Dear Diaspora artwork

Dear Diaspora

73 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 39 ratings

Dear Diaspora exists to host Africa-centered conversations about all things business, culture, and more!

Join host Nduulwa Kowa and special guests as we ask the big questions, challenge narratives surrounding Africa, learn and unlearn — and explore what a more connected and engaged African Diaspora can look like.

Society & Culture Business Entrepreneurship africa black blackbusiness decolonize african africandiaspora africanimmigrant blackdiaspora continent
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Episodes

Embracing Authenticity While Growing Your Business with Uche Ogba

May 23, 2023 06:56 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

Welcome to this special episode of Dear Diaspora! It's bittersweet to share that this marks my final episode of the show. Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of sharing the stories of African entrepreneurs and changemakers worldwide, while also pursuing my own professional goals. I’m now making space to do more of what I love–travel, be outside, all the things. While my podcasting era has come to a close, I hope to continue to find ways to be in community with you all. Thank yo...

65. Addressing Period Poverty: Haja's Entrepreneurial Journey in Sierra Leone

May 02, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 43.5 MB

Welcome back! I had the pleasure of speaking with Haja Batsu, founder of Uman4Uman for this episode. Uman4Uman is a social enterprise that provides sustainable menstrual products to girls in Sierra Leone.  We dive into: Haja’s journey building a social enterprise from the ground up Her experiences pitching her business to people who don’t understand period poverty How you can support her work (links below)  Mentioned in the episode: Sponsor a Grow for Me farm using referral code ‘de...

64. Esther Armah on Global Blackness, Racial Healing and Revolutionary Black Grace

April 18, 2023 05:05 - 35 minutes - 49.1 MB

Welcome to the latest episode of Dear Diaspora! I had the pleasure of speaking with Esther Armah, a creative powerhouse and author of the book Emotional Justice: A Roadmap for Racial Healing. Tune in to hear us discuss her concept of "revolutionary Black grace," which she describes as a way to honor our unique Blackness while connecting it to a global Blackness. We dive into what it looks like in practice, how we can use it to end the “diaspora wars," and how we can all work to replace jud...

Jasmin Church on Living in South Africa, Cultural Identity, and Ending the Diaspora Wars

December 20, 2022 15:07 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Discussions surrounding the “Diaspora Wars” – cross-cultural arguments among different ethnicities of African people – are often counterproductive. This week’s episode, with social impact professional and digital creator Jasmin Church, aims to shift that!  Jasmin is passionate about connecting communities across the diaspora, and her Youtube channel @jazzyjetsets, focuses on her life as an expat in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Tune in to hear about: Her journey from Trenton, NJ to Johan...

63. Jasmin Church on Living in South Africa, Cultural Identity, and Ending the Diaspora Wars

December 20, 2022 15:07 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Discussions surrounding the “Diaspora Wars” – cross-cultural arguments among different ethnicities of African people – are often counterproductive. This week’s episode, with social impact professional and digital creator Jasmin Church, aims to shift that!  Jasmin is passionate about connecting communities across the diaspora, and her Youtube channel @jazzyjetsets, focuses on her life as an expat in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Tune in to hear about: Her journey from Trenton, NJ to Johan...

62. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review

December 06, 2022 07:27 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MB

Hey fam, thanks for tuning in – we’re diving into all things Black Panther: Wakanda Forever! My guest co-host is CJ Haamankuli, Globe Trotter, Nurse Practitioner – and one of my favorite cousins.   Tune in to hear us discuss: How this sequel compares to the first movie How each of the characters showed us there’s no “right” way to grieve  Queen Ramonda’s empathetic leadership style  How African cultures are represented in the movie How the movie “blends” African cultures – and w...

61. Why Now is the Best Time to Invest in Africa with daba CEO Boum III Jr.

November 15, 2022 06:00 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MB

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode with daba Co-Founder and CEO Boum III Jr.! Boum is an entrepreneur driven by his passion for Africa. After working at Nasdaq and earning his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, he went on to launch daba – a new application allowing everyday investors to find and invest in Africa's most promising opportunities.  Tune in to hear us discuss:   His journey from Cameroon to the United States  How his African identity has sh...

