Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In Career Gems August 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Stephanie Busari Selected As 2020 World Fellow At Yale University

Yale has announced the 13 people chosen in its class of 2020 World Fellows program, a global leadership development program at the university.

Among the 13 is the multi-award-winning journalist and editor at CNN Worldwide, Stephanie Busari. She heads up CNN’s Nigeria bureau where she pioneered CNN’s first digital and multiplatform bureau. She also reports on-air for CNN International and led the network’s 2019 Nigeria presidential election coverage. Stephanie oversees CNN Africa’s digital editorial and operational strategy, crafting a new narrative for Africa and chronicling the continent’s changemakers and innovators.

Stephanie joins a network of 359 Fellows, representing 91 countries. Sharing the news on her Instagram, writing excitedly:

2020 is not cancelled for me! I have a triple celebration this year. 💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
I beat Covid. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
It’s my birthday next week 🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️🤸🏽‍♀️ AND I have just been named a Yale World Fellow 💪🏾💪🏾
WON’T HE DO IT????!!!!
God always shows up for me. I am forever grateful and give him all the GLORY. ❤️❤️❤️

Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean clergyman who founded #ThisFlag Citizen’s Movement to challenge corruption, injustice, and poverty in his country, is also included in the list.

Also included in the list is Edwan Ngum Tah, an attorney and civil litigation expert working in Cameroon. She is also the Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law, Cameroon and has partnered with the Center for Democracy and Development, West Africa to document cases of human rights violations by state and non-state actors in their fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.

And Hyppolite Ntigurirwa, a Rwandan artist, activist, and founder of Be the Peace, an organization focusing on the use of art to halt the intergenerational transmission of hate and to promote the power of cross-generational healing. He is a Peace Ambassador for One Young World, Peace Scholar and his work has been covered by global media including BBC, NPR, SABC, and Dutchwelle.

The World Fellows program is Yale University’s signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale’s ongoing commitment to internationalisation.

Each year, the University invites a group of exemplary practitioners from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training.

The mission of World Fellows is to cultivate and empower a network of globally engaged leaders committed to making the world a better place. The program is part of the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, which prepares Yale students for global leadership and service through its master’s program in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs and an undergraduate major in global affairs.

World Fellows is committed to three main goals:
• Leadership: To strengthen the knowledge and skills essential for global leadership

• Service: To provide an opportunity to serve others through sharing knowledge and
experience, and collaborating on initiatives

• Network: To grow a global community of people with shared values, connected to each other and to Yale.

See the full list and biography here.

In Career Gems August 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Ufuoma McDermott & Ifeyinwa Mogekwu Are Mamador’s Latest Brand Ambassadors

Food giants, PZ Wilmar Foods recently unveiled notable Nollywood actress, Ufuoma McDermott, and popular Food blogger and Chef, Ifeyinwa Mogekwu of Ify’s Kitchen as ambassadors for its premium Masterbrand, Mamador.

Following the announcement, superstar actor, Ufuoma and amazing Chef Ifeyinwa will now represent the Mamador Masterbrand, across all its marketing campaigns as it repositions to encourage the enjoyment of tasty and nutritious meals as a means to also promote family togetherness and bonding.

Speaking on the engagement, Marketing manager, PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo, said “Ufuoma and Ifeyinwa have proven to be strong and passionate women, with admirable talents and principles, whose positive lifestyles inspire many, each and every day. Ifeyinwa as a chef inspires many, not just on how to enjoy tasty meals but also how to prepare them, while Ufuoma inspires many career moms, as she manages the work-life balance to bond with her family and sustains an excellent family unit.”

Exciting times are gradually coming back, as this shows there are still many positives to take out of the year 2020. The new ambassadors took to their Instagram pages to share their excitement with their fans!

In Inspiration August 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Beverly Naya Stuns on the Cover of Schick Magazine’s “Love Yourself” Issue

Schick Magazine stars the glamorous Nollywood actress and producer Beverly Naya on the cover of their first issue since the pandemic, themed the Love Yourself issue.

