For immediate release
Afua Sam, Jacqueline A. Hinds, Jennifer Obaseki, and Maureen Chiana to be Conferred with the Prestigious Divas of Colour Honorary Fellowships
LONDON, UK – The Divas of Colour International Festival is proud to announce the conferment of its 2026 Foremost Honorary Fellows; a distinction reserved for women of colour who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence, leadership, and a commitment to women’s rights and advancement in all areas of life.
As we move further into 2026, the necessity for women of colour to command a presence on the world stage has never been more vital. The Foremost Honorary Fellows represent the pinnacle of this mission, embodying the vision and strategic positioning required to compete and thrive in the highest echelons of global leadership.
The 2026 Foremost Honorary Fellows
This year’s cohort features four women who have bridged the gap between local impact and international recognition:
- Maureen Chiana (FDOC) – Recognised for her pioneering work in leadership and coaching, Maureen Chiana has set a new benchmark for strategic leadership and executive learning through her innovative approach to emotional intelligence and mindset transformation.
- Afua Sam (FDOC) – A distinguished creative and visionary fashion designer, Afua is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to professional excellence. With a legacy spanning two decades, her unique and recognisable designs have redefined the industry, while her work as an entrepreneur has seen her champion numerous charitable projects and mentor a new generation of models and women leaders.
- Jennifer Obaseki (FDOC) – Distinguished by her contributions to legal and human rights activism, Jennifer exemplifies the power of championing the marginalised within society. An unwavering advocate for our mission, Jennifer has played an extraordinary role in driving the growth of Divas of Colour and the empowerment of women worldwide.
- Jacqueline A. Hinds (FDOC) – Honoured for her transformative influence in coaching, particularly through her innovative emotional intelligence and leadership frameworks. Jacqueline is a dedicated advocate for social change, she has consistently demonstrated the poise and purpose required to succeed while championing the global mission to end violence against women and girls.
“To be conferred with our Honorary Fellowship is to accept the responsibility of excellence in leadership. This honour underscores our commitment to a standard of professional standing and conduct that allows women of colour to be undeniable in any boardroom or leadership position. We’re particularly honoured to have worked with these trailblazers to implement our Connect Learn Grow framework.”- Faustina Anyanwu, Co-founder and CEO of Divas of Colour.
Event Details
The formal conferment will take place during the 11th annual Divas of Colour International Women’s Festival on 28 March 2026 at the Brentford Football Club Community Stadium Hub in London.
The event will feature:
- The Conferment Ceremony: A prestigious presentation of the honorary fellowships to our maiden cohort.
- Fireside Chats: Exclusive sessions featuring the Fellows discussing strategies for navigating global professional landscapes.
- Keynote Presentations: Insightful addresses from industry leaders on advancing the role of women of colour in global business and leadership.
- Women Voices: Panel Discussions and Round Tables- Engaging dialogues focusing on amplifying women’s voices, culture exchange and strategic leadership.
- Networking and Awards Gala: An opportunity for attendees to engage with industry leaders from across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Note to editors
About Divas of Colour
Divas of Colour is the leading global platform dedicated to the professional and personal development of women of colour. The International Women’s Festival provides tools for global networking and cultural exchange, empowering women to adapt, compete, and succeed on their own terms while meeting the highest international benchmarks.
Media Contact:
Events Team: events@divasofcolour.com