60. Is Ghana Worth the Hype? My Unfiltered Opinion on Living and Working in Accra

November 02, 2022 07:32 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MB

To say that Accra, Ghana has become one of the world’s most influential cultural hubs would be an understatement. This week’s episode is dedicated to sharing my experiences living and working in Ghana!  Tune in to hear: How Ghana has positioned itself as the gateway to Africa My experiences working with Emerging Public Leaders Ghana How I handled living in one of Africa’s most expensive cities My thoughts on whether Ghana is worth the hype  What I love about Ghana’s food scene and...

59. Destigmatizing Mental Health in African Immigrant Communities with Alice Mills Mai

October 18, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 93 MB

It’s great to be back – thanks for tuning in to this special episode with guest Alice Mills Mai! Alice is a licensed mental health counselor, researcher, entrepreneur, and proud daughter of Ghanaian immigrants. Tune in to hear about:   Her journey becoming a mental health professional after realizing nursing wasn’t for her Why there’s still so much stigma surrounding mental health in many African immigrant communities Healing practices inherent to many African cultures that we may not r...

58. Embracing Indigenous African Languages with Yeve Sibanda

November 30, 2021 06:41 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MB

I was joined by Yeve Sibanda, attorney, public speaker, and author of My First Book of Shona and Ndebele Words. Yeve is a native Zimbabwean who calls the United States her adopted home. Although she wasn’t allowed to speak her indigenous languages at school in Zimbabwe — the unfortunate legacy of colonization — she’s always found ways to embrace her culture and heritage. Tune in for tips on learning, teaching and celebrating African languages, especially when based in the Diaspora! Buy...

5. Embracing Indigenous African Languages with Yeve Sibanda

November 30, 2021 06:41 - 54 minutes - 74.5 MB

I was joined by Yeve Sibanda, attorney, public speaker, and author of My First Book of Shona and Ndebele Words. Yeve is a native Zimbabwean who calls the United States her adopted home. Although she wasn’t allowed to speak her indigenous languages at school in Zimbabwe — the unfortunate legacy of colonization — she’s always found ways to embrace her culture and heritage. Tune in for tips on learning, teaching and celebrating African languages, especially when based in the Diaspora! Buy...

4. Mutale Sitali on Building a Sustainable Furniture Brand in Zambia

November 16, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

For this week’s episode, I was joined by the lovely Mutale Sitali, founder of Likota — a Zambian furniture brand specializing in making furniture from reclaimed and recycled wood material. Their vision? Becoming a pioneer for the industry by creating furniture that is beautiful, eco-friendly, and reliable. Mutale built her company from the ground up and launched right before the onset of the pandemic. Tune in to hear her take on what’s necessary to build a thriving business in Zambia, why ...

57. Mutale Sitali on Building a Sustainable Furniture Brand in Zambia

November 16, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

For this week’s episode, I was joined by the lovely Mutale Sitali, founder of Likota — a Zambian furniture brand specializing in making furniture from reclaimed and recycled wood material. Their vision? Becoming a pioneer for the industry by creating furniture that is beautiful, eco-friendly, and reliable. Mutale built her company from the ground up and launched right before the onset of the pandemic. Tune in to hear her take on what’s necessary to build a thriving business in Zambia, why ...

3. African Music Goes Mainstream

November 02, 2021 10:00 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MB

Afrobeats is undoubtedly one of the hottest music genres right now! This week's episode explores just how Afrobeats and other African music genres are cementing their place on the world stage. Hint: The Nigerian and larger African Diaspora have played a HUGE role. DJ, Creative Entrepreneur and Afrolit Podcast host Ekua Musumba was my lovely guest co-host - enjoy! Links:  We’ll be chatting about destigmatizing mental health this season! Ask an anonymous mental health question here: https...