Beverly talked about loving yourself in your skin, her award winning documentary, “Skin,” and much more.

The Magazine made the big reveal on their social media saying:

“🌎💖✨ SCHICK presents our new cover star, Nigerian actress and producer, @TheBeverlyNaya 🇳🇬 🌟 With the release of her award-winning documentary ‘Skin’ which has inspired a generational shift around the perception of beauty, the undeniable force is on a mission to make her mark with a powerful voice ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 She gets candid about self-confidence and being comfortable in her skin, in our “Love Yourself” Issue 💛✨💫

Available from August 17th on IamSCHICK.com/buy #LetsBeSCHICK⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Editor-in-Chief: @SimiEsiri⁣⁣
Creative Direction: @TitiAdesa⁣⁣
Photography: @TheKashope⁣⁣
Styling: @IamDanielObasi ⁣⁣
Makeup: @FlawlessFacesByJane⁣⁣
Hair: @TasalaHQ”

Beverly Naya revealed to Schick:

I had to create a documentary to raise awareness of the negative effects of colourism. I needed the powerful message of self-love and self-confidence to travel much farther.

On Black creatives:

I want to see more Black actors and crew members well-represented in big films and not just the ones that specifically tell a black story to a black audience.

On self-love:

Self-love is empowering and liberating because it allows you to own who you are wholeheartedly and unapologetically.

Sinach Has Been Nominated For 2020 Dove Awards

The Gospel Music Association has announced the nominees for the 51st Annual GMA Dove Music Awards, and “Way Maker“, the critically-acclaimed song written by the award-winning Sinach has been nominated in three categories.

Sinach has been on the gospel music scene for quite a while now and she is unarguably one of Nigeria’s most successful gospel artists. “Waymaker” originally released in 2016, recently gained massive popularity following performances by The Elevation Worship and other Christian rock bands. Her unique sound and back-to-back hit songs, led her to become the first African to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters Chart.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, she says:

It is encouraging to see how my songs have become impactful in the lives of many who listen to me. “Way Maker” was written when I was facing a challenge and it became a source of encouragement.

Sinach joins a long list of international nominees at this year’s award including Hillsong Worship, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Kanye West, Gloria Gaynor, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and more.

“The GMA is honored to continue its legacy of celebrating our diverse creative community and the music that moves us and ministers to us all, especially during these trying times,” GMA President Jackie Patillo said in a statement.

Winners will be announced on TBN on October 30, and due to COVID-19 restrictions, in lieu of the annual live awards show, the show will consist of pre-recorded performances and acceptance speeches.

Congrats Sinach!

In Inspiration August 14, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGirl | “Don’t Give Importance To What Others Think About You. – Joy Benjamin

Benjamin Joy Abah, also known as Joyben is the first child in a family of six. She is a native of Benue state, Idoma to be precise. She is a 500 level Law student of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Fashion influencer, Youtuber and a pro Makeup artist. She is the CEO of jb_signatures based in Akure, Ondo state.

Her passion lies in inspiring and sharing life experiences while informing, educating and entertaining people.
She believes that fashion does not need to have tangible functionality and one doesn’t need a reason to justify an outfit. Fashion is a personal feeling. She’s a shy person, but also super active when she’s comfortable.

She shares her “Ruby Girl” story in this interview.

1. Who is Joy Benjamin?

I am a 500 level Law student at the Joseph Ayo Babalola University, a makeup artist and also a fashion stylist and enthusiast.

2. Who and what inspired you to be a makeup artiste?

There is always one special thing that sparks the “I wanna be a makeup artist” feeling and that spark came when I was in my first year in the university during our law dinner to be precise. I was in line waiting for my face to beaten. I had to wait before it got to my turn all because I wanted to look beautiful on that day.
It was at first a feeling to satisfy my beauty pleasure before it became a passion and I do not regret it one bit.

