Career Gems Archives

In Career Gems March 13, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Bring back Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to serve, Former Minister tells FG

Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has urged the Federal Government to take steps to bring back Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to serve the country.

Gbagi said Dr. Ngozi wealth of experience, as a consummate economist, can help pull the country out of doldrums and comatose.

Dr. Ngozi who was former minister of finance got recently appointed as a member of the South African Presidential Economic Advisory Council. She is known as a good thought leader in Finance.

Gbagi said, “Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is one Nigerian who has upheld the good image and integrity of the country on an international scale, bringing to bear her immense wealth of experience and expertise.

“There is no arrogance in getting someone to do what you do not know how to do. The reason the country is at a crossroads today, against the norm obtainable in other countries with tested technocrats without blemish, is due to the unbridled attitude of getting people who can hardly run a community of 30 people to run a government.

“This is the singular reason the nation is stagnant.

“We have qualified men and women and if we must get it right, they must be given the avenue to tender their best because no matter how much of a hue and cry we engage in, life and time are running out.

“The clock is ticking and no sensible human being will allow his God’s given gift to be wasted by jokers.

“Hence, if you allow a man, who has no investment in any form or shape, to take charge of a serious-minded venture such as governance and leadership, we would run into problems.”

In Career Gems February 27, 2020 By Women of Rubies

This Nigerian judge now controls traffic in Abuja, reveals how hit-and-run driver took her son’s life

Following the murder of her son by a hit-and-run driver, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, now spends part of her time controlling traffic.

She undoubtedly believes many drovers in Nigeria do not understand the rules of driving. Aside ensuring free flow of vehicles, she also visits motor parks to educate drivers

Justice Monica is not just a judge of the appeal court in Nigeria, she is much likely to be the next possible president of the appellate judicial arm of government as Zainab Bulkachuwa, the current head, prepares for retirement. Impressively, she does this during her spare time.

The 62-year-old senior judge does this voluntarily.

The senior judge, however, has a dark memory she has nursed for about eight years – her son was killed by a hit-and-run driver – and as a result, she thinks she can play a major role in changing the psyche of Nigerian drivers and ensuring proper knowledge of the road.

Dongban-Mensem laments that because many drivers in the country are not patient, some of them have caused accidents that have sometimes been fatal.

While speaking with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), she said she never knew the driver behind her son’s death, but it is her determination to touch as many road users as she can.

Despite her position in the country, she has spent time a visiting bus parks for the enlightenment of drivers.

She revealed that her experience with the drivers had shown that most of them do not understand road signs nor have the proper training needed to carry out their daily activities.

Therefore to further boost her resolve, the judge now has a foundation named after her late son and with the aim of enlightening drivers. She further has a plan to create a driving school for would-be commercial drivers.

She also said she spent weeks with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) training to control traffic before she ventured into the practice as a warden.

Her son, who she called Kwapda’as Dongban, was 32 years old when he died in 2011 at a busy area in Jos, Plateau state.

She said her son, a law graduate from the University of Jos, was in Plateau for his certificate when the incident happened. He broke his two legs, was left without assistance as he groaned in pains till he lost the chance to live.

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In Career Gems February 19, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Dakore Akande Covers The Annivesary Issue Of Genevieve Magazine

Photo Credit:

Photography: @theseyekehinde

Styling & Wardrobe: @s.b.youme

Creative Direction: @sonia_irabor

Hair: @zubbydefinition

Make-Up: @bimpeonakoya

In Career Gems February 16, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Why Minority Women Now Control Almost Half Of All Women-Running Businesses In America

A Snapchat changed Vandra Caldwell‘s life.

Last year, her friend Trishona Helm was visiting L.A. from their native Omaha and snapped Caldwell a picture of rolled ice cream–which is rolls of ice cream placed vertically in a cup, finished off with various sweet toppings.

In August, they invested $10,000 of their savings and a $30,000 loan into launching Mixins Rolled Ice Cream in downtown Omaha. By the end of October, the business had generated $100,000 in sales–and Caldwell is already planning to create a rooftop ice cream bar at Mixins next summer as well as mulling franchising the business.

Caldwell has a lot of company: Nearly 63 percent of women financed their businesses from their own savings, according to the 2018 State of Women and Entrepreneurship survey of 279 women. Compare that to versus 43 percent of surveyed Inc. 5000 CEOs.

Caldwell, a 25-year-old biracial single mother with three kids, previously worked at a news station and childcare learning center. She sees her business as a means to provide a better life for her kids, even as it forces her to juggle competing demands. One vivid memory for Caldwell is signing the loan before going straight into labor the next day.

Her parents would help take care of the kids. But that meant she couldn’t see her children for more than a few days at a time–and would often turn to her business partner for a shoulder to cry on. In this, too, Caldwell isn’t alone. Spending time away from family is one of the biggest sacrifices female founders cited in our survey.

“I’m just trying to make a sacrifice now,” she says. “I’m trying to make a better life for them in the future.”

