Shows
Black Around The WorldEp. 11 “Blackness is Big” with Nduulwa Kowa“Blackness is Big” with Nduulwa Kowa
On this episode we are joined by Nduulwa Kowa, Zambian-American social impact champion and Founder of Dear Diaspora, a podcast devoted to having conversation centering Africa and its Diaspora. We discuss Kowa’s formative years in Zambia and transitioning to the USA, Nebraska to be specific. Culture shock, the joy of seeing other Black people for the first time, and standing in her Africanist. We touch on Africa’s diaspora and what went into the creation of her podcast.
Connect with Nduulwa via IG Nduulwa and the Dear Diaspora community. ...
2023-07-151h 43
Dear DiasporaEmbracing Authenticity While Growing Your Business with Uche OgbaWelcome 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 you for listening and being a part of this incredible expe...
2023-05-2330 minDear DiasporaAddressing Period Poverty: Haja's Entrepreneurial Journey in Sierra LeoneWelcome 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 ‘dear diaspora’: https://www.growforme.com/en/ More about Uman4Uman: https://www.uman4uma...
2023-05-0231 minDear DiasporaEsther Armah on Global Blackness, Racial Healing and Revolutionary Black GraceWelcome 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 judgment with compassionate curiosity. Oh, and lis...
2023-04-1835 minDear DiasporaJasmin Church on Living in South Africa, Cultural Identity, and Ending the Diaspora WarsDiscussions 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 Johannesburg, SA How our African and Black American cultural identities have evolved over time Our take on the Diaspora Wars – and how extending radical grace can be a great...
2022-12-201h 08Dear DiasporaBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever ReviewHey 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 whether it helps or harms people’s understanding of the continent Why representation matters and our own experie...
2022-12-0656 minDear DiasporaWhy Now is the Best Time to Invest in Africa with daba CEO Boum III Jr.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 shaped his experiences building an Africa-focused startup His thoughts on why so many eye...
2022-11-1549 minDear DiasporaIs Ghana Worth the Hype? My Unfiltered Opinion on Living and Working in AccraTo 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 more! Resources mentioned: Ask me a question: https://www...
2022-11-0224 minDear Diaspora59. Destigmatizing Mental Health in African Immigrant Communities with Alice Mills MaiIt’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 regard as mental health practices (when they actually are) Immigration being a traumatic experience and the concept of cultural homelessne...
2022-10-181h 07
Conversations With LeelabeeAfro-OptimistMeet Nduulwa Kowa the host of Dear Diaspora Podcast, Zambian born American raised Afro-Optimist. On this episode we discuss being an immigrant, being a Princeton Africa fellow, remote work and life's challenges. Visit her podcast website www.deardiasporashow.com her podcast is Africa-Centered Conversation. The twitter is @deardiasporapod Instagram @deardiaspora, Nduulwa is @nduulwa.
2021-11-3054 min
Dear DiasporaEmbracing Indigenous African Languages with Yeve SibandaI 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 My First Book of Shona and Ndebele Words: https://www.amazon.com/First-Book-Sh...
2021-11-3054 min
Dear DiasporaMutale Sitali on Building a Sustainable Furniture Brand in ZambiaFor 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 she chose to prioritize sustainability — plus her advice for folks in the Diaspora interested in doing bu...
2021-11-1630 min
Dear DiasporaAfrican Music Goes MainstreamAfrobeats 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://www.questionwave.com/q/12109 Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dear...
2021-11-0256 min
Dear DiasporaWhy hasn’t Africa "developed" as fast as other continents?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 development Why capitalism doesn't work in Africa (and why rich Africans are not our friends) Why socialism may/ma...
2021-10-191h 25
Dear Diaspora54. Story Time: Best and Worst Moments in ZambiaDear 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's nightlife WORST: Getting scammed when w...
2021-10-0637 min
Dear DiasporaZimbabwean-Born Writer and Director Lee Ngwenya on Zambia’s Film Scene and Showing Up for African CreativesToday’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 work in South Africa, Kenya and Zambia. Tune in to hear more about: Wh...
2020-12-151h 00
Dear Diaspora#EndSARS Movement Reflections with Pod Save Africa Hosts Akinade and Oyin AdereleFor 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 round of protests was more effective What—if anything—the #EndSARS protests learned from the Black Lives Ma...
