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Jamil Eniola emerges the man of the year at this year's #divasofcolour Read all about him here – https://divasofcolour.com/hen-foundation-founder-mr-jamil-eniola-named-man-of-the-year-by-divas-of-colour/ Born and raised in Mushin, a major urban suburb of Lagos, Nigeria. Eniola is educated at some of the world’s Ivy League institutions, he has, over the past seventeen years, been involved in United Nations Consulting, Conferences, Seminars and Workshops all over the globe.  He founded and named HEN Foundation as a befitting memorial to his late mother, with the objectives of empowering the needy with basic healthcare and access to basic education. A couple of years ago, over 2500 pupils in a public primary and secondary school in Nigeria benefited from HEN Foundation’s Mathematics Skill Pilot Program. Additionally, over 1800 students in the inner city of Lagos State, Nigeria, benefited from free University entry forms and free tutorial classes for the University Matriculation Examination. Also, in 2017, HEN Foundation conducted a free Cancer Screening Exercise for over 1,000 patients, in collaboration with the University of Ibadan Cancer Research Center and the Femi Gbajabiamila Foundation at the Akerele Healthcare Center, Surulere, Lagos, in which valuable medical equipment was donated to both the cancer research centre and the healthcare centre. At last year program in Nigeria to mark the International Girl’s Day, Eniola Hen Foundation announced educational scholarships for three students in Ilorin Kwara State.  Apart from his philanthropic activities in Africa, Eniola has also been a veritable source of hope and succour to the needy in the U.K. and was among the first people to come to the aid of victims of the June 14, 2017, Grenfell fire disaster in London, while he continues to assist his local mosque, the Al Amanah Mosque to provide temporary shelter and provisions for the survivors at the Westbourne Grove, Kensington area of London. Read more via – www.divasofcolour.com

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US-based Trinbagonian born Diana Benskin to be conferred with the honour of Divas of Colour Global Leadership Ambassador for her outstanding contributions and support to the Divas of Colour’s global vision. Diana’s passion, however, is to advocate and champion for women and girls. She says, “Charities and programs that advocate for the betterment of women and girls and young people are at the forefront of my cause.” "I have chosen to flaunt my bald head in support of those battling diseases that causes hair loss. I want to show women and girls that you are created in The Almighty's image and beauty comes from within and is not measured in the length of the tresses on your head. You are beautiful with or without hair. Let your deeds speak volumes for they will be remembered long after your mortal self has expired. Thank you for your continued support." Read all a out her right here on our website and prepare to meet Diana and a host of international leading women in London, on 28th March at Hilton Canary Wharf. https://divasofcolour.com/trinbagonian-born-diana-benskin-to-be-recognised-with-divas-of-colour-global-leadership-ambassador-award/ #Divasofcolourfest #divasofcolour2020

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Roslyn Bagot-Sealey is currently engaged as the Head of the Children’s Ministry at a Pentecostal Community Church in Tooting South London and is responsible for the spiritual and religious education of the 70 odd children and young people registered in the Sunday School who attend on a weekly basis. In a professional capacity, Roslyn occupied a number of roles including the UK Civil Service and more latterly as part of the pastoral team in the Education. Whether in a pastoral or secular environment Roslyn is passionately committed to encouraging children and young people to grow and develop into well rounded contributing members of society. In a nod to her belief that education is vital for both children and adults, Roslyn has herself has returned to education and recently attained a Foundation degree in Ministerial Theology. She is currently working towards a BA Honours in Ministerial Theology. Alongside her studies, she is the disability representative for her cohort and was voted the most outstandingly active programme representative in 2017/18. She continues to perform in that role. It is with the great humility and gratitude that Roslyn is accepting of the honour of being nominated for and being awarded a prestigious Divas of Colour award for 2020.