The face of female entrepreneurship is becoming a lot less white. Minority women control 44 percent of women-owned businesses in the United States, up from 20 percent in 1997, according to Census data and projections by research firm Womenable–even though “there’s this notion that we don’t exist,” says Esosa Ighodaro, founder of the social media shopping app CoSign and the networking organization Black Women Talk Tech. “Entrepreneurship is very lonely and even lonelier in minority communities.”

Even so, minority women are starting up businesses at much a faster rate than their white counterparts. While the number of white women-owned businesses grew 40 percent from 1997 to 2016, those owned by black and Hispanic women showed much higher growth rates at 518 percent and 452 percent, respectively, according to the analyzed data.

Researchers attribute this burst of entrepreneurial activity to both educational progress and economic necessity. “Women have been taking control, frankly, for centuries,” says Kathy McShane of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership. “But now we’re talking about it.”

But one of the biggest hurdles women–particularly, minority women–continue to face is “access to capital,” says Margot Dorfman, CEO of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Part of it has to do with the industry in which women are founding businesses. According to a 2016 report from the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the majority of women-owned businesses are in the service industry.

Men still get the vast majority of venture capital–only 2 percent of all VC funding goes to U.S.-based female-only founder teams, according to PitchBook. But an uptick in female-focused funds is “encouraging women of color to enter the field,” says Miriam Rivera, co-founder of Palo Alto, California-based Ulu Ventures. She says that more women-led VC firms have become more public about their portfolios having larger percentages of women CEOs. According to our survey, 38 percent of the women who raised money sought out female investors; they cited female investors’ better understanding of their target market as a key reason.

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In Career Gems February 13, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Transcorp Plc Appoints 4 Extra Ordinary Women At The Helm Of Affairs

These four women where appointed by Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp). Transcorp is Nigeria’s leading listed industrial holding company.

The women include, Owen Omogiafo Dupe Olusola, Helen Iwuchukwu, and Okaima Ohizua

Owen Omogiafo was appointed as President/GCEO of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, with effect from March 25, 2020. She succeeds Valentine Ozigbo, who is retiring to pursue a career in public service, having served Transcorp for close to a decade.

“What I found is everything you do in life prepares you for the next step.”–Olusola Modupe. Dupe was also appointed as the MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, effective from March 25, 2020. She is currently the Group Head, Marketing at United Bank for Africa Plc. She has over 21 years of corporate experience including MD/CEO of Teragro Juice Concentrate Plant. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Leicester and a Masters in Development Economics from the University of Kent.

The Board of Transcorp Hotels Plc approved the appointment of Helen Iwuchukwu as an Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of the company. She is currently the Group Company Secretary of Transcorp Plc. She holds an LL. B. (Hons) degree in Law and was enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1993 (BL Hons) and holds a Master of Laws degree (LL. M.) from Middlesex University Business School, London.

The Board of Transcorp Power Ltd also approved the appointment of Okaima Ohizua as Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of Transcorp Power Ltd. She is currently Executive Director, Customer Services at Transcorp Hotels Plc. She has over 25 years of working experience and has been key to the continued service transformation at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, since joining the Board and Management in 2013.

In Career Gems February 11, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Normalizing Black Hair! ‘Hair Love’ Movie Wins An Oscar

HairLove wins Best Animated Short Film at the #Oscars. This is no doubt a representation of how the natural ‘kinky’ hair is becoming acceptable in the female community.

This amazing movie is about a Black father and his daughter, Zuri, who both take on an incredible journey into styling the little girl’s hair for a special event. Oh, and it’s Daddy’s first time with the comb and hair grease.

Directed by Matthew A. Cherry, and producer, Karen Rupert Toliver, who are officially Oscar winners, taking home the gold statue for Best Animated Short.

Currently, in 47 states, it’s completely legal to fire, suspend and expel someone for the natural hair, including dreads, braids, afros, etc.

“We wanted to normalize Black hair. There’s a very important issue out there, it’s called the CROWN Act and we can help get this passed in all 50 states.”

“We have so many people that worked hard on this, it was a labor of love. We have a firm belief that representation matters deeply, especially in cartoons because in cartoons and movies it’s how we shape our lives and how we see the world,” Rupert Toliver said on the podium.

Cherry used his brief time to raise awareness around the need to pass a federal CROWN Act that would make it illegal for people to be fired or suspended from school because of how they choose to wear their natural hair. Currently, the only states to have passed their own version of the CROWN Act are California, New York, and New Jersey.

“Hair Love was done so to see more representation in animation. We wanted to normalize Black hair. There’s a very important issue out there, it’s called the CROWN Act and we can help get this passed in all 50 states and help stories like Deandre Arnold, who’s our special guest tonight, to stop that [from happening,” Cherry said.

He concluded with dedicating his award to the late Kobe Bryant.

“May we all have a second act as great as his was.”

This will bring back memory of our fathers or father figures had to take on this task with our crown and glories.

Congratulations!

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In Career Gems February 10, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Mercy Aigbe Shares Her Horrific Marriage Experience | Advises Women

Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has opined that marriage which many women see as achievement is highly overrated.