2020-12-0159 min
Dear DiasporaDoing Good Work In Africa: How I'm Connecting College Students To Africa-Based Companies And Non-Profits|Ola ErogbogboIf 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. Tune in to hear Ola and Adaeze share: What about doing business in Nigeria led Ola to launch DO...
2020-11-2459 min
Dear DiasporaDiaspora Diaries – My Thoughts on the Biden-Harris Win, Celebrating 50 Episodes and What Podcasting Has Taught MeThis 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 development The 3 biggest lessons I’ve learned this past year Consistency is key You don’t...
2020-11-1727 min
What Happens In Between26: How Investing in Feedback Has Led to Massive Growth in Her Business with Nduulwa KowaNduulwa Kowa is the host of the Dear Diaspora podcast which shares the stories of entrepreneurs and change-makers changing the world across the African Diaspora.She’s passionate about changing the narrative surrounding the African continent, combating issues facing women around the world, leveling the playing field for marginalized groups to ensure equal access to opportunities, and connecting with others to make magic happen.During our conversation she gives amazing tips on asking the questions that allow her listeners to give her rich and in depth feedback. In this episode we discuss, When it’s tim...
2020-11-1153 min
Dear DiasporaHow I'm Building a Marketplace to Improve Access to Healthcare in Africa | Sam Baddoo, Fleri FounderFor 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 the episode, Sam and I discuss: His upbringing in Ghana and experience studying in Morocco The African immigrant...
2020-11-031h 13
Dear DiasporaDan Kihanya on Growing up Kenyan-American, Startups, and Doing Business in Emerging MarketsFor 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 entrepreneurship and has served as a co-founder, early executive, investor, and advisor. He’s the head of mar...
2020-10-2746 min
Dear DiasporaHow to Side Hustle and Supplement Your Income by Trading Stocks With Teri IjeomaIf 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 experience at MIT Her switch from being an educator to trad...
2020-10-2043 min
Dear DiasporaUnpacking Africa with Emmanuel Gamor: Entrepreneurship, Tackling Youth Unemployment and Africa’s FutureFor 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 returning to Ghana after college How he created his own opportunities back home and landed roles at Google, YouTube and Impac...
2020-10-1346 min
Dear DiasporaIveoma on Moving to Nigeria, Life in Lagos, and Dating as a ReturneeFor 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 survive in Nigeria How she’s navigating dating as...
2020-10-0456 min
Dear DiasporaFive Growth Trends Shaping Africa’s Future (REWIND)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 demands. Africa’s coming industrial revolution. Africa’s Infrastructure Gap and the big push to c...
2020-09-2744 min
Dear DiasporaIyinoluwa Aboyeji on The Future Africa Fund and How Africa’s Challenges Can Be Transformed Into Global Business OpportunitiesFor 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 founder Mark Zuckerburg. Today, E is building an African future where tech and innovation will enable so much ab...
2020-09-2048 min
Dear DiasporaHow Social Entrepreneur Edith Njage is Building Her Business in Kenya and Aiming to Create 100,000 JobsFor 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 she does to support African entrepreneurs Her program's goal to ensure each entrepreneur can create at least 5 jobs Her...
2020-09-1340 min
Dear DiasporaHow I Helped Build Zambia's First Innovation Hub - Lukonga Lindunda, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bongo HiveFor 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 his interest in tech Navigating Zambia’s tech ecosystem in the early 2000s How he co-founded Bongo Hive...
2020-09-0648 min
Dear DiasporaYard and Parish Co-Founders on Building A Home For Melanin-focused, Independent Brands of the African DiasporaFor 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 straightforward to find or buy from ethnic designers, or even to buy chemical-free products for afro hair and skin...
2020-06-2130 min
Dear DiasporaDiaspora Diaries: #BlackLivesMatterToday'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.joincampaignzero.org/ Black Lives Matter: https://www.Blacklivesmatter.com Minneapolis NAACP Branch: https://www.paypal.me...
2020-06-1416 min
Dear DiasporaBomaLink Founder Shola Salako on Building A Global Business and Professional Networking PlatformFor 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 Technology solutions provider firm based in Michigan, USA. Shola is a serial entrepreneur and pr...
