Dear Diaspora

In 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 studio, TanTV, is a luxury digital media brand bringing together the leading voices, thought-leaders and change-makers of our generation to further educate us on global issues that matter, inform us on solutions and inspire us to stay motivated, live meaningful and even happy lives. “Finding change-makers is not difficult. There are everyday people doing amazing work but their stories never get told. We only hear about people who’ve made millions, but everyday, there are people who make a difference in other people’s lives. We want to be the platform to share their stories.” – Adedayo Fashanu Tune in to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey! Resources mentioned in this episode: Adedayo’s Instagram: @adedayo_fashanu TanTV Studios on Instagram: @tantvstudios Email: dedayofashanu@gmail.com| TanTV: www.tantv.co Global Development Youth Leaders Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/495062954018292/

In 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 graduating. We also discussed what doing business in Ghana is like, and the hoops he had to jump through to get FDA approved. Tune in for more of our conversation! Quote: “I want to be a celebration of this continent. I want to celebrate what we have. I want to give the world a true taste of Africa in an incredibly eco-friendly and sustainable way.” – Jedu Armar Resources mentioned in this episode: Paradise Sun Snacks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradisesunsnacks/

In 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 in Africa. “This is our time—if you don’t get in where you fit in, you’re going to regret it.”– Iveoma Okpere Tune in for more of our amazing conversation! Resources mentioned in the episode: It’s Iveoma YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXQqsYF-1El7vPPctzT1aFg/about Contracts and Money: https://contractsandmoney.podia.com Iveoma’s Guide Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IveomasGuideToAfrica/ I Am the Diaspora Podcast: https://www.iveoma.com/podcast/ Harvard Africa Business Conference: https://www.africabusinessconference.com/about-1 Udemy: https://www.udemy.com

In 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 @mizizishop and online at mizizishop.com. During the episode, we delve into Paakow’s experience growing up in the US, securing MIZIZI’s collaborations with Marvel and Disney, and what staying rooted means to him. “The acquisition of knowledge is the catalyst to progress. The game is out there—it’s about being intentional and taking the responsibility of wanting to learn about it, and applying that knowledge after the fact” – Paakow Essandoh Tune in for more of our amazing conversation! Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephdeacetis/2019/01/18/meet-mizizi-how-one-twenty-four-year-old-ghanaian-american-is-inspiring-africans-to-stay-rooted/#933a57322a09 MIZIZI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizizishop/?hl=ur MIZIZI Website: https://www.mizizishop.com

In 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 popular, and why her accent has actually been one of the biggest challenges while doing business in Africa. “When you travel, you should humble yourself and leave the mindset of where you’re traveling from at that airport. Get on that plane with an open mind and an open heart.” – Tiffanie Anderson To learn more about Away to Africa’s tours, please visit: https://www.awaytoafrica.com. Listen in to hear more of our amazing conversation! Resources referenced in this episode: Away to Africa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awaytoafrica/ Away to Africa email: info@awaytoafrica.com

In this episode of Dear Diaspora, Ndu is joined by global health and sanitation advocates Bulongo and Muyatwa Sitali to discuss growing up in Zambia, supporting small scale farmers in Zambia, and why young people are key to Africa’s future. For show notes, please visit www.deardiasporashow.com.

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. If you’re interested in attending or learning more about this year’s event, please visit: https://takebackafricasummit.org.

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’s experience creating Afromaha along with her partner Joubel. Additionally, we discuss the importance of networking and finding like-minded individuals when looking to create anything new. “Find people that will go the distance with you.”-Judy Kiagiri Learn more about Afromaha and this year’s African Culture Festival here: https://www.afromaha.com Listen in to hear more of our amazing conversation!

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 from Zambia, and what you can expect from this podcast! Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @deardiaspora. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please email deardiasporashow@gmail.com. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Dear Diaspora fundraising project: https://deardiasporashow.com/projects/  Dambisa Moyo’s Dead Aid: https://amzn.to/2KweF4m  Beyoncé’s Lion King: The Gift album: https://pitchfork.com/news/beyonce-details-new-album-the-lion-king-the-gift-ft-kendrick-jay-z-gambino-blue-ivy-more/ Burna Boy’s new album: https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/burna-boy-african-giant/  Ghana’s 2019 Year of Return Campaign: https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2018-march-2019/2019-year-return-african-diaspora Continental Free Trade Agreement: https://www.cfr.org/blog/african-continental-free-trade-area-new-horizon-trade-africa