a happy moment, but I was sad, sad because I could not articulate an answer to her questions.  This was the first time I had been asked this working on the continent. What i had experienced a long time within this particular work space was women staring me down whenever I walked into a meeting not nicely, being asked how I got the position and what my qualifications were, or older women treating me as if I was too young to understand anything, and some even doing everything in their authority to stop me from speaking when in public spaces. The same women would later befriend me or talk to me after "studying" me. This wasn't just something I experienced many of my young woman friends experienced similar.  I was always confused by this, wasn't this supposed to be about us as women working together to make things happen for other women?  It wasn't until I met this woman that my hope reignited again and I realized that  there were women, real feminists still out there who believed in uplifting women, and fighting for the cause. At the end of the meeting she later thanked me for sharing my ideas, and expressed to everyone in a later meeting about how wonderful my ideas were.

As feminists and women activists sometimes we think what we are fighting for women is out there somewhere in some village, but at times what we are fighting against is right next to us. We are fighting jealousy, bad mindedness, intimidation, lack of sisterhood all which gets in the way of doing the real work.  We fail to realize that the feminism, the real sense of feminism is the relationships that we encounter everyday and what we bring to them. If we can't embrace those everyday female relationships in a positive manner, what makes us think that what we are trying to do out int he world is making any impact? The change begins with that woman you sat next to on the poda poda, tro-tro, the woman  you work with and your little sisters etc. In the obvious situations, feminism and activism become more "needed" when we meet that young girl whose close friend committed suicide to avoid marriage at an early age,  or the young girl who gets sexually harassed by her teacher everyday, or the widow who after losing her husband losses all his property to his brothers family. I would argue that feminism is needed where women are fighting against each other, and tearing each other down.

I have always seen a common thread between feminism and sisterhood. Even when one looks historically, at women's movements most mass protests and policy changes happened because women worked together and believed in the feminist ideologies.  Therefore it is my  belief that women should do more to work together to tackle the various issues we are fighting for or bringing to life. Some of the toughest forms of discrimination I have experienced in my life have come from other women; surprising but true. As sisters we should be aware of what some of these values of feminism and sisterhood are and what we are advocating for. It is not about competition, or stepping on top of other women's shoulders to advance ourselves.

Since that encounter with this woman, I looked towards more women who would continue mentoring me, and extended that mentorship and sisterhood out to my peers,  and young girls.  lf I were to see her again, I would say what motivates me as an African feminist are women like her who cultivate sisterhood, and encourage women to speak up, and join forces to work towards the greater good for all women. I will forever cherish her and the moment and what it taught me along with the many other women who I know who exemplify what it means to be true feminists and sisters. So to the question does African Sisterhood exist I would say yes but we need more of it, and we need to develop more authentic synergies and structures to work together to advance our goals.

 For this month we will showcase the voices and perspectives of different women on their take on feminism and sisterhood. We hope you enjoy our Feminism and Sisterhood Series!