My dad actually inspired me too, I mean he has been my number one supporter since day one. Thank you Dad.

3. What inspired you to go into vlogging and what is your Youtube channel all about?

I got the inspiration to start my YouTube channel while I was preparing for a test. And it was at that moment that I discovered that it could actually be a platform where I could freely express my self to the world and also share a lot of tips.

My YouTube channel is basically about beauty, fashion and lifestyle and you can check it out on YouTube “JB Unscripted.”

4. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you as a student and business owner?

The overall impact of COVID-19 pandemic has been undeniable. And unfortunately it has really affected me as a student and as a business owner.
A lot of events have been canceled or rescheduled due to the corona virus which has in a way affected my income, classes have now been held online which hasn’t been easy since we are not used to that method.

In the given circumstances, I’m trying to do the best I can. But trying to manage everything through video calls or by just reading without explanation isn’t always enough.

5. Have you encountered any challenge(s) in your makeup business and YouTube channel? If yes, can you share it/them?

Content. The most challenging element is content.

Like any great content, making a video begins with a concept or an idea.
You must answer the basic questions about the message, the concept and the purpose of your brand.

6. How did you combine your studies with your business before the pandemic began?

Most times, I get to do makeup during the weekends except for some days when people have photoshoots and events during the week then I’d have to reschedule but mostly my makeup classes and makeup sessions are usually during the weekend so I usually have the whole week to myself to study.

7. What has COVID-19 pandemic taught and opened your eyes to?

This corona virus is very dangerous but was successful in teaching me great lessons.
There is nothing serious in our World. So, live as you want to live, to what you want to do. No one knows when it all ends.

8.What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?

If there’s anything I’d like to change about my self is to stop procrastinating so much.

“I would ensure that Judges should be properly screened to ensure that only people of proven integrity are appointed as judicial officers.”

9.List three women who inspire you and why?

When I think of inspirational women, I do not think immediately about those who have achieved success in a leadership role. My mom is my number 1 inspiration in all facets of life. Not only is she my best friend, but she inspires me on a daily basis, it’s hard to even put into words how much I admire her, but I know that if I’m ever having a bad day or need advice, she’ll drop what she’s doing to make sure I’m OK. I’m eternally grateful for our incredibly close relationship, and I hope that one day I’m able to be half as good as a mother (or person) as she is!

Funke Adekoya SAN, a partner at ǼLEX – one of Nigeria’s most prestigious law firms. She is a woman with an undeniably illustrious and successful career. Her ability to take on multiple roles and continue to promote progress in the legal sector and ensure its accessibility to all who are passionate about it makes her particularly unique and special.

Oprah Winifred has always been an inspiration to me. I love her spirit . She is a strong willed woman who has defied age and gender and has been super duper successful. There is a lot to learn from her.

10. If given the chance to be the Chief Justice of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

One day isn’t enough but one thing I’d do is to review all the cases that the public consider unfair and unjust.
I would ensure that Judges should be properly screened to ensure that only people of proven integrity are appointed as judicial officers, but that security agencies should equally monitor them closely and routinely and also judicial officers should abstain from membership of political parties to avoid influence from the political class.
All judicial officers would be adequately remunerated to reduce the excessive craving and likelihood of corruption and finally the practice of the Executive arm of government approving the appointment of Judges would be abolished to reduce the perceived influence of the Governors and President on the judiciary.

11. Did your upbringing in any way prepare you for everything you are into today?

My parents have always thought me to think and act for myself, forced me to learn at an early age to be responsible and hard working. Taught me that our actions and consequences are no one’s responsibility other than our own and that the choices we make directly affect how happy and successful we would be. So, yeah they’d prepare me for everything I am today. Shout out to my parents.

12. Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next 5 years?

That I just don’t give up. Never.

I have built a lot of resilience over the years. In true sense, I can fall seven times, and I would stand up eight.

