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, …

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…

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 glo…

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…

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 Ramond…

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…

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 li…

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 s…

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 he…

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 u…

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 c…

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 slav…

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 s…

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 quickl…

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 debat…

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 en…

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 in…

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 Fler…

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, Massachuse…

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 m…

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 leaders…

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 …

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…

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, …

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 t…

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 econom…

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 stu…

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 Freedo…

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 devel…

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 …

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 trailbla…

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 ensur…

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 w…

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, Sist…

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,…

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 th…

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…

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 worki…

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 inspi…

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…

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 tha…

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 …

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 …

Thanks for tuning into episode 23 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I had a lovely conversation with Ashley Akunna, creator of The Grapevine! Frustrated about how millennials were stereotyped and portrayed in the media, Ashley brainstormed ideas to change the narrative and find a way to amplify the voices of millennials. In came The Grapevine.…

Thanks for tuning in to episode 22—doing something a little different this episode and reviewing a phenomenal book: Africa’s Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World’s Next Big Growth Market. So happy I finally got my hands on this book over the holidays. As soon as I started reading it, I immediately knew that it would be worth sharing wit…

Thinking about how you can get better with money in 2020? You’re in luck because for today’s episode, I had a wonderful chat with Jamila Souffrant, money expert and creator of the Journey To Launch podcast and blog! Jamila is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), savvy budgeter, and launched Journey to Launch to teach what she’s learne…

Thank you for tuning in to episode 20 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I felt super nostalgic and wanted to take some time to reflect on the first season of the podcast. If you haven’t listened to episodes 1-19, be sure to check them out and visit: https://deardiasporashow.com/episodes/to learn more about the guests/their work. To support the…

Thanks for tuning into episode 19 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I had an interesting discussion with Hauwa Aguillard, the creator of BOA54! BOA54 is a media platform created to represent Africa positively and have fun educating viewers about our uniquely blessed continent. I always get so excited when I meet content creators focused on Afr…

In this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had a wonderful conversation with Dayo Akinrade, founder of Africlick! Dayo spent a few years working for consulting firms that required extensive travel, sometimes having to spend up to 6 months in a hotel at a time. As she navigated balancing work, travel and trying to meet new people, something dawned on her. …

I had the pleasure of interviewing CannaGo founder Victor Nwadike! The son of Nigerian and Jamaican immigrants, Victor grew up homeschooled and became a self-taught developer by age 15. By 17, he developed and launched three applications that ranked 191, 293 and 322 on Apple's iTunes App Store. Now, he’s the founder of CannaGo, a company providing …