56. African Music Goes Mainstream

November 02, 2021 10:00 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MB

Afrobeats is undoubtedly one of the hottest music genres right now! This week's episode explores just how Afrobeats and other African music genres are cementing their place on the world stage. Hint: The Nigerian and larger African Diaspora have played a HUGE role. DJ, Creative Entrepreneur and Afrolit Podcast host Ekua Musumba was my lovely guest co-host - enjoy! Links:  We’ll be chatting about destigmatizing mental health this season! Ask an anonymous mental health question here: https...

2. Why hasn’t Africa "developed" as fast as other continents?

October 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 117 MB

This week's episode explores the question: Why hasn’t Africa "developed" as fast as other continents? As you can imagine, this is a HUGE, nuanced question. Nevertheless, Joy Malonza (founder of The Down Ballot) and I tackled the question head-on, with zero filter* Tune in to hear about: Africa's patterns of development before the transatlantic slave trade and colonization The legacy of colonization in Africa How institutions like The Wold Bank and IMF have impacted Africa's developm...

55. Why hasn’t Africa "developed" as fast as other continents?

October 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 117 MB

This week's episode explores the question: Why hasn’t Africa "developed" as fast as other continents? As you can imagine, this is a HUGE, nuanced question. Nevertheless, Joy Malonza (founder of The Down Ballot) and I tackled the question head-on, with zero filter* Tune in to hear about: Africa's patterns of development before the transatlantic slave trade and colonization The legacy of colonization in Africa How institutions like The Wold Bank and IMF have impacted Africa's developm...

1. Story Time: Best and Worst Moments in Zambia

October 06, 2021 06:42 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MB

Dear Diaspora is officially back – welcome to season 4 of the show! Let's just say a LOT has happened since the last episode! First, my short visit to visit family in Zambia turned into an extended, four-month stay. I also started a pretty cool fellowship with Princeton in Africa in July.  Tune in to catch up and hear what you can expect from this season and some tea on the best and worst moments of my time in Zambia.  BEST: My grandma's fantastic dating advice   Experiencing Zambia...

54. Story Time: Best and Worst Moments in Zambia

October 06, 2021 06:42 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MB

Dear Diaspora is officially back – welcome to season 4 of the show! Let's just say a LOT has happened since the last episode! First, my short visit to visit family in Zambia turned into an extended, four-month stay. I also started a pretty cool fellowship with Princeton in Africa in July.  Tune in to catch up and hear what you can expect from this season and some tea on the best and worst moments of my time in Zambia.  BEST: My grandma's fantastic dating advice   Experiencing Zambia...

53. Zimbabwean-Born Writer and Director Lee Ngwenya on Zambia’s Film Scene and Showing Up for African Creatives

December 15, 2020 10:30 - 1 hour - 82.6 MB

Today’s guest is Lee Ngwenya–writer, documentary filmmaker and host of Conversations with Leelabee, a podcast covering topics ranging from entrepreneurship to mental health. Lee was born in Zimbabwe but raised in Zambia, and knew early on that a traditional career path wasn’t for her. She attended school in North Carolina for social work but quickly realized that film was her passion. Capetown, South Africa had the exact program she was looking for and her training there has landed her wor...

52. #EndSARSMovement Reflections with Pod Save Africa Hosts Akinade and Oyin Aderele

December 01, 2020 11:00 - 59 minutes - 82 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with brother/sister duo Akinade Adelere and Oyin Aderele—hosts of Pod Save Africa. Pod Save Africa explores the interesting details of our history, our present and our hopes for the future through weekly podcast episodes. During our conversation, Akinade and Oyin share: How conversations and debates in his apartment with friends led Akinyade to launch Pod Save Africa Their initial reactions to the #EndSARS protests and why this latest ...