13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

My advise to them would be that you don’t give importance to what others think about you and move forward. Pay attention, but don’t stay with the limiting information in your head. Chew it and throw out what isn’t helping you thrive and become a better you. There will always be people around you who will not care to see you, those who will choose to say that you can’t achieve what you want just to serve their own frustrations. Those people are already around and will be, throughout your life. Make every effort to recognize them and use their presence to make yourself a better person, who will make the wisest choices in life.

I know this may sound cliche, but love yourself. Have a positive attitude. It’ll really help your self esteem.

In Inspiration August 12, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Krissah Thompson Named The Washington Post’s First Black Female Managing Editor In Its 143-Year History

Krissah Thompson was named managing editor for diversity and inclusion at The Washington Post, making her the first Black woman to hold the title in the company’s 143-year history, The Grio reports.

Thompson is a veteran at The Post, with more than two decades of service under her belt at the news publication. She holds a Bachelors of Journalism degree from University of Texas at Austin and a Masters of Journalism degree from University of Maryland College Park. Thompson has covered various topics from politics to culture with a special emphasis on civil rights and race, receiving multiple awards and accolades for her work.

Under this new role, the Emmy nominee will be tasked with “ensuring significant [and] consistent progress [in the publication’s] coverage of race, ethnicity and identity as well as improved recruitment, retention and career advancement for journalists of color.”

Marty Baron, Executive Editor at The Washington Post, spoke about Thompson’s new appointment, saying, “This is a historic moment in American history and in race relations. It requires us to re-examine our coverage and concentrate resources on the issues of race, ethnicity, and identity that clearly deserve heightened attention.”

As managing editor, Thompson will be responsible for spearheading newsroom efforts in recruiting, hiring, promotion, and mentorship. She took to social media to share the good news, saying, “I’m so excited I get to work!! A diverse staff makes our reporting better. We’re better when we have more perspectives and we can cover communities as deeply and widely as possible.”

Congratulations Krissah!

Photo Courtesy of LaTosha Francis/The Washington Post

In Inspiration August 12, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Senator Kamala Harris Make History As Joe Biden’s Vice Presidential Running Mate

Started from the bottom, now we’re here!

Kamala Harris, the California senator who ended her bid for president earlier this year, has been selected by former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee to be his running mate.

This historic nomination makes Harris the first Black and South Asian woman nominated for vice president by a major political party.

“You make a lot of important decisions as president. But the first one is who you select to be your Vice President,” Biden wrote to supporters Tuesday afternoon. “I’ve decided that Kamala Harris is the best person to help me take this fight to Donald Trump and Mike Pence and then to lead this nation starting in January 2021.”

Born in Oakland and a child of immigrants, Harris, a Howard University graduate and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated, is no stranger to being the first. In 2015, when she ran for the senate an Economist article highlighted her multi-ethnic background and rise to success billing her as the only contender in the race, “daughter of an Indian cancer researcher and a Jamaican economics professor, she is the first woman, first African-American and first Asian attorney general of California.”

Harris has credited both her mother for immersing her in both her cultures and preparing them for the world, “My mother understood very well that she was raising two Black daughters,” she wrote in her autobiography The Truths We Hold. “She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as Black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud Black women.”

After graduating from Howard, Harris went on to obtain a law degree from the University of California, Hasting, then began a career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. After becoming San Francisco’s district attorney in 2003, she served two terms as California’s attorney general becoming a trailblazer in the democratic party before a junior US senator in 2017. She gained nationwide popularity for her sharp question of then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General Willam Barr in pivotal Senate hearings.

Her presidential campaign, “For The People,” was met with initial enthusiasm, but as sentiment lagged she ended her candidacy in December prior to the Iowa primaries in 2020.

Harris endorsed Biden in March saying that she would do “everything in my power to help elect him the next President of the United States.”