2020-05-3146 min
Dear DiasporaAmaka Uchegbu on The Future of Work in Black America, Working at McKinsey and Company and Embracing Her British-Nigerian IdentityThanks 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 displacing occupations where African Americans are overrepresented. The report reveals possible interventions that may help A...
2020-05-251h 08
Dear DiasporaAsafu Thomas on Building A Platform Connecting the African Diaspora Through Tech and Working with Tech Talent on the ContinentThanks 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 developers, designers, and those equipping the human talent with a technical skillset. During the e...
2020-05-1740 min
Dear DiasporaBlk Pod Collective Founder & Creative Director Ona Oghogho on Podcasting, Representation and Disrupting the Status QuoThanks 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 up as a first-generation American in Atlanta, GA How her passion for podcasting and storytelling encouraged her to start the B...
2020-05-1053 min
Dear DiasporaBoddle Learning Co-Founders Edna Martinson and Clarence Tan on Building an Ed Tech PlatformHappy 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 upbringing in Uganda/Ghana and Clarence’s in Singapore and China How their love story...
2020-05-0334 min
Dear DiasporaSistahbiz Global Network Founder Makisha Boothe on Launching the Nation’s First Small Business Loan Fund for Black Women EntrepreneursFor 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 access to capital for a fast-growing, underfunded demographic of entrepreneurs. Qualified applicants will have access to loans of $500 - $50,000 and so far, the Sistahbiz Loan Fund has se...
2020-04-2642 min
Dear DiasporaSesi Technologies Founder Isaac Sesi on Building Grain Mate, Supporting African Entrepreneurs and Teaching Young People to Code on Their Smart PhonesThanks 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 post-harvest losses. He's also a founder of Nsesa Foundation, an organization inspiring young Africans to be innovative an...
2020-04-1955 min
Dear DiasporaMwende Bwino Podcast Host Mazuba Kapambwe on Living and Working in Zambia, Intra-African Travel, and Why You Should Visit Zambia NextHappy 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 the same field. During the episode, she shares more about: Her e...
2020-04-1250 min
Dear DiasporaDoctoral Researcher Michael Addany on His Experience Living Under Lockdown in Wuhan, China and What an African Response to the Coronavirus Should Look LikeFor 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 challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. He also researches on Africa’s sustainable development and China’s rising geopolitical interests on the continent. During the epis...
2020-04-051h 03
Dear DiasporaQuarantine Chronicles, An Update on My New Gig and A Some Encouragement to Help You get Through The Next Few MonthsThank 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 possible. During the episode, I also...
2020-03-2221 min
Dear DiasporaD’IYANU Founder Addie Elabor on Building a Ready-to-Wear African Inspired Fashion Brand From the Ground UpD’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 years as a buyer and marketer, she found herself unsatisfied. After noticing there were very few ready-to-wear African clothing brands, she decided to...
2020-03-0838 min
Dear DiasporaCertified Africa Founders Nii and Kristin Quaye on Curating Transformative Trips and Sharing Business Opportunities on the ContinentCertified 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 business opportunities available? And Certified Africa was born. Certified Africa curates transformative trips to...
2020-03-0142 min
Dear DiasporaBy Design Co-Founder Justin Ikerionwu on Creativity, Building a Lifestyle Brand and Finding Your VillageThanks 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 Nigerian household in Wichita, KS His journey creating a lifestyle brand for creatives and entrepreneurs The importance of...
2020-02-2345 min
Dear DiasporaBlackTravelBox Founder Orion Brown on Building a Brand for Black Women Travelers and the Lessons She’s Learned Traveling the WorldThanks 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 Hasbro and spent the bulk of her brand career at Kraft Foods where she led key advertising, pr...
2020-02-1643 min
Dear DiasporaKahawa 1893 Founder Margaret Nyamumbo on Empowering Women and Building a Pan-African Coffee BrandThanks 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 women—giving them the ability participate in trade and empower themselves financially. You can also supp...
2020-02-0938 min
Dear DiasporaAshley Akunna on Creating The Grapevine, Staying Consistent and Lessons She’s Learned as a Creative EntrepreneurThanks 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. Picking fresh views from fresh minds, The Grapevine is a fresh and innovative take on the panel style discussion. With over 15 million collective views to date, the show places the topics of today in the hands and minds of yo...