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My career started as a pupil teacher, and then went on to work as a hairdresser and a business woman travelling across West Africa buying and selling goods. I got married in 1972 and had four children (one deaceased) with 10 grandchildren. I moved from Ghana to the United Kingdom in 1985, and currently resides in the Croydon Borough. I have always been passionate about language and culture since my childhood. I set up Sua Twi Kasa (Learn Twi Language) Foundation here in the UK because I realised that the Ghanaian language known as Twi which is the dominate language and widely spoken in Ghana and the culture was diminishing here in the UK. I took it upon myself to become an ambassador, to help teach and promote the Ghanaian Twi Language and culture to people from all walks of lives, not just Ghanaians. We run Saturday classes in Croydon for Learners wishing to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the Twi language and culture to enable them acquire essential vocabulary to communicate in varied  situations especially with parents and partners of Ghanaian origin. Our aim is to to create motivational tool for recreation aiding a reduction of anti‐social behaviour in view of the cultural aspect ‘s of linguistic etiquette  expressed in interaction. I have worked in partnership with Tender Care Nursery and SureStart both in Croydon and Greenwich Heritage Centre in Greenwich where I was invited to participate in community activity by telling the children about “Ananse stories” (fiction) and how to play musical instruments from Ghana. I have had the need to perform some Ghanaian customary rites at funerals, marriage and naming ceremonies. I always receive positive feedback from people from all walks of life of their interest and expression of amazement about the dynamics of the Ghanaian culture. I  present talk shows on Fire  Live  Radio ,  Ahomka  Radio  and  Africanna  Radio  in which I engage the community in talking about various topics affecting our day to day life. I have been privileged to receive awards including, The Scarman Trust ‘Can Do’ Award and Kofi Award for Excellence Achievement (Organised by Bishop Frimpong Manso). I have a vision to project the Ghanaian

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 24, 2020 at 6:48am PST

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Captain Irene Koki Mutungi (Commonly referred to as Koki Mutungi ) is a professional pilot in Kenya. She undertook her studies with Kenya School of Flying for her Private Pilots License and undertook her Commercial Pilots License and other ratings at Crabtree Aviation , Oklahoma , USA. She. Is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Aviation Safety management. Her career started with Kenya Airways the National Carrier of Kenya where she rose through the ranks to the current position of Captain of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. She is a lady of many firsts She was employee 001 Female Pilot at Kenya Airways and was the only female for the airline for close to 6 years when she was hired in 1995. In 2004 she became the first African Woman to qualify to command a Boeing 737 and led Africas’ first all female crew on a flight the same year. She was the first female on the African Continent to become certified as a Captain of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In 2014 she was named among “ the 20 Youngest Power Women in Africa “ by Forbes Magazine. She has received numerous awards , among them Business Daily’s “ Top 40 under 40 “ for 5 consecutive years. She was also featured on CNN International as a “ Change Maker “ in 2020. Koki is a well rounded Pilot with a wealth of experience from both the private and public sector spanning over 20 years. She has been successful in mentoring young ladies and positively impacting the female population , especially in Kenya , who have repeatedly cited her as their reason for becoming Pilots. Captain Koki Mutungi is a certified pilot who sits on various boards. Tapping into her experiences and industry insights , she has previously spoken at several national and international forums. Her passion on Aviation and Mentoring is evident and her presentations have largely revolved around these issues. She also has an interest in mentoring and coaching young upcoming Aviation professionals and in her free time participating in mentoring sessions with various schools and colleges. Her vision is to start a foundation to mentor and …

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#inspirationalwoman honoree, Dr. (Hon.) Vivian Timothy, is a self-taught multiple award winning Nigerian Germany based Visual Artist. Her passion and patriotism is in using art to change the narratives by Capturing and showcasing the deep African cultural treasures to the world. She has held several educational and sensitization projects and presentations through her Arts on the beauty on of her cultural heritage, Gender inequality and challenging socio-economic injustice and stereotypes in Nigeria and Africa as a whole  in Germany, Nigeria, Switzerland, UK, Holland and USA on Topics like:- Exploitation of natural resources. Giving back the voice to the African Rural women at the House Of Parliament London UK. Silent Expression. Misery of the Migrant (Modern-day Exodus). Back to the Roots. The Invisible Present Chain. Broken Vessels. Identity. Ifeoma (the beauty in Culture) and several others. “I believe that the history of  the Black people has always been written in Artworks because art of the people is the mirror of their mind and Art is the best form of implanting and expressing the deep values that are inherent in the African Black culture and Black People”. “If we cut our chains we free ourselves but cut our roots we die.”_Dr. (Hon.) Vivian Timothy #divasofcolour #divasofcolour2020 #internationalwomen