51. Doing Good Work In Africa: How I'm Connecting College Students To Africa-Based Companies And Non-Profits|Ola Erogbogbo

November 24, 2020 11:00 - 59 minutes - 82 MB

If you’re a student and looking for ways to engage with the continent in an impactful way, this is the episode for you! I had a great conversation with Doing Good Work in Africa (DOWA) Founder Ola Erogbogbo DOWA Fellow Adaeze Okorie. Doing Good Work in Africa connects brilliant and innovative university students to Africa-based companies, public entities and non-profit organizations working to address challenges at the grassroots level by implementing impactful and scalable initiatives. ...

50. Diaspora Diaries – My Thoughts on the Biden-Harris Win, Celebrating 50 Episodes and What Podcasting Has Taught Me

November 17, 2020 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MB

This is Dear Diaspora’s 50th episode! The podcast launched September 2019 and since then, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing amazing guests from all over the world. To celebrate this milestone, I’m taking some time to reflect on a few things: The Biden-Harris win and what I’m hoping to see these next four years The biggest takeaways from past interviews and what they’ve taught me about Africa, the Diaspora and what role we actually play in contributing to Africa’s growth and developmen...

49. How I'm Building a Marketplace to Improve Access to Healthcare in Africa | Sam Baddoo, Fleri Founder 

November 03, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sam Baddoo, Founder of Fleri—a health insurance marketplace that helps immigrants protect the people they love, everywhere. Every year, immigrants across the globe send billions of dollars in remittances to their loved ones in lower-income and middle-income countries. What’s unique about Fleri is that it "unbundles" remittances by providing immigrants a direct way to provide quality healthcare to their loved ones back home. During...

48. Dan Kihanya on Growing up Kenyan-American, Startups, and Doing Business in Emerging Markets

October 27, 2020 10:27 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MB

For the first part of today’s episode, I share my thoughts on Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement, similar movements across the continent and what us folks in the Diaspora can do to amplify the work of organizers on the ground. My guest today is serial entrepreneur, startup advisor and Founders Unfound creator Dan Kihanya. Dan grew up in Boston, Massachusetts with a Kenyan father and American mother. After studying mechanical engineering and getting an MBA from UC Berkeley, he ventured into entrep...

47. How to Side Hustle and Supplement Your Income by Trading Stocks With Teri Ijeoma

October 20, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MB

If you're anything like me, you've probably been thinking of various ways you can supplement your income - especially considering how the pandemic has impacted so many of our lives this past year. If so, then you’ll love today’s episode with Teri Ijeoma, Founder and CEO of Invest with Teri! Teri teaches you how to supplement your daily, weekly or monthly income with trading so that you can live your best life. During the episode, we discuss: Her upbringing in Dallas, TX and college experi...

46. Unpacking Africa with Emmanuel Gamor: Entrepreneurship, Tackling Youth Unemployment and Africa’s Future

October 13, 2020 10:00 - 46 minutes - 63.2 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Emmanuel Gamor, host of Unpacking Africa - a podcast sharing resources while exploring ecosystems in our communities and figuring out issues pertaining to the African continent.  With over a decade of experience in youth engagement, digital & managerial innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership education on the continent—Emmanuel is a true ecosystem builder. During the episode, we discuss: His experience studying in the US and r...

45. Iveoma on Moving to Nigeria, Life in Lagos, and Dating as a Returnee

October 04, 2020 06:18 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MB

For today's episode, we catch up with Iveoma Okparaeke, founder of It's Iveoma, a platform created for anyone interested in moving to a country in Africa. She officially moved to Lagos, Nigeria in December 2019 and has not looked back! During the episode, Iveoma speaks pretty candidly about her experiences so far in Lagos. Tune in to hear: Why she decided to move back to Nigeria and what she realized when she made the move How she prepared and saved for her move Why you NEED an SUV to...