2020-02-0227 min
Dear DiasporaAfrica's Business Revolution: How to Succeed in the World's Next Big Growth Market – Book ReviewThanks 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 with you all. If you have an interest in doing business in Africa—this book was created for you. Africa’s Business Revolution is co-authored by Acha Leke, Mutsa Chironga and Georges Desvaux. Acha Leke is chairma...
2020-01-2653 min
Dear DiasporaHow You Can Get Better with Money in 2020 with Journey to Launch’s Jamila SouffrantThinking 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 learned over the years about all things personal finance. Jamila was born in Jamaica and grew up in Brooklyn, where she learned the concept of hard work and the value of money from her single mom. At 22...
2020-01-1922 min
Dear DiasporaGoodbye 2019 + 10 Lessons I Learned in the Last DecadeThank 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 work of the phenomenal guests that were on the show: buy their products, subscribe to their podcasts, download their apps and getting the word out about their movements—that’s what th...
2019-12-2941 min
Dear Diaspora19. For Us by Us – Reflections on African Leadership, Development and a Special Spotlight Andela with BOA54's Hauwa AguillardThanks 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 Africa and so I invited Hauwa to the show to have a conversation about African leadership, development with a special spotlight on Andela. If you haven’t heard about Andela, it’s an American company that identifies and develops software developers. The co...
2019-12-2253 min
Dear DiasporaDayo Akinrinade on Building Africlick, a Dating and Networking App for African and Caribbean Professionals and CreativesIn 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. Dating and meeting new people was hard, especially when looking to connect with people from similar cultural backgrounds. After continuously swiping left hoping to find the right match on other apps, and periodically experiencing microaggressions on...
2019-12-1556 min
Dear DiasporaCannaGo Founder Victor Nwadike on Teaching Himself to Code and Starting a Cannabis Technology Company 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 a standard, transparent and safe way for consumers to receive their medicinal or recreational cannabis products by way of on-demand delivery. And he’s only 21! Tune in to hear more about: The tools he used to teach himself how to co...
2019-12-0150 min
Dear DiasporaSolo Episode! What's Next for Dear Diaspora and Reflecting on How I Secured the Bag this YearSwitched things up this week and recorded a solo episode! I have so many things to share, a couple of announcements – so I figured why not put it all into one episode. Tune in to hear: What’s in store for Dear Diaspora in 2020 How you can chime in and give the show some feedback (survey link below) Reflections on 2019 (how I secured the bag and got the exact job I wanted) What one of my favorite songs is right now, and how excited I am to read @mindaharts book “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know t...
2019-11-2421 min
Dear DiasporaClout Enterprises Co-Founder Luper Akough on Partnering with Amazon, Running a Business With His Wife and Being a Real Estate InvestorFor episode 15 of Dear Diaspora, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luper Akough, co-founder of Clout Enterprises, a logistics company that delivers packages for Amazon Logistics. After a successful career in the insurance industry, Luper was ready for a new challenge and responded to a call for Amazon delivery partners. After a few rounds of interviews, he was selected and became an official Amazon Delivery Service Partner. Within 30 days, Clout Enterprises had 35 employees, and ran 15-20 routes a day! Tune in to hear about how Luper secured the Amazon deal, what it...
2019-11-1750 min
Dear DiasporaHow to Start a Cosmetics Line with Lady Beverly Co-Founder Beverly LumaFor episode 14, I had the pleasure of interviewing Beverly Luma, co-founder of Lady Beverly, a cosmetics line offering affordable makeup and beauty products/services. Lady Beverly was started in 2016 while Beverly and her sister were mere college students. After trying product after product, the sisters were unable to find a line of makeup that worked for their sensitive skin. Their frustration led them to experiment and ultimately launch Lady Beverly, a cosmetics company offering vegan, cruelty-free makeup. After operating for a few years, Beverly sold part of the company in effort to expand operations in h...
