In this blog, our founder, Faustina Anyanwu, takes a walk down memory lane. She reflects on the decade-long journey of Divas of Colour, the spark that ignited the idea, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Arriving in a new country from Nigeria and immediately becoming a mother of three was incredibly challenging. Adapting to a completely new system and environment felt nearly impossible. Finding a career path, making friends, and building a social network seemed out of reach. It was a lonely and isolating experience.
But sometimes, the greatest ideas spark in the most unexpected places. From my kitchen table, amidst the chaos of raising a young family, a vision bloomed. I craved a community for women like myself – a space for connection, empowerment, and support. So, with a bold idea, a trusty Blackberry phone, and the boundless potential of the internet, Divas of Colour was born.
The journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. We faced countless challenges, ups and downs, and difficult times. But through it all, we persevered. Today, we stand proud as a global brand, a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our events were so popular we often had to split them into two days! Over the past decade, we’ve recognised countless incredible women, built a vast network of supportive organizations, experts, and mentors, and hosted over 100 high-impact programmes and events, both in-person and virtually.
However, our journey hasn’t been without its setbacks. Just as we were recovering from the devastating blow of my husband’s stroke in 2019, the pandemic hit in 2020, threatening to push us under. It was a time of deep discouragement.
But here’s the thing about Divas of Colour – we are a community built on resilience. Looking back, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible dedication of our members. Since 2014, we’ve witnessed the unwavering support of women (and men!) from across the globe – the US, Sri Lanka, Germany, France, Kenya, Nigeria, Singapore, and countless other countries – all united by a shared vision.
Reflecting on this journey fills me with immense pride. We’ve overcome obstacles, discovered strength we never knew we possessed, and built something truly remarkable. But the work doesn’t stop here! I’m fueled by a deep sense of humility and a fervent prayer for continued strength as we keep building upon this amazing foundation.
My deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who has supported us along the way – those who saw the vision, who offered their expertise, who simply believed. A special thank you to my incredible mentors whose guidance played a pivotal role in bringing us to this 10-year milestone.
While I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, I also know that growth is a continuous process. We’re constantly seeking new ways to innovate and bring even more value to our amazing community. This is where you come in! I invite you to join us in shaping the future of Divas of Colour.
If you’re passionate about women’s empowerment – be it personal, professional, career-related, or leadership development – we invite you to join the Divas of Colour family! We also champion women’s health and believe in creating a more inclusive world.
Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on our upcoming campaigns, events and programmes, and explore ways to collaborate with us.
#Reflections #DiaryofaLeader #Entrepreneurship #FemaleLeadership #InspireInclusion #EmpowerWomen
Thank you!