Women of Rubies
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Amanda Parris
In Inspiration By

Amanda Parris Is Redefining Black Storytelling in Canada

Storytelling shapes memory, culture, and power. When Black stories are told with care, context, and intention, they become tools for preservation, resistance, and transformation. Few voices in Canadian media embody this responsibility as thoughtfully and consistently as Amanda Parris.

Amanda Parris is an award-winning Canadian broadcaster, writer, playwright, and cultural curator whose work has helped reshape how Black stories are told and received across Canada. Through journalism, television, theatre, and documentary storytelling, she has created space for Black voices to be heard without dilution or compromise.

A Career Rooted in Culture and Curiosity

Amanda is an arts reporter and producer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Over the years, she has hosted and contributed to several CBC platforms, including The Filmmakers, Exhibitionists, From the Vaults, and the CBC Music radio series Marvin’s Room. Her work spans television, radio, digital media, and live cultural conversations, positioning her as one of the most respected cultural commentators in the country.

She also writes Black Light, a weekly column for CBC Arts that explores Black creativity, identity, and cultural expression with depth and insight. In 2016, she co-hosted the Polaris Music Prize ceremony alongside Tom Power, further cementing her role as a trusted voice within Canada’s arts and music landscape.

Storytelling Beyond the Screen

Amanda’s impact extends far beyond broadcasting. In 2017, her debut theatrical play, Other Side of the Game, was staged by Toronto’s Obsidian Theatre and Cahoots Theatre. The play offered a deeply nuanced exploration of Black womanhood, ambition, and identity. After being published in book form, it went on to win the Governor General’s Award for English-language drama in 2019.

Her work continued to evolve across mediums. Other Side of the Game was later adapted into a three-part release for the theatre podcast PlayME in 2021, expanding its reach to new audiences.

Another notable work, The Death News, written by Amanda and directed by the late Charles Officer, is a filmed stage monodrama set in a near-future where premature Black death is treated as inevitable. Commissioned as part of 21 Black Futures, an anthology series for CBC Gem, the piece responds to the question of what the future of Blackness looks like. Inspired by radio death announcements in Grenada, Amanda envisioned the work as a form of resistance to mainstream media’s failure to tell nuanced and humane Black stories.

Education, Advocacy, and Cultural Leadership

Before joining CBC, Amanda co-founded Lost Lyrics alongside Natasha Daniels, an arts education initiative that used theatre, poetry, dance, music, and film to engage youth at risk of dropping out of school. This early work reflects a consistent thread throughout her career: storytelling as a tool for empowerment and social change.

In 2022, Amanda was recognized with the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Changemaker Award, alongside Kathleen Newman-Bremang and Kayla Grey. She has also received multiple accolades for her work, including recognition for Best Writing in a Web Program for The Death News.

That same commitment to innovation continued with projects such as Revenge of the Black Best Friend, a comedy web series she created in 2022, and the launch of For the Culture with Amanda Parris in 2024. The documentary series profiles pressing issues within Black culture, continuing her mission to center Black voices with honesty and care.

Honouring Her Impact This Black History Month

Women of Rubies celebrates Amanda Parris for her unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural preservation. Her work reminds us that representation is not just about visibility, but about intention, integrity, and truth.

By centering Black stories across platforms and generations, Amanda Parris continues to redefine what it means to tell stories that matter, stories that endure, and stories that truly belong to the people they represent.

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Cynthia Mwangi
In Inspiration By

Cynthia Mwangi Is Redefining Strategic Communications Across Media, Brands, Public Influence

In an era where visibility, trust, and narrative control define brand success, Cynthia Mwangi stands out as a force shaping how stories are told, received, and sustained across Africa’s media landscape.

A multifaceted PR, Marketing, and Communications expert, Cynthia brings nearly two decades of experience spanning broadcast journalism, digital marketing, inbound strategy, and high-impact communications. Her career reflects not only longevity, but evolution, adapting with intention as media, audiences, and platforms continue to shift.

