In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Zaneli Dinika, a passionate and dedicated dentist from Zimbabwe, who’s not only making a difference in oral health but also advocating for better healthcare access in Africa. With a deep commitment to providing quality dental care, Dr. Dinika has built a career around improving the health and well-being of her patients while raising awareness about the importance of oral hygiene in underserved communities.
Dr. Dinika takes us through her journey from dental school to becoming a trusted healthcare professional in Zimbabwe. She shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being a woman in the medical field and the unique obstacles faced by healthcare providers in Africa. Along the way, Dr. Dinika has focused on increasing awareness around preventative care and educating people about the crucial link between oral health and overall health.
As an advocate for oral health education, Dr. Dinika discusses her initiatives to spread awareness about the importance of regular dental check-ups, proper hygiene, and the impact of diet on oral health. She also shares how she’s using her platform to empower young Zimbabweans, particularly women, to pursue careers in healthcare and dentistry.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about health, social impact, and the journey of women in leadership roles in the medical field. Tune in to hear Dr. Zaneli Dinika’s inspiring story of overcoming barriers, building a career in dentistry, and her mission to create healthier smiles across Zimbabwe and beyond.
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Ornella Nkurunziza, a highly accomplished and seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in manufacturing, operations management, and sustainability. Her career spans a broad spectrum of industries, from environmental and biotechnology research to chemical and metal manufacturing. With a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership, Ornella has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful results.
She shares her journey as a consultant at the Rwanda Development Board, where she played a pivotal role in driving economic development and advancing Rwanda’s industrial and environmental sustainability initiatives. Ornella offers a behind-the-scenes look at her experiences with project management and execution, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in large-scale projects.
In this conversation, Ornella opens up about the evolving landscape of operations management, where sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming crucial drivers of business success. She also delves into her leadership journey, explaining how she has used her influence to create positive social impact within her organizations and communities. Whether it's managing large teams, implementing cutting-edge technologies, or advocating for environmental sustainability, Ornella’s insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the future of operations, sustainability, and corporate leadership.
Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on how the intersection of manufacturing, technology, and sustainability can shape the future of industries worldwide. This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to navigate complex industries, drive social impact, and lead with purpose.
In this episode, we are joined by Peace Ndoli, the dynamic CEO and COO of Lifesten Rwanda, a company that is revolutionizing the health and wellness landscape in Rwanda and beyond. As an accomplished entrepreneur, Peace has dedicated her career to not only promoting healthy lifestyles but also advocating for health equity on a global scale.
Through her leadership at Lifesten Rwanda, Peace has been instrumental in shaping innovative solutions that make healthy living more accessible and sustainable. She believes that true wellness goes beyond just physical health, encompassing mental, emotional, and environmental well-being. In this conversation, Peace dives deep into her mission to bridge the gap in health disparities across different communities, especially in underrepresented regions.
Throughout the episode, Peace opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of navigating the health industry, and the role of women in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future. Her insights on how businesses can contribute to the global health movement will inspire anyone interested in social entrepreneurship, wellness, and the transformative power of community-centered solutions.
Whether you're passionate about health, social equity, or entrepreneurship, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on how one can make a meaningful impact in the world. Peace's commitment to empowering individuals through health education and actionable change is a powerful reminder of the positive influence each of us can have. Don’t miss this inspiring and thought-provoking episode!
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In this episode we explore the incredible healthcare professionals across the continent who are transforming their communities and tackling some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
In this inspiring episode, we explore the dynamic journey of Dr. Aone Ditirwa, a pediatrician resident from Botswana who is redefining what it means to be a healer, entrepreneur, and creative force. As a resident in pediatric care, Dr. Ditirwa is passionate about improving child healthcare in Botswana, integrating modern medical practices with a deep understanding of the cultural and community needs of her patients. However, her impact stretches far beyond the hospital, where she wears multiple hats as an entrepreneur, lifestyle curator, travel vlogger, and influencer.
Dr. Ditirwa is not just committed to her medical career; she is also an innovative entrepreneur, having launched projects that blend her love for healthcare, creativity, and wellness. From creating platforms that promote health education to launching wellness products and services that empower individuals, she is using her entrepreneurial spirit to make a lasting difference in both the healthcare and lifestyle industries.
