African Women Leaders Archives

In Inspiration January 27, 2026 By Esther Ijewere

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.

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.

In Inspiration September 13, 2025 By Esther Ijewere

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.

In Inspiration October 2, 2025 By Esther Ijewere

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.