Leading Brand Strategy in Broadcast Media

Cynthia currently serves as Brand Manager at Hot 96 and Deputy Radio Digital Manager at Royal Media Services Ltd, Kenya’s leading media house. In this role, she operates at the intersection of content, operations, revenue, and digital growth.

Her responsibilities include overseeing programming and station operations, driving revenue generation, and leading the development and execution of station-specific digital and social media strategies. Through her leadership, Cynthia ensures brand consistency, relevance, and audience engagement across both traditional broadcast and digital platforms.

Her work reflects a deep understanding that modern media success is no longer siloed,it requires cohesion between on-air storytelling, online engagement, and measurable business outcomes.

Cynthia Mwangi

Building Brands With Intention Through Cyn Communications

Beyond broadcast, Cynthia is the founder of Cyn Communications, a strategic communications firm dedicated to elevating brand reputation and driving meaningful engagement.

Through her consultancy, she partners with organizations, public figures, and institutions to design and execute innovative communications strategies that align visibility with purpose. Her expertise spans:

  • Media relations and brand positioning

  • Political campaign communications management

  • Crisis communications and reputation management

  • Social media strategy and execution

What sets Cynthia apart is her ability to navigate both traditional and digital channels, using each strategically to amplify reach while maintaining message integrity.

Recognition Rooted in Impact

In 2024, Cynthia Mwangi was recognized as one of the Top Women in PR by the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), an acknowledgment that reflects not just professional excellence, but her influence in shaping ethical, effective, and future-forward communications.

Her work demonstrates that strong storytelling is not about noise, but about clarity, strategy, and trust.

A Woman of Rubies

As a Woman of Rubies, Cynthia Mwangi represents leadership grounded in expertise, adaptability, and service. Her career is a reminder that communications is not just about visibility, it’s about shaping narratives that move industries, influence public perception, and create lasting impact.

Through media, strategy, and mentorship, Cynthia continues to redefine what it means to lead with purpose in an ever-evolving communications landscape.

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Black Canadian Creators
In Inspiration By

Sherley Joseph: Building Space, Story for Black Canadian Creators

Sherley Joseph is a Canadian podcaster, media producer, and community builder whose work has helped shape the landscape of Black Canadian storytelling for more than a decade. Through audio, publishing, and community-led platforms, she has consistently centred culture, identity, and lived experience, creating space for voices that are too often overlooked.

With over 10 years of experience in audio storytelling and digital media, Sherley is best known as the creator and co-host of The Sherley and Clove Podcast. What began as a conversation-driven platform has grown into a cultural archive of more than 800 episodes, exploring everyday life, Black identity, creativity, and the nuances of lived experience through honest dialogue.

Building Black Canadian Creators

Over the past 3–4 years, Sherley has expanded her impact through Black Canadian Creators, a national media platform and community dedicated to spotlighting Black Canadian creatives, independent media, and cultural storytelling. The platform serves as both a visibility engine and a connector, linking creators to opportunities, resources, and pathways for sustainable growth.

Through publishing, podcasting, events, and strategic partnerships, Black Canadian Creators has become a trusted space where stories are amplified with intention, care, and cultural context. At its core is Sherley’s belief that creators deserve not only exposure, but ownership, agency, and longevity in their work.

Amplifying Northern Voices in Podcasting

Sherley is also the founder of BlkPodNews: Northern Voices, a platform committed to amplifying podcasting and independent audio storytelling across Canada. By highlighting creators and stories from across the country, BlkPodNews challenges dominant narratives and expands what Canadian media looks and sounds like.

Her work in audio storytelling extends into live spaces as well. Sherley serves as a co-organizer and curator of The Soundwave Summit, a national conference focused on podcasting, community building, and creative entrepreneurship. The summit brings together storytellers, producers, and media professionals to learn, connect, and build together.