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#inspirationalwoman honoree, Thirupurasundari Sevvel is an Architect planner (having studied in India, the UK, and France with scholorships ). She is a story teller and educator as well. She runs an architectural consultancy called Studio Conclave and a social initiative called – Nam veedu Nam oor Nam kadhai. She curates stories on social issues, documents and uses traditional techniques in her projects, and works as a consultant for NGOs, schools and colleges. She is also a material restorer and conservator , working closely with underpreviliged women and children . She is a published children s book author . The first women secretary of the 208 year old  Madras literary society . She is working on traditional materials and techniques and works with artisans on the same . She also consults for inclusive spaces and places . A person who dons many hats but always grounded. She shows balance in both her office and social work. Her work has impacted a lot of families and children . #Divasofcolourfest #divasofcolour2020 #divasofcolourfest2020

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#inspirationalwoman honoree, Tanya was awarded an OBE in 2019 for her private charity work and contribution to work on Equalities and The Lammy 2017 Review of the treatment of, and outcomes for, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals in the Criminal Justice System.  Tanya is skilled in non-profit Social Outreach Organisations; co-founder of City Women Outreach and Chair of the board of trustees for Women on the Frontline, both organisations reach out to women subject to Human Trafficking and subsequently forced into the sex industry. Tanya is also founder of girls2school, an organisation who provide support to girls in Kenya with reusable sanitary products and more recently supporting an NGO in Ghana (SCEF), and their work with the street children in James Town, Accra. Tanya has worked within the UK Criminal Justice sector for over 15 years, with extensive experience in rehabilitation in Probation and more recently roles including senior management of c.£1bn justice sector contract. Tanya is now the current Head of Diversity and Inclusion for HMPPS (Her Majesties Prison and Probation Service) England and Wales #divasofcolourawards #Divasofcolourfest #divasofcolour2020

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#inspirationalwoman honoree, Jacqueline A. Hinds MA (HRD) CEIC MCIPD is the Founder of Wilson Hinds Consulting Ltd, a Board Member & International Liaison for the Society of Emotional Intelligence International, USA as well as, Founder & CEO of the Society of Emotional Intelligence, UK & Europe.  She is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach & Leadership Consultant, with over 25 years of knowledge, skills and expertise within the Human Resource Development arena, working within key corporate and public sector and healthcare organisations. Jacqueline is also an established author and has recently published her book entitled Journey to Empowerment: Tackling the bullies within, takes the reader on her journey from the School Yard to the present day, looking at bullying, harassment as well as peoples’ mindsets and behaviours.  More recently, Jacqueline has been collaborating within the Cybersecurity arena and is now a Collaborative Partner and Advisory Member of the SHe CISO Exec. Leadership Programme. She is passionate about people… Helping them to Realise, Unlock and Release their true Potential to be the best that they can possibly be; whether it’s through coaching, personal development or emotional and cultural intelligence training and/or coaching including 1:1 feedback assessment. Her diverse skills, and abilities, enable her to provide a bespoke service tailored specifically for her clients’ needs.