In lifestyle August 12, 2020 By Women of Rubies

5 Foods To Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have yours measured. However, a single high reading does not necessarily mean you have high blood pressure.

Many things can affect your blood pressure through the day, so your doctor will take a number of blood pressure readings to see that it stays high over time.

Occasionally people with very high blood pressure say they experience headaches, but it is best to visit your GP if you are concerned about symptoms.

Avoid sugar and salt

You will need to limit your intake of sugar and salt, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat only bland food for the rest of your life.

In general, a healthy person should not consume more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. When it comes to sugar, the main concern is avoiding “added” sugar. Our bodies need sugar to function properly, but most of it should come from sources like whole fruit rather than candy or even juice.

Packaged or processed meats

Packaged meats including hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and lunch meat also rely on sodium to preserve the product for a long time. Instead, buy your meat straight from a butcher to get a fresh product that hasn’t been soaked in a giant vat of saltwater.

Frozen meats

Did you know that the food in frozen meals may have been cooked up to a year before you actually eat it? A massive amount of salt is used to make sure the meal still tastes mostly like food by the time you eat it.

Some brands do use high quality, low sodium recipes, but you will have to pay more. Another option is to prepare several servings of your favorite meals and freeze them yourself in single-serving containers.

Softs drinks

Just one soda per day can push you over your daily recommended limit of added sugars, yet because you drink rather than eating them, they don’t make you feel full or satisfied.

And while caffeinated soda boosts your energy and vitality upon consumption, that feeling is very short lived and leaves you even worse off after the inevitable sugar crash.

Pastries

Cookies, cakes, donuts, and other baked goodies can certainly be a hard habit to break, but they are simply loaded with sugar and fat. However, you may still be able to enjoy pastries in moderation.

When eating out, share one dessert with the whole table. When you cook at home, you can make use of a sugar substitute such as applesauce, dates, or Stevia.

Credit: pulse.ng

In Career Gems August 12, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Woman Born With Two Vaginas And Two Wombs Defies The Odds To Have Miracle Baby

A woman born with two wombs, two cervix and two vaginas has defied the odds to welcome a miracle baby after being told she had a 90% chance of miscarrying.

Eleanor Rowe, 36, discovered she had a rare congenital abnormality that only one in a million women have by accident in 2013. In her early 30s, still single, she decided to freeze her eggs. She went to a London clinic for two harvesting cycles. At the clinic, the sonographer mistakenly thought she had come in for IVF treatment, so a 3D scan of her womb was carried out and it showed an abnormality which led staff to believe she may have two wombs.

She was referred to Princess Alexandra Hospital where an investigative operation revealed she also had two cervix and two vaginas. The condition, known as uterus didelphys, is a rare congenital abnormality that developed when she was a fetus.

She said:

“When I was first told about it I was just really confused. I thought how could I have gone through life and not know? When I would go for smear tests, nothing was picked up. It was just by chance that it was picked up.”

In 2015, doctors removed the wall that divided the vaginas, leaving her with two cervix and wombs. but said she would be unlikely to carry children.

Eleanor said:

“They said getting a baby to full termination would be a process and that every time I would get pregnant it would help to stretch out the womb. I was also told that there was a 90 per cent chance I would miscarry. That was horrific to hear.”

But Eleanor defied the odds when three years later, she married technology consultant Chris and they got pregnant after trying everything to raise their chances.

She said:

“We were also told Japanese black beans were good for fertility. So I was eating them like there was no tomorrow. I tried to revamp my diet too by cutting out processed foods and even changed what cosmetic products I used.”

According to Metro UK, two months after the ceremony, Eleanor fell pregnant in her right and weaker womb. The fetus was attached to the thin dividing wall and she suffered a miscarriage in the first trimester. The baby hadn’t miscarried naturally though, and Eleanor was forced to spend eight hours “giving birth” in the hospital as doctors were reluctant to operate on someone with anatomy like her’s.