Recognition and Impact

In 2024, Sherley was selected as one of 20 independent digital newsrooms for the CJF Digital Catalyst: Mentorship for Independent News, as part of the inaugural cohort of the CJF NextGen Creator-Journalists program. The recognition reflects her long-standing commitment to independent media, ethical storytelling, and community-centred journalism.

Black Canadian Creators

A Woman of Rubies

Sherley Joseph embodies what it means to be a Woman of Rubies, leading with consistency, care, and cultural clarity. Her work is rooted in community, driven by purpose, and sustained by a deep respect for the power of story. Through sound, platform-building, and collaboration, she continues to create spaces where Black Canadian voices are heard, valued, and preserved.

As media continues to evolve, Sherley remains committed to building ecosystems, not just platforms, where creators can thrive on their own terms.

Learn more about Sherley’s work on her website and Instagram page

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Ruth E. Carter
In Inspiration By

Ruth E. Carter Makes Oscar History as the Most-Nominated Black Woman Ever

The legendary costume designer has earned her fifth Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design for her work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, officially making her the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history across any category. With this milestone, Carter extends a legacy that has not only shaped cinema but also paved the way for future generations of Black creatives.

Before this year’s nomination, Carter was tied with Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis at four nominations. She now stands alongside Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman, each with five nominations, ranking among the most-recognized Black creatives in Oscar history. Only Quincy Jones (seven nominations) and Denzel Washington (nine nominations) stand ahead.

A Career Rooted in Cultural Storytelling

Ruth E. Carter is widely celebrated for her ability to use costume as storytelling, honoring history, culture, and identity through design. Her work has consistently elevated Black narratives on screen, most notably in Black Panther (2018), for which she became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for costume design. Her nomination for Sinners further solidifies her role as a cultural architect in film.

In this year’s Best Costume Design category, Carter joins an accomplished group of nominees including Deborah L. Scott (Avatar: Fire and Ash), Kate Hawley (Frankenstein), Malgosia Turzanska (Hamnet), and Miyako Belizzi (Marty Supreme).

Breaking Barriers and Earning Oscars

Carter’s work on Marvel’s Black Panther marked a watershed moment in cinema. The costumes were more than outfits, they were symbols of pride, power, and identity, rooted in Afrofuturism and rich African tradition. For this achievement, she became the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

She repeated that historic win with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category, a distinction that cements her legacy while spotlighting how rarely Black designers have been recognized at Hollywood’s highest levels.

Now, with her fifth Oscar nomination — this time for her work on the period-rich Sinners, Carter has surpassed legendary actresses and creatives to hold the record for the most nominations of any Black woman in Oscar history.

Design Philosophy: Culture, Respect, and Visual Truth

Carter’s approach to costume design centers on truth and representation. For Sinners, set in the early 20th-century American South, she described her work as an act of cultural preservation, using clothing to protect and reflect the lived realities of Black working-class life rather than merely embellishing characters. This level of nuance and historical sensitivity has defined her career.

Her designs don’t just dress actors; they tell their stories. Whether it’s the vibrancy of African-inspired regalia or the layered texture of Depression-era clothing, each piece becomes a visual narrative that deepens audience engagement with the story.

More Than an Oscar Nominee: A Cultural Legacy

Beyond the Oscars, Carter’s contributions extend to education and inspiration. Her memoir, The Art of Ruth E. Carter, chronicles her creative journey and creative philosophy. Her work has been featured in traveling exhibitions exploring Afrofuturism in Costume Design, showcasing how cinematic costume can reflect identity and imagination.

She also serves on the Academy’s Board of Governors for the Costume Designers Branch, helping shape the future of the industry and championing greater diversity in storytelling.

Celebrating Legacy, Visibility, and Impact

Ruth E. Carter’s achievement is more than a personal milestone, it is a reminder of the power of sustained excellence and representation. Her work has not only shaped cinematic worlds but has also expanded what visibility looks like for Black women behind the scenes.