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Maureen Mbondiah – Service Lead Director I am A Multi Award-winning entrepreneur with a six-figure healthcare business in the United Kingdom employing over 30 staff that I built from scratch. My business is now working towards a franchise model and also has an App which can be downloaded on https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dravens.dravenshealthcare A Patron of Against All Odds Still Standing Organisation and Teen Rescue Mission in Zimbabwe. I am also an international property investor and run several other businesses. I have a property in Zimbabwe, UK and Cyprus and most recently Dubai. I am passionate about inspiring women in business own mentoring business called Momentors and also a Talk show host for Momentors Talkshow For Leading Women on Sky 589 TV In 2019 was awarded a Be Mogul Award & Woman to Watch Award for the most influential Black-owned businesses in the United Kingdom. I started my own business in 2016 after I got fed up of living from paycheque to paycheque with no real-time to be with my family. I got frustrated by working under managers that did not listen to me, with some policies that were ineffective and quite often didn't make sense. I wanted to have more control about when I worked and how much I earned. I wanted to influence and have the autonomy to change my own policies within my organisation. Registered Mental Nurse who worked for 15years in Healthcare Establishments to include the NHS and Private Sector. Maureen is passionate about individualised patient care in the home and uses her experience to develop the service to be effective and efficient. She has held several positions from practitioner to management during her time as a nurse. In 2016 started she took the leap to start her own business Draven's Healthcare and has since never looked back. She has built a strong team structure from scratch who support the business to deliver quality professional humane service across Buckinghamshire supporting people in their own homes. She is a Multi Award-Winning Entrepreneur and has also developed an enhanced business with systems and processes that promote individuality and safe service. Maureen is a

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 26, 2020 at 8:34am PST

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Brenda Okorogba is the Chief Inspiration Officer of Momentswithbren, an organization that democratizes access to quality education and career opportunities for people around the world. Brenda also works in the nonprofit and education sector as a Program Lead Facilitator, Project Manager, Student Success Coach, and a Community Builder. Brenda has been involved in K-12 and international higher education, business development & support, and nonprofit strategic project planning for the past 6 years, both in the capacity as a student mentor and a professional through delivering academic and non-academic advice, designing and facilitating social and academic programming, reciprocal mentoring, knowledge management, impact evaluation, social media marketing, capacity-building & workshop facilitation, group processes and design thinking. In true leadership, she purposefully creates opportunities for the growth of those around her, both personally and professionally. As a Student Success Coach, She has worked with students around the world throughout their career pathways and college admission with a record of $4.6 million fully-funded scholarships and over 400 jobs. As a Grant Writer and Strategic Project Consultant, she has worked with grassroots groups, nonprofits, and SMEs, helping them get funding with a record of $1.2Million. Brenda designs and facilitates monthly mastermind sessions with young women especially those seeking sustainable ways to transform their bold ambitions into reality (going back to school, launching their social initiative, designing new programs for their nonprofit, measuring social outcomes, knowledge management, and capacity-building training. Brenda is also a laser coach who works with diverse clients to maximize their zone of brilliance and worth strategy. Her coaching approach is finding out what a clients' truly want for their life, how much action they’re willing to take, and what actions they can take that will bring them closer to their dreams. Brenda is a catalyst that helps others connect with the infinite side of their nature and create extraordinary results in all areas of their lives.

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 20, 2020 at 3:22am PST

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Princess Eugene is the Princess of Harare. Grand daughter of King Mbari of the Mbari Clan of the Shumba gurundoro (lion ) totem. King Mbari was the ruler of Harare and owned the territory Harare, Mazoe and Mount Hampden. Harare was named after King Mbari who had special abilities and was helping many Zimbabweans such that he became very popular and ended up not sleeping. He was given the nickname Haarare ( one who doesn’t sleep) Harare city capita of Zimbabwe was named after King Mbari. Princess Eugene is working on preservation of the Harare Mbari Heritage as well as promoting and appreciating Zimbabwean culture, Heritage, history, tradition and norms. Princess Eugene is working tirelessly to ensure the repatriation of Zimbabwe’s First Chimurenga war heroes remains and artefacts stolen by the British who colonised Zimbabwe are returned back to Zimbabwe. Her Royal Highness Princess Eugene also co founded the Africa Repatriation Committee (ARC) to ensure that all human remains stolen from Africa and all artefacts stolen from Africa by colonialists are returned to Africa so they benefit Tourism within Africa. Princess Eugene motivates and supports and inspires many people. Princess Eugene is also a General Nurse, Dental Nurse, Journalist with a lot of international experience , Editor, CEO of News of The South, she is a Public Relations Practitioner, Marketing Practitioner, Sports Administrator, Football coach, Sports Commentator And match Analyst, Counsellor, Communication Specialist, Motivational Interviewer, CEO of Great Zimbabwe International Festival and does a lot of charity work within the UK and in Zimbabwe. Other professional work include a vast experience in the insurance industry where she worked as a Financial Advisor for major insurance firms.

