Webinar with Samke Mhlongo-Ngwenya: Planning your personal finance and investments (Mar 23)
It doesn’t matter if you’re making a little or baller is your middle name, we all have to deal with important money matters such as investments and personal finance. If you’re climbing the corporate ladder, trying to launch your own business, or managing your family independently, join us on Thursday March 23rd as we discuss personal finance and investment options for young women. We’ll be chatting with Samke Mhlongo-Ngwenya, one of South Africa’s most recognized personal finance experts who offers one-on-one personal finance consultations through her company TNC Wealth. Samke obtained her expertise in debt management and wealth creation during her 7-year tenure as a private banker, now she engages in corporate speaking, panel moderation, career management and women’s issues as well. Register below to get the exclusive link to the webinar. Some of the topics we’ll cover: What you need to understand about investments 3 financial questions every woman should ask herself Planning a budget Top 3 things to look out for when selecting an investment advisor Identifying your investment goals (safety, income and growth) Webinar Details: Date: Thursday March 23rd, 2017 Time: 12:00pm Lagos // 1:00pm Johannesburg // 2:00pm Nairobi About Samke Referred to by CNBC Africa as a “personal finance goddess”, Samke Mhlongo-Ngwenya is not just a personal finance expert, but also the youngest board member of State-owned mineral technology research council MINTEK, and founder of The Next Chapter “TNC” (coming soon) – Wealth Partners. Samke is also a personal finance consultant, corporate speaker, thought leader, media commentator, and financial inclusion advocate. Armed with an Accounting degree from the University of Cape Town, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Wits Business School, and an MBA from the same college completed with a research report titled “Factors contributing to over-indebtedness in black South African females”, Samke aspires to continue developing content that educates, entertains and empowers her audience.
Twitter Chat with Bloggers: How to become a pro-blogger
Is becoming a blogger one of your goals for 2017? Have you started a blog but can’t quite get it off the ground? Interested in blogging but not quite sue what it entails, if it’s right for you or how to start? Are you already a blogger but want to connect with other bloggers and ask some of your pressing questions? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you need to join our twitter chat. You’ll get a chance to hear the stories of 4 awesome bloggers around the African continent and ask any questions you have. Join us Thursday Dec. 22nd for a twitter chat with 4 bloggers who have been in the game for a while. Nantobeko Tshabalala is a Swazi blogger who writes about pressing topics in politics and culture. Tuke Morgan is a Nigerian blogger who writes about fashion, travel and food. Thembi Terry Zulu is a Zimbabwean blogger who blogs about her personal life and the adventures she faces daily. Cassie Daves is a Nigerian blogger who writes about fashion, blogging and her lifestyle. All of them have unique and interesting stories and insights to share. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: Is blogging right for you? How to get started in blogging Best tips for growing your audience How to balance your blog with other life goals How to use your blog to make connections Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Dec.22nd, 2016 Time: 1pm Lagos // 2pm Lobamba // 3pm Harare Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats Help us spread the word: [bctt tweet=”Dec. 22nd @NonoTsh @TukeMorgan @cassie_daves and @ThembiTerry will give #blogging tips on #SLAChats ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] About the bloggers: Nontobeko Tshabalala, a blogger and social media extrovert, believes good writing enhances the experience of life. She is passionate about the youth and its involvement in making worthwhile contributions to the discourse around issues such as gender disparity, Afrocentricity and firmly believes they hold the answers to how we can achieve sustainable development as a continent. Nono is a member of the AUC/IPPF young Journalist’s Network and has worked in her country, Swaziland, to sensitise other youth on using their voices to speak out more on global issues. Adetuke Morgan is a Vivacious Nigerian Lady with a keen interest in the Arts. With a BSc in Economics from the Prestigious University of Nottingham, UK, she is paving a name for herself in the Creative World by expressing her talents through various outlets. She is an award winning , Food Photographer, Lifestyle Blogger, Saxophonist, Content Creator and Performing Artist who blogs about Style, Food, Beauty, Hair, Events & Experiences at www.tukesquest.com. Thembi Terry Zulu studied Journalism and Media Studies at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST). She is a personal blogger by passion and a publicist by profession. Her interests lie in women’s development, the youths in arts and the environment. Thembi contributes to several publications such as Induna Magazine, Divas Inc magazine, Kalabash Media and Kwantuthu Arts magazine amongst others. Her blog is an opinionated yet humorous take on a young woman’s journey through life, love and everything else. She has been blogging for over 3 years and aspires to go into vlogging next. Cassie Daves is a Medical Doctor. Creative Entrepreneur, and a fashion and lifestyle blogger.