As a lifestyle curator and influencer, Dr. Ditirwa utilizes her social media presence to share her unique approach to wellness, self-care, and creative living. Her vibrant content, which includes wellness tips, cultural explorations, and personal reflections, resonates with her growing audience. Whether she’s curating artistic experiences, sharing stories from her travels, or promoting healthy lifestyle choices, Dr. Ditirwa fosters a sense of global community and wellness that transcends boundaries.
In addition to her entrepreneurial and creative ventures, Dr. Ditirwa’s role as a travel vlogger adds another layer to her multifaceted career. Her vlogs take her followers on immersive journeys around the world, exploring the healing power of travel, culture, and the arts. Through her lens, Dr. Ditirwa showcases the interconnectedness of global wellness, offering a fresh perspective on how travel can promote both personal and collective growth.
In this episode, Dr. Ditirwa opens up about how she balances the demanding world of pediatric medicine with her entrepreneurial endeavors, digital content creation, and lifestyle curation. She shares how her experiences as a young doctor, entrepreneur, and influencer have shaped her approach to both healthcare and creative expression, offering valuable insights into how to cultivate a fulfilling life that embraces both passion and purpose.
Join us for an enlightening conversation about how one woman is breaking boundaries in medicine, business, and creativity. Dr. Ditirwa’s story will inspire anyone looking to merge their passions, transform industries, and make a meaningful impact on the world through entrepreneurship, creativity, and a commitment to well-being.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a student, or simply someone passionate about global health and creative curation, Dr. Ditirwa’s insights will leave you inspired and informed.
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In this thought-provoking episode of A Series of Ands, we are joined by Danai Nhando, a highly accomplished human rights lawyer, social entrepreneur, and executive, whose impactful work spans over 16 years across global, regional, and national platforms. With roots in both Zimbabwe and South Africa, Danai brings a unique perspective to her role as a leader, advocate, and change-maker.
Named one of Avance Media’s 2023 100 Most Influential African Women, Danai has demonstrated unwavering dedication to social justice, humanitarian efforts, and sustainable development. Through her extensive experience in multi-sectoral social impact, she has led numerous initiatives in the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors, always keeping the needs of marginalized communities at the forefront of her work.
In this episode, Danai takes us on a journey through her professional evolution—from her early years as a passionate advocate for human rights in Zimbabwe to her role in leading impactful social entrepreneurship initiatives in South Africa and beyond. She shares the challenges and triumphs she’s encountered as a woman leading at the intersection of law, social change, and entrepreneurship, offering a candid look at the realities of navigating complex systems while striving for equity and justice.
Danai discusses the importance of African women taking up leadership positions and using their platforms to not only drive change but also inspire future generations of female leaders. Her work embodies the power of resilience, vision, and collaboration, as she highlights how creating sustainable, community-driven solutions can transform lives and societies.
Throughout the conversation, we explore how entrepreneurship, when aligned with social impact goals, can provide scalable solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing issues. From her leadership in humanitarian organizations to her role in shaping policies that support inclusive development, Danai’s insights are a masterclass in effective leadership, empowerment, and social innovation.
This episode offers listeners a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities faced by African women entrepreneurs, the role of human rights in shaping business strategies, and how a commitment to social justice can foster long-term systemic change. Danai’s story serves as both a powerful reminder and an inspiring call to action, urging us all to push the boundaries of what’s possible and work together to build a more equitable, inclusive Africa.
If you’re looking for inspiration, leadership lessons, or simply a powerful example of how one woman’s vision can change the world, this episode is not to be missed. Tune in to hear from one of Africa’s most influential and transformative leaders, whose roots in Zimbabwe and South Africa fuel her mission to create a lasting impact across the continent and beyond.
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In this empowering episode, we are joined by Sagal Ali, a visionary leader, cultural heritage expert, and fierce advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Somali Arts Foundation (SAF), Sagal has made it her life’s work to preserve, promote, and reimagine Somali culture through the arts. With more than 10 years of experience in the field, she has become a leading voice in the preservation of Somali identity, while also championing the intersection of art, fashion, and societal change.
Sagal’s impressive career includes serving as the Senior Technical Advisor for Arts & Cultural Heritage for the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as Deputy Secretary-General for the Somalia National Commission for UNESCO. Throughout her work, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, advocating for the inclusion of women in the arts and culture sectors. Her vision of a more inclusive and equal society is evident in the programs and initiatives she leads at SAF, where she emphasizes the importance of women’s voices in the cultural dialogue.