44. Five Growth Trends Shaping Africa’s Future (REWIND)

September 27, 2020 07:13 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MB

For today’s episode, I reshare an episode that provides a comprehensive overview of 5 key growth trends shaping Africa’s growth and development. These trends are outlined in the book  Africa’s Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World’s Next Big Growth Market by authors Acha Leke, Mutsa Chironga and Georges Desvaux. Tune in for a refresher on these trends and how they will impact business in Africa for decades to come: Young, fast growing urban population with a lot of unmet demand...

43. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji on The Future Africa Fund and How Africa’s Challenges Can Be Transformed Into Global Business Opportunities

September 20, 2020 05:09 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela, Flutterwave, and The Future Africa Fund. Iyinoluwa “E” Aboyeji is regarded as one of the most successful African entrepreneurs of our time. He’s helped launch two of Africa’s best known and best funded startups, Flutterwave and Andela. While at Andela, a company training African developers and hiring them out to global tech companies, he and his team secured a $24 million investment Facebook fo...

42. How Social Entrepreneur Edith Njage is Building Her Business in Kenya and Aiming to Create 100,000 Jobs

September 13, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 55.4 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Edith Njage, CEO and co-founder of Arielle for Africa. Edith is a serial social entrepreneur aiming to create 100,000 jobs by 2030 through Arielle for Africa’s programming. She’s providing entrepreneurs in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda with the education, resources and tools they need to start and sustain their businesses.  During the episode, we discuss: Edith’s educational background and how it informs the work s...

41. How I Helped Build Zambia's First Innovation Hub - Lukonga Lindunda, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bongo Hive

September 06, 2020 05:00 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interview Lukonga Lindunda, co-founder and Executive Director of Bongo Hive, an award-winning innovation hub in my hometown Lusaka, Zambia. Bongo Hive is changing the landscape of innovation in the region and it was so wonderful getting to know Lukonga better, learning more about the tech/innovation economy in Zambia and what Zambia is doing right in regard to supporting entrepreneurship. During our conversation, we discussed: What’s sparked hi...

40. Yard and Parish Co-Founders on Building A Home For Melanin-focused, Independent Brands of the African Diaspora

June 21, 2020 05:01 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MB

For today’s episode, tune in to hear from the founders of the new home to the most innovative, melanin-focused, independent brands of the African Diaspora. Yard and Parish features a collective of affordable luxury online providing access to items that champion a natural, conscious, and colorful lifestyle. Co-founders Alesha and Samantha’s time studying and working in the UK inspired them to have a go at solving a global cultural issue. Until now, it really hasn't been simple or straightfo...

39. Diaspora Diaries: #BlackLivesMatter

June 14, 2020 19:54 - 16 minutes - 22.2 MB

Today's solo episode is dedicated to supporting the work of activists mobilizing for Black lives. Later in the episode, I also share my thoughts on Black Lives Matter and why this is our (African immigrants) fight, too. Please support these incredible organizations: George Floyd Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd Minnesota Freedom Fund: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/ Black Visions Collective: https://www.blackvisionsmn.org/ Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampa...

38. BomaLink Founder and CEO Shola Salako on Building A Global Business and Professional Networking Platform

May 31, 2020 06:40 - 46 minutes - 63.4 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shola Salako, Founder and CEO of BomaLink, a global business community and professional networking platform and service that connects members with African opportunities in Africa.    Shola was born in the US and spent his formative years in Nigeria. After returning to the US for college, he developed an interest in technology and began his career in tech.   Today, Shola is the CEO of Optimal Business Systems, an Information Tech...

38. BomaLink Founder and CEO Shola Salako on Building A Global Business and Professional Networking Platform

May 31, 2020 06:40 - 46 minutes - 63.4 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shola Salako, Founder and CEO of BomaLink, a global business community and professional networking platform and service that connects members with African opportunities in Africa.    Shola was born in the US and spent his formative years in Nigeria. After returning to the US for college, he developed an interest in technology and began his career in tech.   Today, Shola is the CEO of Optimal Business Systems, an Information Tech...