Eleanor said:

“Even though I had been warned about the difficulties I would face it was still devastating. But this was the first time it had really hit home and it was a reality. My baby had died but my body hadn’t naturally miscarried.”

When the couple attended a funeral service for their miscarried child, Eleanor discovered she was pregnant again.

Her pregnancy was “high risk” and at 24 weeks, she discovered she had also contracted obstetric cholestasis, a serious liver disorder which can result in stillbirth. But Eleanor beat the odds and gave birth to Imogen Rose via C-section on July 9 2019.

The new mother says she wants to use her story to encourage other women who are struggling to have babies.

Credit: LIB

In Inspiration August 5, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#Rubygirls| “Nigerians Owe Their Hardwork And Persona To Their background” -Oluwafunmilayo Anifowose.

Oluwafunmilayo is a Fashion designer and fashion stylist.she came into the fashion world 8 years ago and has been working professionally for 7 years. She learnt the tailoring out of boredom during her WAEC holidays but eventually derived passion in fashion even though she has always wanted to be a banker since she was a child.

She styled the award winning Movie Director Jade Oshiberu to the AMVCA awards 2 years ago and two of her collections was also on the show this year.
She worked as an assistant costumier on the Sugar Rush movie…
She is passionate about self reliance,independency and industrious.
She is also a chef and a model.
Oluwafunmilayo is a 200 level student of National open university.

She shares her “Ruby Girl” story in this interview.

1. Let’s meet you. Who is Oluwafunmilayo?

My name is Oluwafunmilayo Anifowose; a 22 -year old fashion designer from the western part of Nigeria;lagos to be precise and i’m the Creative Director of Oprah’s cut.

2. What made you venture into the fashion industry?

I got engaged out of boredom after concluding my junior school certificate and the economic state of the nation triggered my action.

3. You fancied being a banker in your childhood days. What made you drop it?

The unemployment rate in the country and the issue of job security and getting a job in nigeria has become worrisome

4. Apart from Fashion designing what other things are you involved in?

Interestingly I’m a certified chef from self reliance catering school and also a certified makeup artist but basically into the fashion business

5. What are the challenges you faced when you started out as an entrepreneur. Do you still experience them? And also how were you able to overcome them?

Basically family members and friends wanting me to do free jobs and i will always work every time with no profit after all the efforts

a) i still experience that sometimes but i stand my grounds never to mix business with pleasure anymore

b)My upgrade in the fashion game and my new personality helped in scaring them from approaching me with free job offers

6. What has the Covid-19 pandemic taught you as an individual, brand and business owner?

It taught me to always have a plan B;to always save for the raining days and the pandemic gave me an avenue to advertise my brand more on social media because everyone was on social media at that time because of boredom and they view and see whatever you post; i took that chance and it increased my client base

7. Challenges young Nigerian fashion designer face? How can it be mitigated?

The major problem young designers face is financial aid to enhance and setting up their brand….it can be mitigated if the government can set up institutions or platforms to help in securing loans and grants

8. What was growing up in a Nigerian home like for you? Did it in anyway contribute to everything you do now?

I believe its a well known fact that we Nigerians are a group of hardworking and highly motivated people and we owe that to the background and nurturing we had from our homes. This notion is a big part of who i am, the values and morals instilled in me by my parents is the backbone of everything i do.

9. If you were to be the President of Nigeria, what would you change?

I would change a lot actually but i think the most important and urgent change is the amendment of the Nigerian constitution which i think is not inline with the need and the reality we face as a country.

10. How do you juggle fashion designing, modeling, chef and studies?

I try not to be overwhelmed by my numerous activities by finding a balance between each passion.

11. Mention 3 women who inspire you and why?

My Mother,Mrs Folorunsho Alakija and Oprah Winfrey, they are goal getters and true definition of strong women.

12. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself already in my future,an international award winning designer, empowering and training thousands of people

13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

Never to relent and always remember you have gone too far to stop pushing.

Women of Rubies