The single mother of two, who got separated from her husband, Lanre Gentry, in 2018, amidst allegations of domestic violence, said mothers usually brought up women to take whatever their partners did to them, all because they wanted to stay married.

In a lengthy YouTube video, Mercy Aigbe who has been married twice while replying to all the questions her fans asked on Instagram, explained how she survived to put many thing together as a single mother.

While narrating her marital ordeal, Aigbe said, “Our mothers brought us up, as women, to take whatever our partners do to us. They tell us to take it because we want to remain in a man’s house. To me, it is not an achievement.

“Let’s just say as it is– marriage is overrated. It takes two people to make it work; it’s not just about the women. But, everybody keeps heaping all the responsibilities on the woman. That shouldn’t be,” she said.

Talking about the horrible assaults she faced, Aigbe said, “The first time the slap came, it felt like I was dreaming. I wasn’t expecting it, and I was shocked beyond words. I didn’t know it was going to happen but it happened. The begging would then come after that.

“Once a man raises his hand to hit you, he is going to do it over and again. However, because it was my second attempt (at marriage), I was ready to make it work, even with all the violence. I was there hoping and praying. I just wanted a happy home.

“The incident that broke the camel’s back was the one where I almost died. The beating was horrible. People often say actresses don’t want to remain married. Who told them that? (You think) being a celebrity doesn’t make me human? Does (being a celebrity) mean I don’t want to have a happy home? They say actresses are promiscuous but promiscuity is not (the exclusive preserve of) any profession. When mine (break-up) happened, it wasn’t easy because I am a celebrity. I read a lot of things online. Some people even said I made it up. But, nobody can dictate to me how to live my life.”

The actress also noted that religion doesn’t encourage women to speak up when they are assaulted by their husbands.

“I have been through domestic violence and I came out strong. I would love to see the end of domestic violence in society. It wasn’t easy for me because society always shames one. Everybody believes if one is experiencing domestic violence, one has to be patient as a woman and take it all to remain in one’s husband’s house.

“A lot of people have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. And religion is not helping. An assaulted woman could go to her pastor and the cleric would say, ‘Oh madam, you need to keep praying’. Is it until she loses her life?” she asked.

Source PM News

In Career Gems June 29, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

6-Year-Old Nigerian Branded Most Beautiful Girl In The World To Model In London Fashion Week

Most beautiful girl in the world, Jare Ijalana, has nothing but good news two years after going viral .The little girl who is already in London will walk the runway during their fashion week alongside other models – Jare told her young fans through social media that they can achieve anything.

In 2018, a modest Nigerian family identified as the Ijalanas woke up to news that forever changed their lives. A simple photo shoot turned them into instant celebrities and propelled them to greater heights.

Two years later, Jare Ijalana, their daughter, can proudly say she will walk the much coveted London Fashion Week runway.

In 2018, photographer Mofe Bamuyiwa posted a snippet of sisters Jare, Jomi and Joba without expecting it to cause too much fuss. However, within a couple of hours, she learnt the three girls broke the internet. International news outlets were baffled by the natural, flawless beauty in the photos and tirelessly searched for the three kids.

Jare especially had people thinking she represented perfection and grace. Just shortly after becoming an instant celebrity, the phones started ringing. Jare became a model and gigs started streaming in. Celebrities across the world wished they could meet the little girl even for a day and just stare at her bewitching face for a second.

Big congrats to you young Queen. Go and conquer the world.

In Career Gems February 8, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Genevieve Nnaji Graced The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards

For the thirteenth year, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood shined a light on Black women in cinema and television. Genevieve Nnaji was in attendance fitted in a simple gown at the red carpet.

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood had the best of black Hollywood celebs with all our faves, from Yvonne Orji to Billy Potter and Kerry Washington and ‘Clemency’ star Alfre Woodard attending.

The luncheon held on Thursday,February 6,2020 in Beverly Hills.

Check out photos of her from the event:

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 2020 13th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

In Career Gems February 7, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Viola Davis Plays Michelle Obama In New Series Titled ‘First Ladies’

Viola Davis will play former First Lady Michelle Obama in a new one-hour drama series called First Ladies that Showtime just picked up. The Emmy, Oscar and Tony winner will also serve as an executive producer.

The series will be executive produced by Julius Tennon, Oscar winner Cathy Schulman, Jeff Gaspin, Brad Kaplan.Produced by Showtime and Lionsgate Television.

Author Aaron Cooley, who created the series, will also write and executive produce.

The announcement was made today by Jana Winograde, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.

In the East Wing of the White House, many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic first ladies.

This series will display the personal and political lives of these enigmatic women.

The first season will be focusing on Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama.

“Throughout our history, presidents’ spouses have wielded remarkable influence, not only on the nation’s leaders but on the country itself.” said Winograde.

“First Ladies fits perfectly within the Showtime wheelhouse of drama and politics, revealing how much personal relationships impact both domestic and global events.

“Having Viola Davis play Michelle Obama is a dream come true, and we couldn’t be luckier to have her extraordinary talent to help launch this series.”

Career Gems