At Women of Rubies, we celebrate moments like these because they reflect the very essence of our mission: honoring women who break barriers, build legacies, and redefine what leadership and creativity look like on a global stage.

Ruth E. Carter’s legacy is still unfolding, and history is watching.

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Esther Ojo_Duura Fits
In Inspiration By

Esther Ojo Launches DUURA, Premium Medical Apparel Brand Redefining Performance in Healthcare

Esther Ojo, a Canada-based registered nurse, cultural entrepreneur, and community wellness advocate, has officially launched DUURA, a premium medical and professional apparel brand designed for individuals who spend long hours on their feet, working under pressure and constantly in motion.

Built at the intersection of design, technology, and function, DUURA was created to meet the real-world demands of healthcare professionals and performance-driven individuals who require more from what they wear, without compromising comfort, structure, or style.

At the core of the brand is Motion Engine™, DUURA’s proprietary performance system that guides how each garment is shaped, how fabrics stretch and recover, and how long-lasting comfort is maintained through extended shifts and high-demand environments. Every seam, fabric choice, and silhouette is intentional, engineered to support movement, confidence, and endurance.

“DUURA was born from my lived experience in healthcare,” says Ojo.
“I know what it feels like to work long, demanding shifts while constantly moving. I wanted to build apparel that truly supports the body, not just aesthetically, but functionally and sustainably.”

Unlike trend-driven fashion labels, DUURA is built on systems, not seasons. The brand focuses on longevity and performance, creating garments that adapt to stress, movement, and real-world use while maintaining structure over time.

Introducing DUURAFIT

DUURA’s flagship performance collection, DUURAFIT, is designed for high-demand environments where mobility, durability, and function are essential. Powered by the Motion Engine™ Performance System, the collection features ergonomic patterning, technical fabrics, and functional design details engineered to support full-range movement throughout long and demanding shifts.

The DUURAFIT collection is built to perform under pressure — without sacrificing comfort or form.

A Founder Rooted in Purpose and Community

Beyond her career in nursing, Esther Ojo is the founder of Teoafrocarib Market, a cultural store that celebrates African and Caribbean culinary traditions while serving as a hub of identity and belonging for immigrant communities. Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to service, culture, and community empowerment.

“DUURA represents care in motion,” Ojo adds.
“It’s a reflection of my belief that the people who give so much of themselves deserve apparel that supports them at every step.”

A true Woman of Rubies, Esther Ojo continues to lead with compassion, excellence, and purpose. With the launch of DUURA, she introduces a new standard in performance apparel, one that honours the resilience and dedication of professionals who show up every day under pressure.

Learn more about Duura here

Follow Duura on Instagram here 

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Nifemi Fagbphun_Montreal Vendors
In Inspiration By

How Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun Is Empowering Women Through Beauty, Business, Leadership

Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, five-time bestselling author, and internationally trained Chemical and Polymer Engineer. With two decades of cross-industry experience, she has built a remarkable career that blends innovation, beauty, and empowerment. Her journey reflects the power of passion and purpose in driving transformation for women around the world.

Building a Community of 17,000 Entrepreneurs

As the Founder and Director of Montreal Vendors, Niffy leads a thriving network of more than 17,000 entrepreneurs in Quebec. Through this platform, she champions visibility, economic access, and cultural inclusion for small businesses and creatives. Her leadership has positioned Montreal Vendors as one of Canada’s most dynamic ecosystems for diverse entrepreneurs.

Redefining Beauty Through Safe and Sustainable Practices

Niffy is also the visionary behind Niffy Signature, a vegan, cruelty-free beauty brand that prioritizes health, safety, and sustainability. Through her work, she has empowered over 15,000 women globally by providing education, training, and access to safe beauty products. Her dedication to ethical entrepreneurship extends to the Niffy Wellness Foundation, a nonprofit advancing beauty health, mentorship, and wellness education for women and girls in underserved communities.