2019-11-1045 min
Dear DiasporaAfrican Tech Roundup’s Andile Masuku on the first ‘Made in Africa’ Smartphone and How to Do Business on the Continent the Right WayIn this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had the pleasure of interviewing Andile Masuku, co-founder of African Tech Roundup. African Tech Roundup is a Johannesburg-based media and insights organization which tracks the progress of Africa’s emerging digital, tech and innovation industries. African Tech Roundup produces podcasts, syndicated op-eds, omnichannel media projects, live events, and in-depth fringe insights coverage of leading conferences. I’ve been listening to African Tech Roundup for a couple of years now, so I was honored to have a conversation with Andile. In addition to African Tech Roundu...
2019-11-031h 18
Dear DiasporaBonus Episode – Why is Self-Care So Hard? Self-Care Chat with My Bestfriend JasmineEpisode 12 is a bonus episode and the episode topic is: self-care! I had a conversation with Jasmine Lessley all about self-care. Jasmine is a nationally qualified fitness competitor, lifestyle and fitness blogger, student and one of my best friends! We chat through some of the biggest lessons she learned in the military, her fitness journey, and her tips for prioritizing self-care and making it less of a chore. You can follow her on Instagram at @jasmineraechelle to follow her journey! “You can’t pour into others if you don’...
2019-10-271h 09
Dear DiasporaHow Balkissa Mahamane Founded a School in Rural Niger While Working Full-Time and Running a Consulting BusinessIn episode 11, I had a wonderful conversation with change-maker Balkissa Mahamane. When she’s not at her corporate job working as a Business Transformations Analyst, she consults businesses and entrepreneurs through Excellence Insights, LLC. She currently serves on the board of directors for Agaji, a nonprofit organization connecting active global citizens in the USA and Africa. Balkissa also serves as the Executive Director of La Grande Académie in Niger, West Africa. A successful entrepreneur herself, she is an alumnus of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program, where she was awarded for La Grande Académie School. She deci...
2019-10-2059 min
Dear DiasporaSerial Tech Entrepreneur Nana Prempeh on Building a Platform for 500 Million African ChristiansIn episode 10 of Dear Diaspora, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nana Prempeh, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Asoriba. Asoriba is tech startup aiming to provide technology to half a billion Africans. It is designed to help churches effectively and digitally run their administration, while seamlessly engaging with members through content sharing and enabling easy donation via mobile money and cards. During the episode, we dive into his upbringing in Ghana, going through The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology’s training program, and his thoughts on being a pastor and the church’s role on the Af...
2019-10-1341 min
Dear DiasporaJournalist and Founder of TanTV Studios Adedayo Fashanu on Storytelling and Spotlighting Global Youth Change-MakersIn this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had a great conversation with International Journalist and Founder of TanTV Studios Adedayo Fashanu. As a regular contributor to Huffington Post and Forbes, Adedayo is passionate about using storytelling to amplify the work of young change-makers across the globe. During the episode, we dive into how working as a mental health professional inspired her successful career in journalism. Adedayo covered the Obama White House on its global development arena, interviewing personalities like the Chief of Staff Tina Tchen and U.S Chief Tech Officer Megan Smith. Her...
2019-10-0652 min
Dear DiasporaParadise Sun Snacks Founder Jedu Armar on Sun Cooking, Why He Returned to Ghana, and His Hopes for Africa's FutureIn this episode of Dear Diaspora, I had a wonderful conversation with Jedu Armar, founder of Paradise Sun Snacks. Paradise Sun Snacks are naturally lit snacks, cooked using just the energy of direct sunlight. How dope is that?? Jedu is a proud British-Ghanaian, and was inspired to start Paradise Sun Snacks after having several fascinating conversations with his grandfather about sun cooking, life, and Africa's bountiful natural resources. During the episode, we chat about his experience growing up in London, coming to the US for college, and why he decided to return to Ghana after grad...
2019-09-291h 00
Dear DiasporaIveoma Okparaeke on Why She's Relocating to Nigeria, Why Africa is Hot Right Now and How You Can Avoid Running Out of Money When Doing Business AbroadIn this episode, Ndu is joined by Iveoma, your guide to Africa! Iveoma Okparaeke is an attorney, content creator and started her platform “It’s Iveoma” for anyone interested in moving to, traveling to, or building a business in Africa. Her YouTube channeland Facebook groupserve as resources for those seeking accurate and inspiring information about opportunities in Africa. We had such a fun conversation about why Africa is poppin’ right now, what inspired her to move to Nigeria, and what steps you need to take in order for you to successfully move to or do business...