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 23, 2020 at 6:31pm PST

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Rhoda Molife, BMedSci, BM BS, MRCP, MSc, MD, is a Senior Clinical Director/Senior Principal Scientist in European Clinical Development at Merck, Sharpe and Dohme (MSD). MSD is one of the top five global pharmaceutical companies, employs 69 000 people and develops products in diabetes, cancer, infectious diseases and general medical care. She is a global clinical director on clinical trials in kidney cancer working in a matrix team to bring new drugs to cancer patients. Her work involves leading on submissions to international regulatory agencies requesting approvals of new cancer drugs for clinical use. At 22, she graduated from Nottingham University Medical School, the UK in 1995 as the youngest in her year then qualified as a medical oncologist in 2007. During her time in training, she received several awards for her work including an American Society of Clinical Oncology Merit Award for work in prostate cancer. She then went on to lead on phase I trials in cancer drug development with pioneers in the field at The Royal Marsden, London. Many of these trials were in collaboration with large pharmaceutical companies and small biotechs and as a result, has significant insight into the interface between pharma and the hospital setting. During that time, she also reviewed articles for several leading medical journals prior to publication and sat on numerous research and operational committees with the NHS Trust she worked with. In 2015, she was recruited into the pharmaceutical industry first as a medical advisor then senior medical advisor in immuno-oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb before joining MSD. She is an author or co-author on over 60 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, of several book chapters and regularly presents at national and international congresses/symposia. In December 2019, she chaired a session on biomarkers at the 1st Genomics Live Congress in Basel, Switzerland. In November 2019, she was a finalist for a Precious Award in the category of Outstanding Woman in STEM – http://preciousawards.com/ Rhoda is also actively involved in community work including the Zimbabwe International Women's Awards that recognises the efforts and achievem

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 24, 2020 at 7:43am PST

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Fadzai is a wife, mom of two teens and safeguarding children lead nurse in the NHS. An NHS leadership graduate, Fadzai believes in leading with integrity and poise. She has a great interest in personal and professional development. Fadzai mentors and coaches other health professionals on leadership and career goals. Fadzai uses her public health knowledge and leadership skills to empower her community through her social enterprise, Intentional Parenting CIC. Intentional Parenting is a platform that seeks to empower diaspora parents through education and raising awareness on health and social issues that affect migrant communities. Fadzai hosts fortnight webinars talking all things parenting in the diaspora. Topics she has discussed range from educational support for children, 11+ exams, Grammar school application to sex, toxic motherhood, passive fathers and many more. Fadzai has recently co-authored a Christian women’s devotional: Being Gods daughter.

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 20, 2020 at 4:06am PST

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Ms Steele is the founder of EVOLVE, Global Women’s Collaborative Community (GWCC). She has over (25) years of combined experience as an accomplished executive/ life coach, author, professional speaker, licensed minister and attorney at law. She started EVOLVE in order to create a global impact of transformation in women by empowering them to live authentic and purposeful lives so they could enrich their family, workplace, community and world at large. Ms Steele has coached and trained numerous attorneys and corporate professionals. She is known for helping her clients’ gain clarity in their life pursuits, effectively use their voice for change, lead with confidence, resolve conflict and achieve work/ life balance. She was selected from a nationwide search to be a featured author in the book entitled Mastering the Art of Success. In her legal capacity, the State Bar of California acknowledged her for her outstanding legal services for seniors. Her charismatic and motivational style makes her a welcomed keynote and inspirational speaker at events. She had the pleasure of working as a guest lecturer at U.C. Berkeley Extension Leadership Certification Program and U.C. Hastings College of the Law Legal Education Opportunity Program (LEOP). She is most fond of her work as the founder of the Do You Retreat; a retreat designed to inspire women to discover their life purpose and become whole in the process. Ms Steele received her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of San Francisco. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Northern California Bible College (Co-Valedictorian). She received her ministerial license from Jezreel School of Theology. She also received her certification as an executive/ life coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC).

