Tag

Erica Ayisi

Browsing

Women of Rubies, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women, is excited to announce the Media Visibility Bootcamp 4.0. This signature event, crafted specifically for female entrepreneurs and emerging influencers, offers essential tools and strategies to amplify their media presence and create meaningful impact in their fields.

The Media Visibility Bootcamp is more than a learning experience—it’s a transformative journey. With expert-led guidance, interactive exercises, and a supportive community, attendees will gain the skills to elevate their personal brand, amplify their voice, and create a lasting impression. The two-day program is designed to help women excel in media visibility, boost their credibility, and advance in today’s competitive landscape.

“We are thrilled to bring the Media Visibility Bootcamp 4.0 to life, offering an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from top industry leaders,” says Esther Ijewere, Founder of Women of Rubies. “At Women of Rubies, we believe in empowering women through strategic media visibility. This bootcamp is designed to provide participants with the tools they need to elevate their brands and maximize their impact. We’ve seen the transformative power of enhanced visibility, and we are here to help our community shine.”

Event Details:

  • Dates: December 7th & 8th, 2024
  • Location: Online via Zoom
  • Ticket: Grab it on our website  or via Selar  here and here on Strip
  • Enquiries, collaboration and sponsorship; mediabootcamp@womenofrubies.com

Join us to make your voice heard, grow your brand, and stand out in your field, all from the comfort of your own space.

Meet our 10  Inspiring Industry Speakers:

Esther Ijewere – Multi award-winning Media Strategist & Founder of Women of Rubies

Esther Ijewere is a multi-award-winning media strategist, founder of Women of Rubies, and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. She convenes the Media Visibility BootCamp and Sip and Network and is a columnist with The Guardian newspaper. Through her platform, Women of Rubies, and The Guardian, Esther has featured over 1,000 inspiring women, amplifying their voices and stories globally.

Media Visibility Bootcamp 4
Esther Ijewere, Multi Award Winning Media Strategist and Founder, Women of Rubies Inc.

Prudence Zoe Glorious – PR Expert, PZG PRPrudence Zoe Glorious

Prudence Zoe Glorious is a Tanzanian thought leader and strategist, redefining public relations and strategic communications across Africa. As CEO of PZG PR and Strategic Advisor at The Foundation for Civil Society, her work spans youth empowerment, philanthropy, and sustainable development. With over 11 years of experience, Prudence is known for using strategic communications to bridge divides and drive social impact. She is also an accomplished author and philanthropist, dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities.

Sophia Etuhube – Renowned Journalist

Sophia Etuhube is an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and entrepreneur dedicated to uplifting communities through human interest stories. Currently a reporter and editor at CBC/Radio-Canada, she highlights diverse experiences, particularly those of immigrants in Canada. As CEO of Softlanding Canada, she provides essential resources and guidance to newcomers, easing their transition into a new country. With a solid background in Nigerian media and a Master’s in Organizational Management, Sophia uses her voice to inspire and champion the underrepresented.

Media Visibility Bootcamp 4
Sophia Etuhube, Journalist

Heather McWilliam Founder, Brave Inspires Brave

Heather McWilliam is an award-winning entrepreneur and changemaker who has redefined bravery through her journey of overcoming workplace abuse and advocating for mental health. After a decade as a police officer in Canada, she founded Brave Inspires Brave, a movement that empowers individuals to embrace leadership and foster conversations about trauma and resilience. Her landmark victory in a Human Rights case against a major police service has highlighted the need for systemic change in law enforcement.

Heather McWilliam
Heather McWilliam – Founder, Brave Inspires Brave

Kesiena Edafiogho – Career Coach & IT Consultant

Kesiena Edafiogho, known as Sena, is a trailblazer in the Canadian tech industry and an inspiring figure for immigrants. With a diverse academic background and over 15 years of IT experience, she has consulted for top banks and government offices, specializing in digital transformation and project management. As the founder of Synergy One Consulting Corporation, Sena empowers new immigrants and career changers through tailored training programs and mentorship. Her commitment to creating pathways for success and fostering an inclusive tech community highlights her dedication to uplifting others.

Kesiena Edafiogho
Kesiena Edafiogho, Careeer Coach and IT Consultant

 

Priscilla Iyari – Marketing & Comms Officer, FACE Coalition

Priscilla IyariPriscilla IyariPriscilla Iyari is a seasoned Brand and Marketing Communications professional with over 14 years of experience enhancing brand influence across 16 countries. Currently serving as the Regional Marketing and Communications Outreach Officer at FACE Coalition, she connects Black entrepreneurs to essential resources and support. An Executive MBA student at Queens and Cornell Universities, Priscilla is also the founder of The Actionable Visioning Scheme (TAVS), empowering minority women globally. Recognized for her contributions to gender equality, she is a dynamic speaker and advocate dedicated to fostering inclusive business environments.

Amaechi Omijeh – Business Blogger

Amaechi Omijeh, known as MRSOTHEBRAND, is a vibrant blogger and influencer dedicated to promoting small businesses and entrepreneurship, especially among women. Through her blog and social media platforms, she shares valuable insights, resources, and success stories that inspire and empower entrepreneurs. Her mission is to create a supportive community where business owners can connect, learn, and grow together.

Media Visibility Bootcamp 4
Amaechi Omijeh, Business Blogger

 

Erica Ayisi – International Journalist

Erica Ayisi is an international freelance journalist with a focus on human feature stories from the African diaspora and communities of color. Her work has been published in NBCNews.com, The Root, ESSENCE, and other outlets. Erica is also a two-time Pulitzer Center grantee and has taught media literacy and English in U.S. schools. She holds a master’s degree in Communication Arts from NYIT and is the founder of Akosua’s Closet, an African-sourced online boutique.

