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 straightforward to find or buy from ethnic designers, or even to buy chemical-free products for afro hair and skin unless we live in specific neighbourhoods. They recognized that this is an issue everywhere women of color are considered a minority and so they aspire to be the most accessible one-stop shop for our generation. During the episode, they share: Their experience living in Ontario/starting their businesses in the UK What inspired them to get started with Yard and Parish How they build relationships with vendors they work with How they’re connecting with customers during this pandemic The power of community   The biggest lessons they’ve learned so far as entrepreneurs + more! Shop Yard and Parish: https://www.yardandparish.com Follow Yard and Parish on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yardandparish/   Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter: https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/ Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora

Dear Diaspora

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

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.joincampaignzero.org/ Black Lives Matter: https://www.Blacklivesmatter.com Minneapolis NAACP Branch: https://www.paypal.me/mplsnaacp4050B   Other resources mentioned in the episode: 15 Percent Pledge: https://www.15percentpledge.org More on #JusticeForUwa: https://punchng.com/from-blacklivesmatter-to-justiceforuwa-what-to-learn/ The Plug's tracking of statements: https://tpinsights.com/2020/05/31/twilio-box-spotify-and-other-tech-ceos-speak-out-against-racism-and-police-brutality-others-stay-silent/  Pull Up or Shut Up campaign: https://www.instagram.com/pullupforchange/?hl=en 

39. Diaspora Diaries: #BlackLivesMatter

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 Technology solutions provider firm based in Michigan, USA.  Shola is a serial entrepreneur and president/CEO of The Sholes Group, where he manages a number of technology-based ventures.   During the episode, he shares:   His upbringing and what going to boarding school in Nigeria was like How his experience at the African Champions Boma motivated him to develop BomaLink His work with the African Union and African leadership to identify opportunities for the BomaLink platform The biggest lessons he’s learned as an entrepreneur His grand vision for BomaLink to become the central marketplace for opportunities, resources, cross-continental partnerships and beyond!   “Africa is not seen the way I see it. Africa is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.” – Shola Salako   Sign up for BomaLink: www.bomalink.com Connect with me on BomaLink: https://www.bomalink.com/member/nduulwa-kowa Learn more about the Afrochampions Initiative: http://www.afrochampions.com Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter: https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/ Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora

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

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 displacing occupations where African Americans are overrepresented. The report reveals possible interventions that may help African American workers prepare for the future. During the episode, Amaka shares: Her upbringing in Sheffield, England Her experience in studying and working in the US and embracing her British-Nigerian identity How she landed her management consulting gig at McKinsey and Company Insights on how automation will impact Black America The types of jobs most likely to be displaced by automation What’s next for her and her new role at a financial inclusion startup “What excites me about Africa’s future is where we may exist in terms of popular culture more globally. I love that there’s Afrobeats. I love that I can see my culture popping and being cool and existing in the world and not being presented in a lens of perpetual poverty or terror.” Amaka Uchegbu Read the report: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-in-black-america Connect with Amaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amakauchegbu/ Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter: https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/ Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora

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

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 developers, designers, and those equipping the human talent with a technical skillset.   During the episode, Asafu shares: Growing up in US after emigrating from Liberia How he built Naya Labs, a company outsourcing development work to engineers on the Continent What inspired he and his team to get started with Built in Africa How can we leverage technology to create jobs on the Continent How we can ensure we don’t get left behind in the digital technological revolution      “There’s a real awakening happening of among people of African descent across the globe. It feels to me that a lot of people are starting to resonate with the African continent being our future.” - Asafu Thomas Learn more about Built in Africa: https://www.builtinafrica.io/about Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asafuthomas/ Instagram: @builtinafrica.io Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter: https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/ Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora

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

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 up as a first-generation American in Atlanta, GA How her passion for podcasting and storytelling encouraged her to start the Blk Pod Collective How to create authentic content and disrupt the status quo in podcasting How podcasting can be used as a tool to connect the Diaspora What excites her about the future of podcasting Listen to Blk Pod Collective: The Podcast:https://www.blkpodcollective.com/thepodcast Get in touch with Ona: hello@blkpodcollective.com Instagram: @blkpodcollective Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter: https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Dear Diaspora Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

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 upbringing in Uganda/Ghana and Clarence’s in Singapore and China How their love story went viral after Clarence shared how his parents originally weren’t keen about him dating outside his race What sparked their interest in entrepreneurship and the early days of Boddle Learning How school closures increased their user base by over 1,000% Tips on building a company with a partner What’s next for Boddle Get Boddle: https://boddlelearning.com Boddle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/boddlelearning Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter:https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Dear Diaspora Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

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 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 secured $250,000!   During the episode, Makisha shares: Her upbringing in New York and her life now in Denver, CO How she left her 6-figure government job and launched Sistahbiz Global Network How intersectionalities often leave Black women-owned businesses underfunded Who can apply for funding from the Sistahbiz Loan Fund How COVID-19 is impacting Black women-owned businesses and much more! “We stand on the shoulders of so many great ancestors—there’s this unity across the Diaspora that makes you feel like we’re family no matter where you’re born.” – Makisha Boothe Visit their website:https://www.sistah.biz Follow@sistahbiz on Instagram Sistahbiz Global Network on FB Subscribe to Dear Diaspora’s newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Dear Diaspora Twitter:https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Dear Diaspora Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/  