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Clara is multi-awards winning Nurse/Midwife, quality Manager in Health (Cert), and have B.s.c.( Hons) in Health and Social Welfare and an M.S.c. in Psychology (The Open University ,London), a Respiratory Care Practitioner , as well as being a speaker, a blogger and an author. Now, working with semi-Coma and Coma patients utilising life support aids. A nurse with passion and "must confess that working with such patients has helped reshape my life in a very positive way. These experiences have brought me closer to the realities of life." She has spoken on several platforms on topics ranging from health, Immigration and other general matters. Clara is very active in empowerment in sharing her story and educating women as well as supporting organisations making impacts in the society. Discovering her passion in telling her story has helped her author 4 books, and co-authored 3 more. "Just like any other person I have gone through many challenges, fallen many times. I just believe in never quitting – I believe in ` fight and pray for what I am passionate about, perseverance and working hard for my dreams." "WE all are born to be creative and all we need to do is to discover that which makes us happy, for together we can all contribute to make our world a better place to live. Together we can put more beautiful colours to diffuse the negative energy spreading in the world. Everyone has something to give back, when we all do that, everyone will be busy, and no one will have a space to think hatred, or do evil to the other. We all would be busy creating a beautiful world that will contend all and not just few."

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You’ve probably seen the writings of Tene Edwards on the Instagram feeds of celebrities like Wesley Snipes, Khloe Kardashian, Dascha Polanco and Kandi Burruss. Tene is a Poet, Author, Model and Self-Love Advocate known for her raw and visceral poetry online. Her writing journey began in 2016 during heartbreak; as an introvert, a notepad became her therapist and she found peace in writing down her thoughts. Tene wrote Walk With Wings mainly to deliver comfort and hope to those feeling lost and alone. Walk With Wings has reached the hands of thousands of people worldwide, to date. By maintaining a brand based solely around self-love, healing and resilience, Tene has grown a large following of 40k+ on social media of a variety of people who support her art. Tene Edwards also runs self-love events and workshops to help others cultivate a more supportive and loving relationship with themselves and to empower others to recognise and trust their own inner voice. Tene is now on a mission to tour the world and continue her work of empowering others to become the best version of themselves through workshops, events, performance poetry and talks on how she monetised her passion of writing and practices self-love. Tene is particularly keen to support enterprise growth in deprived areas with the aim of improving the future of every person in these communities.

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 23, 2020 at 10:02pm PST

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Filipa Rocha is a model, dancer, acting extra, business owner and a mother to a wonderful boy called Xavier. I was enjoying motherhood until he started school and that was when I managed to get the time to focus completely on my career. I started modelling in 2014 doing some charity works as a model. In 2017, I received my first award for the best female model of the year by C.Hub Awards. Winning my first award was so emotional but very inspiring to me which gave me more self-belief and made me want to achieve more. I realised that my hard work and determination led to my winning the award. I am currently a Brand Ambassador for Shillingford and I'm also a campaigner against domestic violence. The campaign is being run by Yolanda Shillingford. I continued my journey through the industry as I conquered my fears. Come 2018, I was given an opportunity to take part in a mini TV series called (In The Long Run) by Idris Elba, a well-renowned actor. I also managed to appear in a few other commercials like Giff gaff, Skoda and the white princess mini television series. I am currently working regularly with top upcoming designer's like Toyolala Creations Fashion, Carla Vicente Fashion and The Divas of Colour fashion show. Through my years as a model, I have helped women and girls build their confidence in the modelling industry. This is because of the fact that I have faced a lot of bias due to my height which is a simple 5ft 2 inches tall. Many female models go through a lot of judgment from professionals such as height restrictions, weight problems, discrimination, controlling behaviour and bullying. I advise women from all backgrounds to stand strong and believe that they can achieve their goals. Remember you're beautiful and everyone is equal. They say "if one door closes another door will open". Every morning I wake up and say: I am a woman I am beautiful I am strong I am fearless I am a leader I am unique I am successful. When I was a little girl I always dreamed and wanted to be a model, which I am now but it didn't come to me that easy. As years went past I started to have an interest in fashion design, that's when I started to sketch some of my own dress