In this conversation, Sagal delves into the role of art as a powerful tool for social change, exploring how it addresses critical issues of conflict, identity, memory, and gender in the Somali region. She shares how the arts can serve as a platform for women to reclaim and redefine their narratives in a region shaped by historical challenges and conflict. Through her leadership, Sagal is not only preserving Somali heritage but also creating opportunities for women to be at the forefront of cultural and societal transformation.
Sagal’s work has been recognized globally, with features in prominent publications such as Vogue Italia, highlighting her as a trailblazer who is pushing boundaries in the fields of art, culture, and gender equality. Join us as we explore her journey of leadership, resilience, and dedication to shaping a future where Somali women and artists are empowered to express themselves and redefine their place in the world.
Don't forget to tune in to @aseriesofands, streaming on all podcast platforms!
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Stephanie Adu, the dynamic CEO and founder of Colorbox Cosmetics, a groundbreaking beauty brand based in Ghana. Stephanie has been at the forefront of transforming the African beauty industry, creating a brand that celebrates the rich diversity of African skin tones and highlights the importance of self-expression through makeup.
Stephanie takes us through her entrepreneurial journey, from the initial vision for Colorbox to the challenges and triumphs she’s experienced while building a brand that resonates deeply with African women. Her commitment to locally sourcing ingredients, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that her products cater to the unique needs of African consumers has set her apart in a competitive industry.
Beyond the products, Colorbox Cosmetics stands as a beacon of empowerment. Stephanie discusses how her brand not only fosters beauty confidence but also uplifts and inspires women across Africa by creating job opportunities and encouraging women to embrace their natural beauty.
Tune in to hear how Stephanie Adu is pushing boundaries, reshaping beauty standards, and leading the charge in revolutionizing the African beauty industry with authenticity, innovation, and a strong cultural vision.
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WELCOME TO SEASON 3 LAUNCH EPISODE!
In this episode, we connect with a heavy weight, a woman who is truly the epitome of an African Bawse! Nollie Maoto, the Chief Data and Analytics Officer at FNB Merchant Services, one of South Africa's largest Banks. She’s a proven leader in executing data analytics strategies while rendering business intelligence solutions.
With the many hats she wears, Nollie was appointed as the Country CDO Ambassador for South Africa by the Chief Data Officer Magazine. She’s a world-renowned leader in data, a Fifty SA 2021 inspiring women in the STEM sector in South Africa nominee, she is also one of the 2022 Corinium Global Top 100 Leaders in Data & Analytics. A finalist for the inaugural Data Leaders Exchange - Data Analytics Leader of the Year awards, and also made the prestigious Global Data Power Women List in 2022.
We dive deeper into her upbringing in South Africa, tackled a heartfelt conversation around the South African Apartheid and its impact in her early years. We explored her other passion areas and how she became a force to be reckoned with in a male dominated field. We wanted to know how a badass like her shattered the glass ceiling and became one of the top experts across business intelligence and data analytics.
Nollie is also a key member of Africa Tech Festival, which is the largest and most influential tech event on the continent, and the home of #AfricaCom and #AfricaTech. We discussed the rise of women in the tech industry in Africa and some of the strides and impact being made.
Nollie is a BAWSE and a Queen who lives an intentional, motivational, impactful, and purposeful life.
Connect with Nollie on all social platforms @nolliemaoto
Did you know that Kenya is home to Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mount Kenya? Standing at 5199m tall, it takes 4 to 5 days to climb. Did you also know that the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize is from Kenya?
In this episode we introduce you to our girl and boss babe from Kenya Muthoni Waigwa. She’s the Co-founder of Nifty Works Plus Ltd, a trailblazing graphic design and audio-visual production company that creates innovative and cutting-edge digital content from the African perspective. She’s also a producer, writer, creative director, digital media enthusiast, and podcast host of "Moments with Nderru," a series that showcases captivating & engaging stories.
Muthoni is passionate about African storytelling, a visionary leader in her own rights, a truly dynamic and inspirational speaker. This episode was a treat filled with so many mic drops and inspirational moments. We dive deeper into Muthoni’s childhood and upbringing growing up in Kenya, some of her fondest moments and most trying experiences. Her vulnerability, openness, and transparency in sharing her story with us was quite remarkable. Muthoni's strength, passion, and resilience proves how real women with real experiences do not allow the curve balls life throws at them to deter them from their dreams and vision.