Webinar with Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola: Building a business in health & wellness (Dec. 6)
Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola, founder of Radiant Health Magazine, is a staunch advocate for living a healthy lifestyle and has been involved in public health for most of her adult life. Join us for a webinar with her on Dec. 6th, as she shares her health and entrepreneurship. Health and wellness is an important part of any Motherland Mogul’s lifestyle. You can’t expect to run your empire while running yourself into the ground. Exercise and eating well aren’t always emphasized in African communities, particularly exercise for African women. So where do you turn to for information on living a healthy life? How about those that love health and wellness and want to create a business focused around that industry? How do you make sure there is a market for what you are selling or providing? Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola has thought about all these problems and more and, she is ready to share her knowledge with us. From pharmaceuticals to the World Health Organization and now to being the founder and editor-in-chief of Africa’s #1 Health Magazine, Radiant Health Mag, Nnenna is passionate about helping Africans and others live their healthiest lives. Join us for a 30-minute webinar with Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola on December 6th, 2016. We’ll be discussing what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle as an entrepreneur and tips for starting a business in the health and wellness industry. Register below to get the exclusive link to the webinar. Some of the topics we’ll cover: How to make time for your health What it means to eat healthy How to start a business in the health industry How Radiant Health Mag became the #1 Health Magazine in Africa & the diaspora Webinar Details: Date: Tuesday December 6, 2016 Time: 7:00am NYC // 1:00pm Lagos // 3:00pm Nairobi Watch this webinar: Don’t miss another inspiring webinar! Join our community today! Click here. About Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Radiant Health Magazine, Africa’s leading health magazine. Radiant Health began as Nigeria’s first women’s magazine and has grown globally to reach African women on the continent and throughout the Diaspora. Nnenna’s lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for Africans began with her work as a pharmacist. Wanting to make a larger impact, she transitioned to the public health sector starting as an intern at the World Health Organization (WHO) Geneva where she helped to develop data for the WHO Global Infobase, a country-level database of non-communicable disease risk factors. Nnenna served as a Global Health Fellow at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she spent a year in Tanzania working to strengthen the laboratory system for HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment monitoring. She continued her public health work at CDC Atlanta and later as a consultant for the D.C. based Advocates for Youth before going on to launch Radiant Health Magazine. Nnenna completed one year of study in Pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, prior to moving to the U.S. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Texas Tech University and her Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University. Nnenna has been featured in How We Made It in Africa, Voices of America, YNaija’s Leading Ladies Africa, She Leads Africa and was recently named one of 41 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Putting the Country on the Global Business Map by Lionesses of Africa.