Global Recognition and Impact

Niffy’s groundbreaking work has been featured in major media outlets such as CityNews Montreal, Ticker News Australia, and The Guardian Nigeria. Her contributions to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment have earned her numerous awards, including the Canadian Choice Awards (2024 & 2025) for Health and Beauty, Top 100 Black Women of Excellence to Watch in Canada (2023), and the Global Entrepreneurs Award (2025).

Leadership, Mentorship, and Global Advocacy

Beyond her businesses, Niffy serves on leadership teams with Playmas Montreal, CDNBCA, Gemstar School of Excellence, and Black Engineers of Canada. As a proud member of the Forbes Women Network, she uses her platform to mentor women and advocate for inclusivity in leadership.

A dynamic international speaker, she has delivered presentations across Canada, Nigeria, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, inspiring audiences with her message of confidence, purpose, and wellness.

Confidence and Purpose

Through her foundation, bestselling book Your Beauty Police, and global advocacy, Niffy continues to create safer, more inclusive spaces for women and girls. Her life’s work embodies the essence of empowerment — proving that beauty, business, and leadership can all coexist when rooted in purpose and integrity.

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Adejisola Atiba
In Inspiration By

HRH Adejisola Atiba: Visionary Leader and Advocate for Change

When you hear the name HRH Adejisola Atiba, you immediately think of a woman who embodies leadership, purpose, and a relentless drive for community impact. Recently crowned Obaantapaa Nana Akosua Mpontuemaa 1 (Queen Mother) by Nana Atta Kakra IX of the Gomoa Ojobi Traditional Area in the Central Region of Ghana, and nominated by HRH King Nana Yaw Osam I, Adejisola is not just a leader in her community; she is a symbol of transformation and resilience.

A Leader With a Vision

With over 30 years in the financial services industry, including 17 years with RBC, Adejisola currently serves as a Community Manager, supporting four branches. Her role is more than just a title—it’s about fostering growth, connecting internal and external centers of influence, and serving as an integrator within her organization. Prior to this position, Adejisola was the Manager, Financial Planning Associate, GTR, where she led a team of 53 associates and supported nearly 300 financial planners. Her strategic insights, training initiatives, and leadership qualities were instrumental in shaping onboarding programs that were eventually adopted at the national level.

Her career journey at RBC has been dynamic. From financial planner to branch manager, she has worn many hats, all with the same goal: to build future leaders. Adejisola’s passion for leadership development is evident in every role she takes on, and her drive to mentor and uplift others is a testament to her purpose-driven approach.

An Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion

Adejisola’s impact extends far beyond her corporate achievements. As a community advocate and changemaker, she has been a steering committee member of the Federation of Black Canadians and a dedicated volunteer with organizations such as JA Central Ontario, Access Employment, and TRIEC. Her leadership in these spaces demonstrates her commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

She is also the founder of the Council of Nigerian Professionals and the African Caribbean Council of Halton, both of which aim to create platforms for professionals from underrepresented communities to thrive and connect. Her community service is not just a responsibility—it’s a calling. Adejisola has also served as a board member of the Rotary Club of Milton and the United Way Halton and Hamilton, driving initiatives that uplift and empower the communities she serves.

A Lifelong Learner and Educator

Education is at the core of Adejisola’s values. She recently completed an EMBA in Digital Transformation from the prestigious DeGroote Business School, further expanding her expertise to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology. Adejisola holds multiple educational and professional certificates, continuously upskilling to stay ahead of industry trends and inspire others to embrace lifelong learning.

A Powerful Voice in Print and on Stage

In April 2022, Adejisola published her first book, “Authenticity: How My Why Me Moments Shaped My Life.” The non-fiction work delves into her personal journey, offering readers insight into how life’s challenging moments can be transformative and empowering. Through her storytelling, she inspires individuals at various stages of their lives to find strength and purpose in their unique paths. Currently, she is working on her second book, “Be Limitless,” which promises to be a beacon of motivation for anyone striving to achieve greatness.