37. Amaka Uchegbu on The Future of Work in Black America, Working at McKinsey and Company and Embracing Her British-Nigerian Identity

May 25, 2020 00:15 - 1 hour - 94.5 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 37 of the show! I had the pleasure of chatting with Amaka Uchegbu. Amaka was born in Enugu, Nigeria and grew up in Sheffield, England. After earning her bachelor’s degree at Yale, she landed her first full-time role at McKinsey & Company as a Business Analyst. While at McKinsey, Amaka co-wrote a compelling report on the “Future of Work in Black America.” Research shows that automation trends may be widening the racial wealth gap and disproportionately disp...

36. Asafu Thomas on Building A Platform Connecting the African Diaspora Through Tech and Working with Tech Talent on the Continent

May 17, 2020 05:01 - 40 minutes - 56 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 36 of the show! Asafu is the founder and CEO of Naya Labs, a cutting-edge software development company that leverages top developers across the African continent, to build web/mobile applications for startups in the US. Outside of Naya Labs, he’s part of a team creating Built in Africa, a platform connecting trailblazers of the African diaspora through the unifying language of Tech. Built in Africa’s mission is to build bridges by sharing stories of develope...

35. Blk Pod Collective Founder & Creative Director Ona Oghogho on Podcasting, Representation and Disrupting the Status Quo

May 10, 2020 16:42 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 35! For today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ona Oghogho, Founder and Creative Director of Blk Pod Collective. Blk Pod Collective was created to fill the void of adequate representation for African-Americans within the podcast industry. We provide support, visibility, and educational resources to ensure that our community has the tools needed to start, grow and sustain their platforms.  During the episode, Ona shares: Her experience growing...

34. Boddle Learning Co-Founders Edna Martinson and Clarence Tan on Building an Ed Tech Platform

May 03, 2020 10:33 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MB

Happy Sunday Dear Diaspora fam! Thanks for tuning in to episode 34 of the show. This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Edna Martinson and Clarence Tan, co-founders of Boddle Learning, an ed-tech platform with an adaptive learning algorithm that delivers just right questions to each student. Boddle identifies and addresses gaps to help kids who are behind catch up, while providing the right level of rigor to challenge kids who are ahead. During the episode, they share: Edna’s upbr...

33. Sistahbiz Global Network Founder Makisha Boothe on Launching the Nation’s First Small Business Loan Fund for Black Women Entrepreneurs

April 26, 2020 05:56 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Makisha Boothe, Founder and Head Business Coach of Sistahbiz Global Network. Sistahbiz Global Network is business accelerator for Black women entrepreneurs. Makisha is also principal of Pivot Innovation Solutions, a strategic facilitation and planning agency in Denver, Colorado. Recently, Sistahbiz launched one of the nation's first small business loan fund for Black women entrepreneurs. The Sistahbiz Loan Fund addresses inequitable a...

32. Sesi Technologies Founder Isaac Sesi on Building Grain Mate, Supporting African Entrepreneurs and Teaching Young People to Code on Their Smart Phones

April 19, 2020 06:55 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 32, Dear Diaspora fam! For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Isaac Sesi, founder of Sesi Technologies. Isaac Sesi is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, engineer, and the founder of Sesi Technologies, a Ghanaian company that solves agricultural and food challenges. He is known for his development of GrainMate, a moisture meter that allows famers and grain purchasers to affordably measure moisture levels of maize, rice, and other staples to help reduce...

31. Mwende Bwino Podcast Host Mazuba Kapambwe on Living and Working in Zambia, Intra-African Travel, and Why You Should Visit Zambia Next

April 12, 2020 06:43 - 50 minutes - 69.8 MB

Happy Sunday Dear Diaspora fam! Thanks for tuning in to episode 31 of the show. For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mazuba Kapambwe. Mazuba Kapambwe is a Zambian freelance writer whose work has appeared in Paper Magazine, Okay Africa, CNN Travel and more. She has a travel podcast called Mwende Bwino which was listed as one of the top 5 Zambian podcasts of 2020 by Nkwazi Magazine. Mazuba holds a Bachelors in Africana Studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in...