With her unparalleled creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, we got the chance to discuss further her company Nifty Work Plus Ltd, what inspired her to build her own initiative, the ups and down of running a long-term business on the continent and owning your niche. We also highlighted her long-term vision for Nifty Work, their impact thus far and key barriers within the African content creation ecosystem.
We tackle systematic oppression, women empowerment, gender equity, inner healing, and finding peace through life's most dire circumstances. Muthoni is truly a beacon of hope, a resilient warrior, and the epitome of African Girl Magic!
We are headed to Naija so all onboard! Did you know that Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, the continent's biggest oil exporter, and the richest man in Africa is from and resides in Nigeria?
Meet Amanda Etuk, a naija boss and founder/CEO at Messenger, a logistics platform that finances and aggregates end-to-end logistics and supply chain operations. In a male dominated field across the continent, Amanda is creating ingenious solutions and building teams to solve her country’s logistical challenges and problems.
In this episode, we connect with Amanda to find out how she catapulted herself in the field of supply chain management and logistics. How she seized the opportunity to innovate, and how she followed her passion and dove first into a male dominated industry with foresight, precise execution, and firm leadership. We also explored the surge a company experienced during the COVID Pandemic and how that helped expand her business, partnerships, and services.
Even with this backdrop, the logistics industry remains one of the most male-dominated sectors in the world, and women are still severely underrepresented. This is more pronounced in Africa. And in the spirit of keeping things 100 like we always do. We unpacked the challenges and roadblocks that exist with women in this industry. But despite these challenges, through our conversation, Amanda stays optimistic and recognizes that here’s no frontiers beyond her reach and no roadblocks too complex for Messenger and her team to tackle.
We applaud a boss babe who is a visionary and never afraid to tackle the unknown and bring solutions to the table.
Ghana is in the building and representing in such a fabulous way! Did you know Ghana is the home of the popular Azonto Dance? Did you know Ghana is home to West Africa’s largest open-air single market?
In this segment, we connect with fashion entrepreneur, and designer, head honcho in charge, Alima Bello, who is the creative director and owner of a fashion powerhouse, Bello Edu. Her flagship brand is a socially responsible and contemporary womenswear brand based in Accra, owned and managed by her, and supported by its own in-house production team. Her brand mission is to design clothing for the passionate, contemporary, and life loving woman. Bello attributes her African heritage to influencing her design aesthetics.
In this episode, we explore her childhood growing up in Ghana, why she left a promising opportunity in her family successful business and decided to carve her own path by turning her passion for fashion into a full-fledged booming business. We also dive deeper in how she’s been able to single handedly move her company from its start up phase into its grown-up business stage. We discussed how her company; Bello Edu, has turned into a sustainable enterprise.
Furthermore, Bello was candid with us as we cover the fashion industry on the continent at large. From its cultural history, emerging trends, and current market growth opportunities. We were excited to also discuss how Alima Bello made África proud, when her fashion brand represented the continent at Portugal Fashion AW 2022. She showcased her collection THE TRIUMPH, which was inspired by the dragonfly – which symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and love. THE TRIUMPH also depicts a woman who has emerged stronger, bolder, and filled with self love.
Bello Edu is here to stay and growing to be a staple on the continent for generations to come, with goals to rival the likes of channels, Dior and others! Why not?
Come with us as we take you to Malawi, a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa. Did you know Malawi was the first country in Africa to grow tea on a commercial scale? Did you know Malawi is home to the “richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa”. Did you know, Malawi is known as the “warm heart of Africa” due to the welcoming nature of its people?.
Our special guest is a true boss chick and catalyst for change, Wangiwe Joanna Kambuzi, founder and managing director at Mzuzu E-Hub, an entrepreneurship and innovation hub that supports youth led start ups and early-stage businesses by linking them to a network of services for success. Wangiwe is a communication practitioner, business development professional, community builder and a passionate enthusiast about providing innovative solutions for socio-economic empowerment. She is also a youth manifesto champion for the Youth Decide campaign under Youth and Society and sits on the Executive Committee for the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs Africa Chapter and Commonwealth Business Women Malawi Chapter. In this segment, we discuss Wangiwe’s upbringing in Malawi, what sparked her interest in wanting to work with young people in her country and some of her key impacts as a social entrepreneur.