Twitter Chat with Taffi Ayodele: Pitching your business to investors
You’ve got the idea for your business down and you’ve even started making sales. You are ready to grow your business, but the funds simply aren’t there. Lack of financing and where to look for it is one of the biggest setbacks for entrepreneurs and access to it can make or break a fledgling business. One solution to the “where to look for investors” problem is pitch competitions and other established programs that – once you get into them – bring the investors to you. Now all you have to do is woo said investors. But how do you go about finding these programs? How do you apply to one? How do you make the most of the opportunity? And how do you ensure your pitch stands out once the investors come around? Join us Thursday Nov. 17th for a Twitter chat with Taffi Ayodele, the co-founder of Thando’s, a fashionable African footwear brand. Thando’s participated in SLA’s 2014 Pitch Competition and were the 3rd place winners. Utilizing skilled African artisans, Thando’s creates comfortable, foldable and beautiful flats for the busy woman. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: How to find out where the investors will be Finding, applying & making the most of pitch competitions & accelerator programs Preparing to pitch to investors Thando’s journey & how they have grown since 2014 Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Nov. 17, 2016 Time: 12pm NYC // 6pm Lagos // 8pm Nairobi Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats Help us spread the word: [bctt tweet=”Join @ThandosShoes for #SLAChats about pitching to investors Nov. 16 at 6pm Lagos time” via=”yes”] About Taffi Ayodele Taffi Ayodele holds an MBA specializing in Global Business and Entrepreneurship and a BA in Economics from NYU. Taffi was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees of New York University and serves on the Global Initiatives and Student Life committees. Prior to Stern, she served as Director of the Office of Executive Initiatives at the New York State Dormitory Authority where she developed Authority-wide diversity programs and initiatives to broaden procurement opportunities and increase utilization of women and minority-owned businesses. Together with her partner, J.G. Ayodele, Taffi founded Thando’s. Their mutual love for Africa, art and each other, inspired them to create an innovative footwear line that facilitates a modern woman’s busy lifestyle while supporting African artists.
Twitter Chat with Iman Mkwanazi: Building your brand while in school (Nov 10)
Your university years are an important time to lay the groundwork of your career and build your brand. Many people even choose to begin a side hustle while in school. This side hustle can become a full blown business or just work towards establishing your authority in a certain field. While the idea of building a brand is great in theory, the practicalities of doing so can be daunting. We assure you it’s not too complicated. Building a brand consists of not acting a fool, and planning your moves. Whether you are looking to be a blogger, a model, an entrepreneur or simply be an authority in your field even before you receive your diploma, building your brand while in school is essential to all your future endeavors. Join us Thursday Nov. 10th for a twitter chat with South African entrepreneur, blogger & model, Iman Mwkwanazi. While studying for her BSc Honours, Iman was also hustling to co-found a construction company, build her modeling and blogging careers and establish herself as a creative director. Needless to say, it took lots of branding and planning ahead. She will be sharing her advice and processes for establishing her thriving brand while completing her studies. Whether you are in school or not, this webinar is one you will not want to miss. Some of the topics we’ll cover: What it means to have a brand Balancing school & your side hustle Finding and networking with people in the right industry Establishing your voice & authority early one What to do when your studies and the industry you are going into don’t align Webinar Details: Date: Thursday November 10, 2016 Time: 7:00am New York City // 12:00pm Lagos // 1:00pm Johannesburg Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats Help us spread the word: [bctt tweet=”Tune into #SLAChats on twitter Nov. 10 @ 11am GMT to learn from @ImanMkwanazi about building your #brand in school:” via=”no”] About Iman Mkwanazi Iman Mkwanazi is a busy girl. As a Bsc Graduate, entrepreneur, blogger, model, creative director, influencer and speaker, she works with companies and brands to optimise their brand awareness through digital, content and social media marketing. She is also the co-founder of Mkweni Groundwork. Mkweni Groundwork was founded two years ago and they are contractors for City Parks and Studio Six interior design. In the short time that the company has been around, it has been featured in Forbes Woman Africa and Iman and her partner Nene Mboweni are Levi Pioneers Nation speakers. Iman is also the Creative Director and contributor for online magazine; MadMash, which focuses on lifestyle, health, wealth and fashion. She most recently covered Africa Fashion Week for MadMash. Iman has collaborated with various brands on an array of projects, including Puma, Spitz, and Styling for Mr. Price. Iman has also modeled for companies such as Edgars, Legit, Cell C, Adidas, Nike, Samsung and Foschini.