30. Doctoral Researcher Michael Addany on His Experience Living Under Lockdown in Wuhan, China and What an African Response to the Coronavirus Should Look Like

April 05, 2020 05:57 - 1 hour - 87.2 MB

For today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Addany, PhD student currently in Wuhan, China. Michael Addaney is a doctoral scholar at the Research Institute of Environmental Law, School of Law, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; and senior research assistant at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana. Michael’s research interests broadly focus on the role of international (human rights) law in framing and implementing responses to sustainability challe...

29. Quarantine Chronicles, An Update on My New Gig and A Some Encouragement to Help You get Through The Next Few Months

March 22, 2020 21:51 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB

Thank you all for tuning in to episode 29 of the show. For today’s (solo) episode, I wanted to take a moment to pause and reflect on the last few weeks. Many of us haven’t experienced anything like this (Coronavirus pandemic), but I am faithful that we will push through and get through this. Hoping everyone is staying safe, staying inside and working from home if possible. Our collective efforts will slow the spread significantly so we can get back to our normal routines as soon as possi...

28. D’IYANU Founder Addie Elabor on Building a Ready-to-Wear African Inspired Fashion Brand From the Ground Up

March 08, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MB

D’IYANU (dee-ya-nu) is a ready-to-wear bold print clothing line offering quality, trendy African inspired fashion at affordable prices. With her love for fashion and passion for self-expression through unique clothing, Nigerian born Addie Elabor launched the D’IYANU brand at the beginning of 2014. D’IYANU is a fun, bold, chic line centered on inspiring individuals to confidently dress bold and beautifully. After getting her master’s degree in international marketing, and working for a few ...

27. Certified Africa Founders Nii and Kristin Quaye on Curating Transformative Trips and Sharing Business Opportunities on the Continent

March 01, 2020 06:00 - 42 minutes - 59 MB

Certified Africa is influencing travelers of color to connect, do business on the Continent and share their entrepreneurial talents while contributing to the development of Africa.  Nii and Kristin met in 2016 while Kristin was participating in a legal study abroad program in Ghana. Nii showed Kristin around his home country and did the same for her family when they came to visit her. The two then thought—why not bring even more people to Ghana, show them around, and share the numerous bus...

26. By Design Co-Founder Justin Ikerionwu on Creativity, Building a Lifestyle Brand and Finding Your Village

February 23, 2020 06:00 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 26 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I had a lovely conversation with Justin Ikerionwu, co-founder of By Design! By Design is a creative lifestyle brand, promoting creativity and community. They showcase an authentic lifestyle for the creative in all of us, intentionally crafting editorial content and events that allows for real conversation and an appreciation for culture and style. During the episode, Justin shares: His experience growing up in a N...

25. BlackTravelBox Founder Orion Brown on Building a Brand for Black Women Travelers and the Lessons She’s Learned Traveling the World

February 16, 2020 06:00 - 43 minutes - 60 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 25 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I had a lovely conversation with Orion Brown, founder of BlackTravelBox! Orion started BlackTravelBox to give women of color a brand they could trust for their travel personal care needs. BlackTravelBox features TSA-friendly products help Black and Afro-Latinx travelers look and feel their best on the road. Prior to The Black Travel Box, she briefly lead brand strategy at Oracle and brand marketing efforts at Hasbr...

24. Kahawa 1893 Founder Margaret Nyamumbo on Empowering Women and Building a Pan-African Coffee Brand

February 09, 2020 15:27 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MB

Thanks for tuning in to episode 24 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I had a lovely conversation with Margaret, founder of Kahawa 1893! Margaret is a third-generation coffee farmer from Kenya. Inspired by the work of women in coffee, she created a unique business model to share delicious coffee with the world and to empower women producers in Africa. Kahawa 1893 removesthe middleman and works directly with farmers, and commits 25% of their profits to provide access to credit for wom...

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