As a TEDx Speaker, motivational speaker, and lifestyle coach, Adejisola’s words have reached audiences far and wide, challenging conventional boundaries and advocating for a mindset of limitless possibilities.

Recognition and Accolades

Adejisola’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her tireless work in the community and her professional excellence. Her accolades reflect her ability to balance her various roles—as a business leader, community advocate, and cultural icon—while making a lasting impact on those around her.

Family and Personal Life

Amidst all her professional achievements and community engagements, Adejisola remains grounded in her values. She is a dedicated wife and mother, drawing strength from her family and channeling it into every aspect of her life and work. Her authenticity, empathy, and unwavering commitment make her not just a role model, but a pillar of strength and inspiration for many.

Looking Ahead

With a mission to uplift, educate, and inspire, HRH Adejisola Atiba is not just living her purpose—she’s redefining what it means to be a changemaker in today’s world. From corporate boardrooms to community halls, and book pages to public stages, Adejisola’s influence is felt across borders and industries. As she prepares to launch her upcoming book and continues to lead with grace and vision, her story serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is about being authentic, purposeful, and limitless.

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May-Marie Duwai-Sowa
In Inspiration By

May-Marie Duwai-Sowa: Sierra Leone’s Trailblazing Special Envoy Driving International Relations, Trade, Investment

May-Marie Duwai-Sowa is a dynamic leader dedicated to building bridges between nations. Appointed on February 6, 2023, by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, she became Sierra Leone’s first Special Envoy for International Relations, Trade, and Investment. In this historic role, she represents Sierra Leone in Canada and internationally, cultivating diplomatic ties and creating meaningful partnerships to enhance trade and investment opportunities for her country.

Champion of Equity and Inclusion

With an extensive career spanning public institutions, academia, and community organizations, May-Marie is widely recognized for her expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights. She has worked with marginalized communities including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ groups, using collaborative and innovative approaches to address systemic barriers.

Her work is grounded in an intersectional lens and a trauma-informed, victim-centered approach to conflict resolution, dialogue, and mediation—demonstrating her commitment to justice and transformational social change.

Professional Impact Across Sectors

May-Marie has held influential roles including:

  • Employment Equity Specialist at McMaster University

  • Accessibility and Equity Specialist with the City of Hamilton

  • Economic Development Adviser with Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs

  • Community Developer at Hamilton’s Centre for Civic Inclusion

  • Family Service Specialist with the Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey

  • Refugee Case Manager with Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey

She also leads as Principal Consultant at SierraCan Consulting (Canada) and SalPro Consulting (Sierra Leone), while serving as Founder and President of SierraCan Institute, CEO of Juvèm Hospitality Inc., Founder and Publisher of Illuminessence Magazine, and Founding Member and Mentor of Illuminating Ladies.

Academic Excellence and Lifelong Learning

Her academic journey is just as impressive. She holds:

  • Honors BA in Sociology – Rider University (USA)

  • MA in Sociology and International Development – University of Guelph (Canada)

  • Executive Leadership Certificates – McMaster University (Canada)

  • Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Public Management and Leadership

She has also completed several professional development programs in Canada and the United States.

Recognition and Awards

May-Marie’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:

  • Miss Fourah Bay College (University of Sierra Leone)

  • Sociological Award for Social Commitment (Rider University)

  • Diversity Champion Award (Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion)

  • Bravo Excellence Award (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs)

  • 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Honoree (2020)

Balancing Leadership and Family

Beyond her professional and diplomatic commitments, May-Marie is a devoted mother of two. She continues to balance her roles in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy while raising her family in Canada.

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Council of Nigerian Profressionals in Canada_Esther Ijewere
In Inspiration By

Esther Ijewere Honored by Council of Nigerian Professionals in Canada

On September 5th, 2025, Esther Ijewere, social impact storyteller, media strategist, and founder of Women of Rubies, was honored by the Council of Nigerian Professionals in Canada (CNPC). The award celebrates her outstanding contributions to media, advocacy, and the empowerment of women and professionals of African heritage.