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

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 post-harvest losses. He's also a founder of Nsesa Foundation, an organization inspiring young Africans to be innovative and equip them with skills to make impact wherever they go using Science and Technology. During the episode, Isaac shares: His experience growing up in Ghana and his early interest in solving problems through technology Building Grain Mate and making it more accessible via innovative payment methods Working with Ghanaian subcontractors to make the components for Grain Mate How he funded his company by winning various pitch competitions How he’s teaching young people how to code on their mobile phones via The Nsesa Foundation Practical ways to support African entrepreneurs Tune in to hear more! “We’re going to see amazing things coming from young people on this continent—and I don’t want to be left out. That’s why I’ve taken a step in helping shape Africa’s future.” - Isaac Sesi Sesi Technologies:https://sesitechnologies.com/about-us/ Get in touch with Isaac: isaac@sesitechnologies.com Nsesa Foundation:https://nsesafoundation.org Join the Dear Diaspora mailing list: http://eepurl.com/gZpu79 Follow Dear Diaspora on Twitter: https://twitter.com/deardiasporapod Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Follow Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

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 the same field. During the episode, she shares more about: Her experience living and working in Zambia as a creative and freelancer How her passion for travel inspired her to launch the Mwende Bwino podcast What traveling with an African passport is really like What makes Zambia a great first country to visit on the Continent How we can encourage more intra-African travel and support African creatives   Tune in for more!   Check out Mwende Bwino’s latest episode: https://soundcloud.com/mwendebwinopodcast/how-corona-has-changed-travel-and-tourism-in-africa Read Mazuba’s short story Munkoyo (long-listed for the 2019 Kalemba Short Story Prize): https://medium.com/@mazubaka/munkoyo-4b2dd9b66e70 Follow Mwende Bwino on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MwendeBwino?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Follow Mwende Bwino on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwendebwinopodcast/  Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/ Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora African Union Passport:https://qz.com/africa/1794872/the-african-union-passport-can-only-increase-mobility-in-africa/

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

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 challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. He also researches on Africa’s sustainable development and China’s rising geopolitical interests on the continent. During the episode, Michael shares: His experience living under lockdown for 70+ days in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China Why the Ghanaian government decided not to evacuate Ghanaian students studying in Wuhan at the height of the Coronavirus outbreak How African governments can respond considering Africa’s contextual realities His research focus and why the African continent is the most vulnerable to climate change “When there is life, there is hope. It’s a matter of reprioritizing our development projects and putting people first.” Michael Addany Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-addaney-555b2989/ Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Follow Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

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 possible. During the episode, I also share more about my new gig with the Opportunity Hub! The Opportunity Hub (OHUB) is the leading technology, startup entrepreneurship & and venture ecosystem building platform created to ensure that everyone, everywhere has equitable opportunity in the future of work, fourth industrial revolution and beyond as a path to multi-generational wealth creation with no reliance on pre-existing multi-generational wealth. Tune in to hear more about my new role, and some tips/encouragement to help you get through this uncertain time. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home. We will get through this. Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/ Email the show: deardiasporashow@gmail.com Epiosode 21 with Jamila Souffrant: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/21-how-you-can-get-better-money-in-2020-journey-to/id1476467253?i=1000463035531&l=fr OHUB Campus program: https://opportunityhub.co/college/ OHUB Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/5th-annual-ohubsxsw-amp-hbcusxsw-march-1216-2020

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

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 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 launch one herself.    During the episode, she shares: Her upbringing in Philadelphia, PA The early days of D’IYANU and she leveraged Etsy, Ebay and Facebook Ads early on to market and grow her business Her journey launching D’IYANU while working her full-time job Her vision to expand to the continent and give back to the community she comes from “There’s a lot of potential that the continent holds. I’m excited to see us in the Diaspora go back and give back, in whichever capacity we’re able to.” - Addie Elabor Resources mentioned in this episode: D’IYANU: https://www.diyanu.com Follow D’IYANU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diyanu/ Rich Dad, Poor Dad: https://amzn.to/3aycisb Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Follow Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

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 business opportunities available? And Certified Africa was born. Certified Africa curates transformative trips to Ghana, where travelers have the opportunity to experience fun, adventure, nightlife and authentic culture. During the episode, Kristin and Nii share: How they infuse business in each of their travel experiences Some of the most promising business opportunities in Ghana Their thoughts on the impact of The Year of Return What it’s like to live in the US and run a business on the Continent Tips on doing business with your spouse “There’s an amazing future ahead for Africa.” Kristin Quaye Visit their website:https://www.certifiedafrica.com Follow Certified Africa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certifiedafrica/ Get free shipping on your first Black Travel Box order: https://theblacktravelbox.com/discount/DIASPORAFAM Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Follow Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

 By Design Co-Founder Justin Ikerionwu on Creativity, Building a Lifestyle Brand and Finding Your Village Thanks for tuning in to episode 26 of Dear Diaspora! For today’s episode, I had a lovely conversation with Justin Ikerionwu, founder of By Design! By Designis a creative lifestyle brand, promoting creativity and community. We 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 being intentional as you build a brand and a business How he balances working on By Design with his day job at AltCap, a Community Development Financial Intuition How to build a team and find your village “It’s all about finding your village…then there’s too many people praying and working together for it to not at leasthit a star if you’re aiming for the moon.” –Justin Ikerionwu   Tune in to hear more! Visit their website:https://www.bydesignmag.com Follow By Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bydesignmag/ By Design Radio: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lTwbL7ipjW6f1aK2pLzeL?si=w_XIASJgRB-7usqIsWU3SQ By Design article featuring Obiora Anozie: https://www.bydesignmag.com/articles/the-power-of-self-belief-obiora-anozie-creative-entrepreneur Get free shipping on your first Black Travel Box order: https://theblacktravelbox.com/discount/DIASPORAFAM Join the Dear Diaspora FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/deardiaspora Follow Dear Diaspora on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deardiaspora/

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

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.

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Dear Diaspora

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