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 26, 2020 at 8:27am PST

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Born in Sierra Leone, West Africa to diplomat parents, Tutu grew up in the United States and England before finding her roots in Germany. By the age of 17, she began singing in studios, and allowing all of those vibrant cultures to influence her sound. 3 years later she landed her first solo record deal, but in the process, lost the essence of what made her love music in the first place. “Something was not right,” Tutu explains of her initial foray into the professional recording business. “I realized that much of what was being produced had nothing to do with me. So I quit the industry.” While her love for music persisted, it took her nearly 2 long decades, 3 beautiful children, and 1 leap of faith to find the courage to pick up a microphone again. And this time, she’s doing it on her own terms. “Back when I was 20, I did not understand how the world rotates,” Tutu explains, of the whirlwind that was her early days in the industry. “I always tried moving along with it, thinking it was the right thing to do, but I only found myself getting dizzy – until I realized that I am the axis of my world. I get to decide how fast or slow, how big or small, or how high or low my world is. No matter where it finds itself.” Tutu’s new music is acoustic, unplugged, handmade, undistorted, and authentic, like herself. Her melodies are infused with modern African folk and distinct, minimalistic sounds that she mixes with English and smatterings of Sierra Leone’s colorful patois. She is a storyteller who ingests the emotions, experiences, and impulses of people around her, and shares them through songs. Through the experiences of others, she deftly takes on the issues of womanhood, love, friendship, society, and everyday life. There is no record deal. And for Tutu, it has been the most freeing aspect of her return and new-found love for musicianship. “Every single detail has my fingerprint somewhere in it,” she says. “Starting from the seed of the idea, to the final product: the writing, the live performances, the packaging, and planning of the forthcoming album. I finally get to decide, what, when, where, and how my music should be. My tree is going to grow!”

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 24, 2020 at 6:51am PST

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Faten is the Principle and Chief Creative Officer of WeUsThem, a full service ad agency with a client roster that boasts the likes of Telus, Kaplan International, Government of Canada,  Cambridge University, Government of Jamaica, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Sinai Health System to name a few. Faten has been named, for the second time, Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, in Arts and Communications (a first in the east coast) and as a Trendsetter and a Trailblazer.  Faten is also named the Executive of the Year in Canada and most recently Entrepreneur of the Year by the Stevie Awards celebrating women internationally, named 1 of 5 Women of Inspiration by the Canadian Immigrant Magazine and a Woman of Excellence by the Canadian Progress Club. Her leadership has brought home a Webbys, multiple Gold Daveys, a MarCom, a Chia, a multiple W3’s, a Hermes, and an Advertising Age nod for WeUsThem, all firsts in the east coast of Canada. As part of her work in the community, Faten has been a director on the board for the Canadian Cancer Society and currently serves on the boards of the Mental Health Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce and has been a Governor at NSCAD University. Faten is also a member of the Accessing a Skilled Workforce Task Force for the Province of Nova Scotia leading to workforce retention nationally across Canada. Additionally she has been championing Women in the STEAM fields by speaking and mentoring young women from various post-secondary institutions. Faten has also been a vocal advocate for Women returning to the workforce supported by the former Women’s Employment Outreach by providing work placements, mentorship and career advice. Recently, Faten was invited by the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt to address the World Youth Forum attended by over 6000 delegates from over 40 nations, alongside the United Nations on topics concerning Women and their roles in Leadership positions globally and what the gaps continue to remain in the developing world…

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Mar 2, 2020 at 11:40am PST

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At Divas of Colour festival this year, we will honour artistry of women of colour. We shall dedicate some 60 minutes to some undiscovered women of colour music. We just dance and rave to their songs. Name your women of colour artists you want to listen and dance to! No.1 – Lurine Cato.

A post shared by Divas Of Colour (@divasofcolour) on Feb 28, 2020 at 3:13am PST