Twitter Chat with Carol Nyazika: Moving back home as an entrepreneur (Nov. 3)
Thinking of moving back home? Thinking of starting a business? Thinking of moving back home AND starting a business? You’re not alone. There is a growing trend of Africans abroad moving back home and there are resources and organizations like Resource Nigeria and Movemeback that are helping people do just that. Within the group of people moving back home, are also those that are doing so to start a business. Some do it because certain ideas they saw abroad have not yet reached their part of Africa or because the economy of certain African countries are ripe for entrepreneurship, others still do it because they want to give back to their home and they are passionate about the industry they are venturing into. A UK resident who moved back home to Zimbabwe, Carol Nyazika fits into many of these categories. She is the founder of the African Women Awards and the founder Ndanaka, a natural skin care line. Join us Thursday Nov. 3rd for a Twitter chat with Carol Nyazika to discuss the perks and set backs of moving back home and starting a business, or businesses. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: Deciding whether it is time to move home Knowing if your business idea will live on when you move back home The importance of celebrating African girl magic Balancing two busineses & a 9-5 Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Nov. 3, 2016 Time: 8am NYC // 12pm London // 2pm Harare Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg Help us spread the word: [bctt tweet=”I’m excited to learn about moving back home to start a business from @CarolNyazika & @SheLeadAfrica. :” via=”no”] Self- motivated, dynamic, hard-working and goal oriented are some of the many characteristics that Carol Nyazika has developed through her few years as a successful social entrepreneur. With a focused mind-set, she has managed to centre her business ventures on the development of women in all aspects of their lives. This has primarily been based on the promotion of the beauty within through business initiatives and independence. Carol has packaged herself as a complete influential brand that reaches people through all mediums of life, whether through the radio, television or print media. Her effort to reach clients through the expansion of her brand is what has made her a rising personality in the Zimbabwean community, at home and the diaspora. Through her popularity in the beauty industry, Carol founded Ndanaka by Carol Nyazika, a lifestyle brand platform that showcases beauty and hair. She then expanded this platform and launched her beauty brand with the same name which covers hair care, skin care and body care products. Her YouTube videos show the simplicity of beauty without breaking the bank with views of over three hundred thousand. She is also Founder of African Women Association, a female empowerment association. AWA is not be a platform that excels in rhetoric but fails in practice; it is invested in making sure that people’s lives are truly changed. This project is highly rated by the experts in the industry. The African Women Awards are under the association and have been hailed as the ‘Oscars of Africa’ by most media outlets. The Awards have been well received by many across the continent and truly appreciated for the impact is has had on many African women. The other platforms under the association include AWA Foundation, AWA Media, AWA Network. Carol continues to break barriers, positively impacting women around her, pushing the boundary and challenging the norm.
Twitter Chat with Thokozile Mangwiro: Starting a natural hair business in Africa (Oct. 27th)
All you natural hair ladies out there know that the struggle can be too real. Between trying to find products that work for your hair, to looking for products with organic ingredients. These struggles can be further exasperated when you live on the continent and you want to buy local or you have aunties telling you to go fix your hair. Now put this all in the context of trying to start a natural hair brand and you’ve got quite a complicated recipe on your hands. It’s in these complicated situations where champions are born and Thokozile Mangwiro is one such champion. After being unable to find locally made natural hair products in her native South Africa, she decided to start her own line. Join us Thursday Oct. 27th for a Twitter Chat with Thokozile as she shares how she built her natural hair business, Nilotiqa, in South Africa and her advice for other naturals and budding entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an African natural, a natural hair product junkie or an aspiring entrepreneur in the beauty industry, you don’t want to miss this chat. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: What it’s like being natural in South Africa The importance of buying localy products How to start a natural hair line, from resources to customers and more Advice for natural hair ladies and apiring entreprenuers Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Oct. 27, 2016 Time: 1pm NYC // 6pm Lagos // 7pm Joburg Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg About Thokozile Mangwiro It is in growing her own natural hair for the past 15 years that Thokozile Mangwiro found her inspiration to create a natural hair care product line. After going to several salons and an endless search of locally produced products that truly work for afro natural hair, it was clear that there was a HUGE gap in the market for professionally formulated products for natural hair. Thokozile, like many other women, struggled with extremely dry hair. This and the lack of knowledge led to intense research and experimentation of natural ingredients such as Shea butter and avocado oil for skin and hair. After several years of research, formulations and product testing, Thokozile launched Nilotiqa, a line of products that are proudly made with organics, natural and naturally formed ingredients to deeply moisturize and nourish ethnic Hair. Thokozile Mangwiro is an Information Technology Masters graduate from the University of South Africa, with over 8 years’ experience in the database administration, analysis and intelligence industry. She is a wife and mother of two energetic boys, Anesu and Omari. She is born and bred in South Africa, Johannesburg. A budding entrepreneur, she is driven and passionate by empowering and inspiring other women to feel naturally beautiful through products that are made in South Africa, are of the highest quality, are beautiful and luxurious, to showcase to the world.
