Our Women in Business series is a platform designed and led by women to equip you with valuable and necessary business skills to drive growth at your company or venture. Whether you’re running a startup, managing an SME, or dreaming of launching your own business, this series connects you with professional and highly skilled women to share expertise and practical tools for success.
In March, we’re proud to partner with Women of Color in Biz to present this special session.
Together, we’ll explore:
- Shifting Narratives: Reclaim and reshape the stories of women of color in business by highlighting success stories and celebrating the innovations driven by women of color.
- Money Matters: Break the stigma around talking about money, including asking for what you’re worth. Foster financial independence, enhance financial literacy, and create sustainable wealth.
- Creating Pathways for Success: Discover tools, networks, and strategies that empower women of color to seize opportunities, amplify their impact, and thrive in business and leadership.
- Building Wealth and Sharing Power: Explore how women of color can collectively build economic power by investing in one another’s businesses, fostering supportive financial networks, and ensuring wealth creation is inclusive and equitable.
Tentative Agenda:
- 18.00: Doors open
- 18.10: Introduction & welcome by Chisom Udeze
- 18.20: Presentation by Ruthie Semere & Mam Foon | Women of Color in Biz: Story, Mission, Work, and Impact
- 18.30: Panel Discussion with Grace Iche, Ruthie Semere & Mam Foon; Moderated by Sayantani Saha | Owning Our Narratives: Building Wealth, Power & Pathways for Women in Business
- 19.00: Audience Facilitated Discussion; Moderated by Chisom Udeze | Chisom will facilitate a discussion where the audience can share perspectives, insights, and ask questions.
- 19.45: Networking and Business Showcases
Who Should Attend:
This session is for entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers seeking to reclaim narratives, enhance their financial knowledge, and build networks of mutual support.
While this event focuses on the experiences and perspectives of women of color, it is open to everyone who wants to learn, engage, and support an inclusive business community.
We will have light snacks and refreshments. Register below to secure your spot!
REGISTER HERE!
Speakers:
Ruthie Semere (She/Her)
Ruthie Semere is a business developer, entrepreneur, and ICF-accredited leadership coach with over 12 years of international experience in digital media and business development. Since 2017, she has coached individuals, entrepreneurs, and companies globally in self-leadership and success creation. Ruthie is also the co-founder of Women of Color in Biz, a network that champions women of color entrepreneurs.
As a trilingual daughter of Eritrean immigrants with experience in navigating two cultures, Ruthie’s biculturalism has shaped her ability to deeply understand people from all walks of life. This unique perspective allows her to hold a global and inclusive mindset that resonates across diverse backgrounds. She holds a master’s degree in International Management from King’s College London and hosts the podcast Zanta on personal development.
Chisom Udeze (She/Her)
Chisom is an accomplished Economist, Strategist, Investor, and Founder with nearly two decades of experience leading impact-driven companies and actioning societal change. She serves on multiple boards, including as chair, and holds advisory roles across three continents.
Her global work spans seven countries and includes collaborations with organizations like the European Commission and Boston Consulting Group. Chisom champions democracy, sustainability, justice, and community driven and multi-stakeholder change-making. She also spearheads the Diversify Summit, a leading conference for leadership and innovation. A passionate advocate for mental health, Chisom enjoys tennis, reading, writing, and has published on Forbes.
Mam Foon is a Business Developer and Music Entrepreneur with over 14 years of international experience in branding, business development, and the creative industries. She is the founder of We Deh Culture, an events platform celebrating African heritage, and the co-founder of Women of Color in Biz, a network championing women of color entrepreneurs.
The proud daughter of Gambian parents, Mam’s bicultural background and global experience have enabled her to build meaningful connections, create success, and foster cultural exchange through her work in the creative and cultural industries, globally. She holds a degree in Graphic Design from the University of the Arts London and has advanced her expertise in business development, events, and the music industry, working internationally in Gambia and across the continent.
Sayantani Saha (She/Her)
Sayantani is a Senior Manager and Chief of Staff at Diversify, where she leverages her diverse background in journalism, retail, social media management, and community development to excel in her role. Sayantani is instrumental in fostering inclusive environments, organizing strategic gatherings, and spearheading community development efforts. Providing direct support to the Executive Director, she drives measurable change for Diversify’s clients, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission.
Beyond her work at Diversify, Sayantani runs a small macrame business called Sew and Saw—a creative passion project that perfectly complements her multifaceted career.