Media Visibility Bootcamp 4
Erica Ayisi, International Journalist

 

Victoria Nkong – Creative Entrepreneur

Victoria Nkong is a multilingual entertainment consultant and seasoned music business executive from Nigeria. With nearly two decades of experience in events production, she has established herself as a leading figure in the industry. Victoria is also a skilled talent manager, public speaker, and PR consultant, known for her work across events and TV production. Her expertise spans various sectors of the entertainment world, making her a sought-after professional in the African creative scene.

Victoria Nkong
Victoria Nkong, Creative Entrepreneur

 

Blessing Okebe – Personal Branding Strategist

Blessing Okebe_Women of Rubies
Blessing Okebe, Personal Branding Strategist

Blessing Okebe is a seasoned Media and Communications Professional, Personal Branding Strategist, and Corporate MC. She helps brands and individuals amplify their impact through strategic communication and personal branding. With a wealth of experience across various industries, Blessing is also a dynamic event host, known for engaging audiences and creating lasting memories

Keynote Speaker: Sabine Soumare

Sabine Soumare

Sabine Soumare is the Executive Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) within the Diversity Institute (DI). In this role, she is committed to amplifying the impact of women entrepreneurs across Canada. Collaborating with ten regional WEKH hubs and over 250 partners nationwide, Sabine works to build partnerships, share knowledge, and promote best practices, advancing a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurship ecosystem for women.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Media Visibility Strategies: Proven approaches to boost your brand’s recognition.
  • Storytelling Skills: Techniques to create engaging narratives that connect with audiences.
  • Personal Branding Essentials: Insights on how to stand out in your industry
  • Secure your spot today at womenofrubies.com/mvbc4 or find the link in our bio.

Why You Should Attend MVBC 4:

  • Expert Media Strategies: Proven tactics to enhance your brand’s visibility.
  • Practical Growth Tools: Actionable insights for business expansion.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and like-minded entrepreneurs.
  • VIP Perks: Exclusive access to an in-depth class and feature on Women of Rubies.
  • Global Accessibility: Join from anywhere with lifetime access to valuable content.

Since its inception in August 2023, the Women of Rubies Media Visibility Bootcamp has supported over 300 women and featured more than 30 inspiring speakers. Don’t miss this chance to join an empowering journey and take your brand to new heights!

Erica Ayisi is an accomplished international freelance journalist dedicated to uncovering human-interest stories from around the world. Her work shines a light on unique narratives often overlooked by mainstream media, particularly those within the African diaspora and other communities of color. Her insightful reporting has appeared in major publications, including NBCNEWS.com, Mongabay, Rhode Island PBS Weekly, The Root, ESSENCE, Lonely Planet, Afroelle Magazine, and xoNecole, among others.

A Diverse Reporting Portfolio

Erica’s journalistic reach spans an impressive array of topics and regions, capturing complex stories that celebrate culture, identity, and resilience. Some highlights include:

  • Profiling Bose Ogulu – the ‘momager’ to Afrobeat sensation Burna Boy.
  • Exploring Surfing Communities in Ghana – diving into the budding surf culture along Ghana’s coast.
  • Examining Black Atheism in London – a rare glimpse into an often-underrepresented community.
  • Unpacking Colorism in Jamaican Politics – addressing how skin tone affects political dynamics.
  • Ballet Dancing in Nigeria – highlighting the rise of ballet in a country where it’s gaining popularity.
  • Legacy of Civil Rights Activist Recy Taylor – a powerful story on her impact and legacy.
  • The Business of Chocolate Across Africa – investigating the ethics and economics of African chocolate production.
  • Documentary on Whaling Merchant Paul Cuffee – exploring the legacy of this historic African-American entrepreneur.

Erica’s diverse portfolio reflects her commitment to showcasing stories of heritage, culture, and identity with depth and authenticity.

Bringing Journalism to the Classroom

In addition to her journalism career, Erica has an extensive background as an educator. She’s taught media literacy, television production, and English Language Arts at both the middle and high school levels in the United States. Erica’s work in education highlights her dedication to helping young people understand media’s role in society and empowering them to tell their own stories.

Award-Winning Investigative Work

Erica has been recognized for her dedication to impactful journalism through multiple awards and fellowships. She is a two-time Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting Grantee, with two significant investigative projects:

  • “Swallowed by Sea” – an exploration of climate change’s impact on Ghana’s coastal communities.
  • “If This Hair Could Talk” – a detailed examination of ethical sourcing in the human hair trade, focusing on Cambodia and the U.S.

Her passion for capturing critical issues earned her accolades, including a Distinguished Alumni & Friends of the Worcester Public Schools Achievement Award, the Ceremonial Key to the City of Worcester, Massachusetts, the 2021 Ethel Payne African Reporting Fellowship, and the Salute to Excellence Award for International Reporting from the National Association of Black Journalists. Erica was also selected as a 2024 Diversity Fellow for the Society of Environmental Journalists Annual Conference.

Educational Background and Entrepreneurial Ventures

A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Erica holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts. She has further expanded her passion for cultural storytelling by founding Akosua’s Closet, an online boutique featuring African-sourced goods that celebrate the beauty and craftsmanship of the continent.

Championing Global Stories

Through her work, Erica Ayisi is not only an ambassador of compelling storytelling but also an advocate for the voices of diverse communities worldwide. Her commitment to revealing unique stories continues to inspire audiences and amplify voices that deserve to be heard.