In this episode of the Qonnect Podcast, we delve deep into a conversation with Maïmouna Elle Traore, the creator behind the Instagram community 'Romanticizing African Countries,' which has garnered over 126,000 followers in less than a year. Maïmouna shares her journey from pursuing a surgical residency to embracing her passions for writing and filming everyday moments in Africa. She sheds light on the challenges and rewards of reconnecting with her Senegalese heritage, the importance of authentic representation of African life, and the powerful impact of showcasing the continent's understated beauty. The episode also touches on the complexities of traveling within Africa, evolving personal identities, and future aspirations for her platform.

Join us as we explore how Maïmouna is changing the narrative around African countries, one simple video at a time.

00:00 Introduction: The Essence of Travel
01:19 Meet Maïmouna Elle Traore: From Medicine to Media
03:31 Discovering Passion: Writing and Filmmaking
05:55 Identity and Representation: Growing Up Senegalese-American
16:44 Journey Back to Senegal: A New Beginning
19:51 Romanticizing African Countries
32:53 Challenges of Traveling in Africa
44:58 Capturing Moments: Filming People and Places

All relevant links
RAC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanticizingafricancountries/
Maïmouna Elle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maimyselfandi/
Fatou & Babacar: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx25zFEO7if/

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