Esther, who has spent more than a decade telling transformative stories and amplifying voices, dedicated the award to the mentors who paved the way.

“I dedicate this recognition to my media elders who quenched my thirst for knowledge, set the pace, and let me stand on their shoulders. For over a decade, I have used my media pen to tell stories, add value, and pay it forward,” she shared.

Championing Women Through Women of Rubies

Founded by Esther, Women of Rubies has become a trusted platform for women’s empowerment, mentorship, and storytelling. Through articles, campaigns, and spotlights, the organization has consistently celebrated women breaking barriers while providing them with tools, resources, and visibility.

From Nigeria to Canada, Women of Rubies has continued to create opportunities for women to connect, learn, and lead. The platform’s vision is clear: to empower women, promote inclusivity, and inspire a culture of collaboration and growth.

Shared Values with CNPC

The recognition by CNPC is especially meaningful, as its mission aligns with Esther’s lifelong commitment. The Council of Nigerian Professionals in Canada works to empower African-heritage professionals while promoting diversity, inclusion, and socio-economic advancement.

Both Esther and CNPC share a vision of creating spaces where professionals can thrive, contribute, and lead in shaping a more inclusive society.

Looking Ahead

With this honor, Esther reaffirms her commitment to using media as a tool for transformation. Whether through Women of Rubies, her media strategy work, or her advocacy across borders, she remains steadfast in her mission: to uplift, celebrate, and equip people to shine.

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Sierra-Leone Canada Summit
In Inspiration By

Fatima Maada Bio: Championing Women’s Rights and Child Protection in Sierra Leone

Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, has emerged as one of Africa’s most inspiring women leaders, advocating relentlessly for women’s empowerment and the protection of children. Since assuming office alongside her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, on April 4, 2018, she has used her platform to amplify critical issues affecting women and girls across Sierra Leone and the continent.

Born on November 27, 1980, in Koidu Town, Kono District, Fatima is of both Sierra Leonean and Gambian descent. Her journey reflects resilience and passion, from her early education at Ansarul Islamic School and St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School in Freetown to her academic achievements in the UK, where she earned degrees in Performing Arts and Journalism. Before stepping into public life, she was a celebrated actress, screenwriter, and film producer, earning recognition including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 2011 ZAFAA Awards.

Hands Off Our Girls: A Bold Campaign Against Child Marriage and Abuse

At the core of Fatima Maada Bio’s advocacy is her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, a nationwide initiative launched to combat child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. This campaign has gained international recognition and has sparked vital conversations about the rights of young girls in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Her advocacy efforts were instrumental in the passing of a landmark women’s rights bill, mandating that 30% of Sierra Leone’s workforce and government positions be reserved for women. The bill also guarantees 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, a groundbreaking achievement in the country’s fight for gender equality.

President of OAFLAD: Leading African First Ladies

Beyond Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio serves as the President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD). In this role, she continues to push for continental policies that uplift women and children, ensuring their voices and needs are prioritized in development agendas.

Her leadership on the international stage reinforces the idea that empowering women is not only a moral obligation but also a catalyst for national and continental progress.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Fatima’s impact goes beyond legislation and campaigns; she has become a symbol of resilience and hope. From her creative background in Nollywood to her role as First Lady, her life’s journey demonstrates that women can transform society through determination, compassion, and action.

Her story continues to inspire women, mothers, and young girls across Africa, proving that leadership grounded in empathy and advocacy has the power to shape a more inclusive future.

Fatima Maada Bio is not just the First Lady of Sierra Leone , she is a trailblazer for women’s rights and child protection across Africa. Through initiatives like Hands Off Our Girls and her presidency of OAFLAD, she is laying the foundation for lasting change that uplifts communities and transforms nations.

Her journey is a reminder that when women lead, societies thrive.

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