On April 6th and 7th, a dynamic two-day event packed with inspiration and insights unfolded as the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp took participants on a journey of empowerment and education. Hosted via Zoom, this virtual gathering brought together women from diverse backgrounds, eager to elevate their brands and amplify their voices in the media landscape.

Day 1: Setting the Stage for Success

The excitement was palpable on April 6th as Patricia Bebeia Mawa, the keynote speaker, shared her remarkable journey of building the largest Black-owned media outfit in Canada. With Afroglobal and Silvertrust Media, she charted a path of consistency, clear goals, and unwavering focus. Her message resonated deeply with attendees, setting the tone for the transformative day ahead.

Ruth Aliu, founder of Techity Consulting, delved into the critical realm of cybersecurity and digital presence. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding one’s online assets and leveraging the right platforms to enhance brand visibility.

Councillor Cheraldean Duhaney, the first Black woman to hold her position in the Town of West Gwillimbury, inspired participants to claim their seats at the table and persevere in the face of challenges.

Career coach Chekwube Uchea captivated the audience with her personal narrative of career transition, offering a roadmap for those seeking to navigate their professional journeys. Through candid reflections and practical advice, Uchea underscored the transformative power of self-investment, urging participants to prioritize their personal and professional development.

In another enlightening session, Erica Effah, a Toronto-based content marketing guru, shared her expertise on crafting effective content strategies and fostering community engagement. With a wealth of industry experience, Effah offered invaluable insights into the nuances of content creation and distribution, highlighting the importance of authenticity and audience engagement. Her actionable tips and strategies provided attendees with the tools they need to leverage content as a powerful tool for brand growth and community building.

Furthermore, relationship coach Chiddie Anyasodo delved into the critical role of nurturing healthy relationships for both personal and professional growth. Through her engaging presentation, Anyasodo emphasized the interconnectedness of relationships and success, underscoring the importance of fostering meaningful connections in both professional and personal spheres. Her insights served as a reminder that cultivating strong relationships is not only essential for professional advancement but also integral to overall well-being and fulfillment. Attendees left the session equipped with practical strategies for cultivating and maintaining healthy relationships, poised to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Nike-Kay Okunubi of Niki Kay Clothing shared her expertise in fashion and encouraged women to embrace their unique style.

The day concluded on April 6th with heartfelt gratitude from Esther Ijewere, the founder of Women of Rubies, who expressed appreciation for the speakers and sponsors who made the event possible.

Day 2: Empowering Through Storytelling and Financial Education

Day 2, which unfolded on April 7th, began with an inspiring session led by Damilola Ajibade, who shared her compelling immigrant experience. Through the lens of her own journey, Ajibade illuminated the transformative power of storytelling, particularly through the medium of photography. Her narrative underscored the importance of embracing one’s unique background and experiences as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Following Ajibade’s impactful session, financial educator Katrice Justice took the virtual stage to impart crucial insights on financial literacy for business owners. With a focus on practical financial management techniques, Justice emphasized the importance of understanding cash flow, budgeting, and strategic financial planning. Her guidance provided attendees with actionable steps to strengthen their financial foundations and support long-term business success.

As the day progressed, cybersecurity expert Fola Adegoke delivered a compelling message urging women to break barriers and explore opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Drawing from her own expertise, Adegoke highlighted the critical need for gender diversity in fields such as cybersecurity. She emphasized the value of women’s perspectives and contributions in shaping innovative solutions and driving industry progress. Through her empowering words, Adegoke encouraged women to embrace their potential as trailblazers and catalysts for change in traditionally underrepresented domains.

Esther Ijewere urged participants to leverage the knowledge gained to propel their brands forward and invited them to join the Rubies Collective community for continued support and resources. Emcees Ejiro Osakede and Oluwatoyn Ogunade kept the energy high throughout the sessions on April 7th, ensuring an engaging and empowering experience for all.

Participant Feedback:

Attendees raved about the wealth of knowledge and inspiration gained from the BootCamp. Many praised the diverse lineup of speakers and the practical advice shared, expressing eagerness to implement newfound strategies in their professional endeavors. The sense of community and support fostered throughout the event left a lasting impact, empowering women to strive for success and visibility in the media industry.

In conclusion, the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp on April 6th and 7th proved to be a transformative experience, equipping women with the tools and confidence to make their mark in the media landscape.

As we celebrate the achievements of these trailblazing women, let us continue to support and uplift one another on the journey toward gender equality and empowerment.

Stay Tuned:

For those who missed out or want to revisit the enlightening sessions, the BootCamp replay will soon be made available via womenofrubies.com/mvbc3.