Webinar with Nene Mboweni: How to balance your business & your studies (Nov. 1)
Missed this event? Make sure you don’t miss the next one by joining our community today. A lot of you Motherland Moguls out there are busy chasing that diploma, but you still have entrepreneurial dreams floating in your head between classes and exams. You’re wondering how to leverage your school network to get your business started and how you will balance it with your studies. Introducing: Nene Mboweni who has started two businesses, Mkweni Groundworks and Nnua Cakes, all while forging ahead in her biomedical science studies. On top of this, Nene volunteers her time and is actively involved on her campus and around her community. Did she clone herself? How does she juggle it all and what are her future plans for marrying all these interests? We’re about to find out. Join us for a 30-minute (don’t be late, o) webinar with Nene Mboweni on November 1st, 2016. We’ll be discussing what it takes to be a student with a side hustle and answering your burning questions about the entrepreneurship/student life. Register below to get the exclusive link to the webinar. Some of the topics we’ll cover: Turning your side hustle into a business Networking on campus and beyond & leveraging your connections Balancing your business, your studies & other responsibilities Preparing for post-grad life when your studies don’t match your business Webinar Details: Date: Tuesday November 1, 2016 Time: 8:00am NYC // 1:00pm Lagos // 2:00pm Johannesburg Watch this webinar: Don’t miss another inspiring webinar! Join our community today! Click here. About Nene Mboweni Nene Mboweni (21), matriculated in 2013 from Crawford College, in Sandton. She is currently enrolled at Wits University studying Biomedical science and to complete her final 3 years in Medicine at Wits. Nene works part-time at the Natalspruit hospital in Vosloorus on weekends and during her vacation. She is an avid baker and founder of Nnüa cakes an online virtual patisserie and decadent catering company. Not only has she done work for reputable companies such as Transnet, Vodacom and Primedia, she has collaborated with Jimmy Choo and Luminance on a luxury line of cupcakes and also worked with various high-profile clients and governmental organisations, having recently just done the 80th celebratory cakes for the late former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela’s wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela She is also the co-founder of Mkweni Groundworks, a women owned construction company providing services in civil engineering, Rail and other sectors. Nene has been featured in Forbes Woman Africa, Destiny Woman, Cosmopolitan for a lot of the work she has done . She is a part time tutor in science and Mathematics at Bophelo Impilo School. Nene is extremely passionate about education and contributes all of her profits towards providing bursaries for students on campus. She has incubated several community initiatives including but not limited to the Courageous Ladies and the AfriSun Trust.