2019-09-2239 min
Dear DiasporaMIZIZI President and Chief Paakow Essandoh on Creating a Global Movement, Collaborating with Marvel and Disney, and Staying RootedIn this episode, Ndu is joined by Paakow Essandoh, President and Chief or MIZIZI, an athleisure and lifestyle brand that embodies the spirit and strength of its African ancestors. MIZIZI was founded in 2015 and is inspired by various cultures revolving around African roots. They have exclusive collections that are consistently designed with connection and representation in mind. Mizizi has created an international movement that’s encouraging members of the Diaspora to stay connected, to stay represented, and to #StayRooted. You can find them on Instagram @mizizishopand online at mizizishop.com. During the episode, we delve into...
2019-09-1546 min
Dear DiasporaAway to Africa Founder Tiffanie Anderson on Starting Her Company, Managing a Global Team, and How Her Accent Has Been One of Her Biggest Challenges When Doing Business in AfricaIn this episode of Dear Diaspora, Ndu is joined by Away to Africa founder Tiffanie Anderson to discuss her journey from attorney to entrepreneur. While studying abroad in South Africa in 2006, Tiffanie fell in love with the continent. After coming back to the US and working as an attorney for a few years, she launched Away to Africa, a destination management company dedicated to providing guided, cultural tours throughout select countries in Africa. During the conversation, we delve into how she builds and manages a global team, which of Away’s tours are the most pop...
2019-09-0839 min
Dear Diaspora2. Afromaha Co-Founder Judy Kiagiri - "Find people that will go the distance with you."In this episode of Dear Diaspora, Ndu is joined by Afromaha co-founder Judy Kiagiri to discuss living and working in the Midwest, how communities can embrace diversity and be more inclusive, and Afromaha’s upcoming African Culture Festival. Afromaha is committed to bringing people together to celebrate and share African culture. With thousands of Africans living in Nebraska, they have created a platform to connect foster creativity and engage the African diaspora in the local community. They are deliberately inclusive, and dedicated to celebrating diversity. During the conversation, we delve into Judy...
2019-09-0154 min
Dear DiasporaGlobal Health and Sanitation Advocates Bulongo and Muyatwa Sitali on Zambia, Supporting Local Farmers, and Why the Youth Are Key to Africa's FutureIn this episode of Dear Diaspora, Ndu is joined by global health advocates Muyatwa Sitali and Bulongo Sitali to discuss growing up in Zambia, supporting small scale farmers, and why young people are key to Africa’s future. Bulongo and Muyatwa Sitali are quite the duo! They also happen to be my aunt and uncle :) Bulongo is currently an MPH student at Rutger’s School of Public Health, and Muyatwa is a WASH Specialist at UNICEF. With over ten years of experience in development, aid and public policy, Muyatwa has worked to advocate for...
2019-09-011h 01
Dear DiasporaTake Back Africa Summit Founder Fata Acquoi - "Even if you’re not going to go back home, at least support the work being done to create change.”In this episode of Dear Diaspora, Ndu is joined by Diaspora Talks host and Take Back Africa Foundation founder Fata Acquoi to discuss immigration, growing up in the US, advocacy and the upcoming Take Back Africa Summit. In 2018, the Take Back Africa Summit was founded by African millennials living in the diaspora with one goal in mind: how can we improve the socio-economic status of the African continent while making it sustainable for future generations? This year’s summit is happening September 27 and 28 at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. If...
2019-09-0137 min
Dear DiasporaIntro Episode - Welcome to Dear Diaspora!Welcome to Dear Diaspora! Dear Diaspora is a podcast celebrating the African diaspora – its change-makers, innovators and entrepreneurs working to make our world a better one to live in. If you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, social change, professional development, and want to be inspired–then this is the podcast for you! Join us as we celebrate Black excellence around the world, thoughtfully discuss topics impacting our lives, and explore how we can make our world a better place. In this episode, Ndu breaks down what the African Diaspora is, her experience moving to the US...
2019-08-1311 min