At ASA, we love a boss babe who not only makes money moves but more importantly makes a meaningful impact.
We are headed to one of Africa’s biggest and fastest growing economies with the most diverse population, you guessed right, Nigeria! Did you know there are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you can visit in Nigeria?
In this segment, we link up with boss babe and the inspiring Shalom Olufemi , Co-founder of Edu4Impact, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls in Africa to become well-rounded global change agents, while promoting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Edu4Impact is run and led by two young west African women who firmly believe in the power of girls to drive positive change in their communities and in the world at large.
With shalom’s bubbly and warm personality, we discussed her upbringing in Nigeria, family background, and what key moments in her life sparked her passion to start her own nonprofit organization. We explored further Edu4Impact priority areas, agendas, and foreseeable goals. We tapped into her passion for working with young people, especially girls, and providing them with mentorship, training, and support to develop their leadership, entrepreneurship, and social innovation skills.
We also discussed her consultancy services to clients in the public and private sectors, helping them to align their strategies and initiatives with the SDGs. Her focus is on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which are critical to advancing girls' education and promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.
Lastly, we explored her career trajectory, the fearlessness that exists within her to tackle fields unknown , some of the career challenges she faced, the self-taught opportunities she seized, and how she never gave up on her dreams and passion areas.
Shalom is truly a woman of confidence, resilience, strength with a sense of purpose. And she’s on a mission and can’t be stopped!
In need of a beautiful Atlantic Ocean view? lush rainforest? and cuisines to die for? well buckle up for some picturesque moments.
Did you know that Liberia is Africa’s oldest republic? Did you know Liberia is also the only African state that was not subjected to colonial rule during the scramble of Africa?
In this episode, we give you a first-class trip to the beautiful country of Liberia, West Africa. We chat with our girl Royda Philimena Urey, a public relations and communications expert, co-founder and head of creative development at the vantage group, a world-renowned content creator, influencer, creative disruptor, vlogger, youtuber, brand ambassador, and the plug for Liberian diaspora affairs. Clearly, as you can see Philimena, is a multifaceted boss babe and a woman who wears many hats. Philimena has been featured in reputable publications like CNN, Ebony Magazine, The Grio to name a few etc.
We explore Philimena’s transition from the diaspora back to her country of origin, Liberia. The ups and downs that comes with relocating back to the continent, what prompted her passion for vlogging and content creation, and what sparked her business acumen and entrepreneurship journey with her businesses and brands.
Philimena gives us a behind the scenes perspective of her beloved country and how she’s changing the narrative of a once war-torn nation through her travel vlogs and Liberian storytelling.
We love a boss babe who can tap into her creative side and innovative knack to attain impact and transformation.
Let’s take a surprise trip to somewhere you have never been before. Did you know that Libya has the largest proven oil reserves in Africa? Did you also know that Libya is the fourth-largest country in Africa and the Arab world, and the 16th-largest in the world?
In this episode, we introduce you to our very first North African Bawse Babe, Tamadur Almahdi! Who gives us an all access pass to the beautiful State of Libya.
Tamadur is the Chief of Staff at Speetar – an award-winning Health Tech startup company, providing access to healthcare for 2+ Million people in conflict-affected areas. She’s a woman about her business and passionate about making an impact. Tamadur is the epitome of how Libyan women are driving innovations and blazing a path towards their economic empowerment and liberation.
We discuss her career trajectory in a conflict affected area and how she has been able to beat the odds and rise in her career at such a young age. Yes y’all, this dynamic and inspiring African girl magic is under 30 and doing the damn thing. Our conversation with Tamadur also explored her childhood in Libya, how she coped during the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi which led to the unrest and breakdown of the country in 2011, and how she overcame this tragic event, with her mental health intact and passion for meaningful impact.
We also discuss the post 2011 conflict, the rise of Libyan women in innovation, their endless potential and untapped talent. In addition to being the chief of staff for a world-renowned venture that has been featured in reputable publications like Forbes, Tamadur is also a freelance writer and avid lover of literature. She writes for Medium, an online publishing and open platform where readers find dynamic thinking, and where expert and undiscovered voices can share their writing on any topic.
This hijab wearing beauty, boss babe, and shero in the making, is defying all odds and trailblazing the way for other women and young girls to follow not just in Libya but the continent of Africa.