Twitter Chat with Olebogeng Sentsho: The importance of women owned businesses in male-dominated industries (Oct. 20)
Women have been making their way through traditional male professions for a while now. The latest industry to be tackled by women is mining. How is this move affecting the industry and the pioneering women that have decided to take it on? Join us Thursday Oct. 20th for a twitter chat with Olebogeng Sentsho, founder of Yeabo Mining, a 100% black-woman owned business that focuses on waste management in the mines and also offers administrative and financial services related to mining. If you’re a woman looking to break into a male-dominated industry, a swag-assisting man knowing how to support women in these initiatives or just curious about boss women in South Africa, then you should definitely be a part of the chat. Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: Why male-dominated industries need more women The perks and set-backs of an all women owned business Challenges of being the only woman in the room How to reduce gender imbalances in more industries Advice to women trying to break into the industry, and men who want to help them Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Oct. 20, 2016 Time: 8am NYC // 1pm Lagos // 2pm Joburg Location: Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SheHiveJoburg About Olebogeng Sentsho Olebogeng Sentsho is a serial entrepreneur with interests in mining. She is currently the Founder and Head of Operations at Yeabo Mining, a strategic waste management company with plants in and around Limpopo. Olebogeng studied law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Business Administration. Mrs Sentsho is also the Founding Chief Executive officer of the newly founded Mining Innovation Initiative of South Africa: a non-profit organisation of businesses and individuals in mining and mining services. MIISA works to promote, enhance, innovate and improve the mining climate in South Africa by catalysing innovation and promoting thought leadership and mining development to the general public, protecting the rights of mining businesses, and assisting these businesses to improve their sales and profits while actively enhancing their contribution to the communities in which they exist. A recipient of the inaugural “Outstanding woman in Mining Award” at the Youth in Mining Business awards, The Head of the Mining and Technical Engineering Services Sector at the Progressive Youth in Business Organisation and a panelist at the recently held “Youth in Mining Procurement Transformation Summit”, Olebogeng is passionate about investment, the African economy, mining and socially responsible business practices. She believes that a more structured and Afro-centric approach to mining will grow the African economy and enable Africa to benefit from the minerals it rightfully owns. Olebogeng believes in the dawn of Africa’s secondary economy driven by industry and the green economy.”
Twitter Chat with Kuwala: Building an International Fashion Brand (Oct. 13)
How do you go about starting a fashion company where you source from one place, you and your partner live in different cities and your clients are world wide? How do you ensure quality through the pipeline and celebrate the culture that you source from? These questions plague many budding entrepreneurs. Join us Thursday Oct. 13th for a twitter chat with the founders of Kuwala, as we discuss the ins and outs of sourcing ethical fashion brands, selling around the world, and managing an international team. Kuwala is an international African e-commerce site started by two Malwaian women living in Canada. Veronica Nnensa and Freeda Mulenga use Kuwala to promote high-quality fashion designed in Africa and are working to show that Africa is also a fashion hub for creativity and manufacturing. If you have ever considered going into fashion or starting a company across multiple countries, then you don’t want to miss this chat! Follow She Leads Africa on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats to ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Topics that we’ll cover: How to source African fashion designers Leveraging technology to manage a global brand Changing the story around African fashion Differentiating your brand Advice for people interested in all aspects of African fashion Twitter chat details Date: Thursday Oct. 13, 2016 Time: 1pm Toronta // 6pm Lagos // 7pm Lilongwe Location: Follow She Leads Africa and Kuwala on twitter and use the hashtag #SLAChats About Freeda, Veronica & Kuwala Born in Malawi and raised in South Africa, Freeda Mulenga is a graduate of the University of Cape Town, with a degree in Finance and Accounting. She has worked as an accounting professional including for well-respected firms such as Collins Barrow. Born in Malawi and raised in Canada, Veronica Nnensa has a degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management with a minor in French. She has a wealth of skills and experience developed through a variety of socially conscious initiatives and organizations, including working as an Economic Development Officer in Brazil. In January 2014, these two friends launched Kuwala.co, an e-commerce platform which curates unique and exclusive pieces from socially responsible African fashion brands. Based in Toronto, these two fashionistas hope to promote the growth of a sustainable and ethical African fashion industry through Kuwala. To find out more about their story, click here.