I Am African And I Can: December 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Yoliswa Cele Luthuli

Giving Voice to South Africans

In the game of life, the "players" are the movers and shakers who determine which direction the ball rolls. Yoliswa Cele Luthuli has relentlessly aimed to win the game of life. In every game, it is her grapple with the ball that allows her to maneuver around her competitors and score.

On 10 November 2012, Luthuli competed against a group of women who originated from different parts of Africa for the title of US-Africa Ambassador. With her charisma and eloquence, she was able to convince judges that she deserved the crown.

Through the Ambassadorship program (US-Africa Synergy), Luthuli had the opportunity to go to the United Nations, where she learned the ins and outs of diplomacy, interrelation between countries, and human rights.

Apart from learning how to work in challenging environments, being an Ambassador taught Luthuli what kind of leader she wanted to become; she became clear on what role she wanted to play in the world.

Luthuli is the marketing and public relations (PR) person for Imbizo Host Committee, an African community organization focused on mobilizing social, economic and political issues affecting South Africans.

Among the myriad of things Imbizo H.C has accomplished, one pivotal event the organization is proud of is hosting South African President Jacob Zuma in September, 2013.

She is also a development intern at Shared Interest-Investing in South Africa's Future, a social investment fund that provides micro lending to small business owners in South Africa (mostly women).

"It's important for Africans abroad to make sure that they're still aware of the social and political issues pertaining to the [continent of Africa]."

"Politics, is the root of everything," she opined.

She doesn't consider herself a political guru, but would one day like to be in politics and public policy. Her background education in political science and marketing shows that social and political issues are a major concern to her, for "politics is relevant to everything that is happening in the world."

"It is easy to say I am from Africa, but it doesn't stop there. It is easy to say I paid my taxes. Being an active citizen is important. You can be a voice for your country outside your country," Luthuli elaborated.

When she emigrated from South Africa to America at the tare end of apartheid, she became even more confused by the fact that African Americans treated her as if she were not one of them, black.

Even though she felt like an outsider, she focused on the core reasons why she came to America, to pursue her dreams.

Luthuli's passion for children --orphans-- is what drives her to embark in ventures geared towards building the next generation of African leaders.

"We cannot have a healthy, stable country when children are not nurtured, educated and loved; they are the future," she said wholeheartedly.

Though she's been underestimated as a woman, Luthuli stood her ground. She knows what she wants out of life, and is not going to settle.

"Everyone around you gets an example from you, so set boundaries and keep your reputation," she informed.

In the years to come, Luthuli plans on being involved in youth movement, changing the image of Africa, promote entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

She strongly believes that not everyone is the same, and that women should not have a specific image of empowerment.

According to the opinionated South African, every woman does not have to work in an office to be recognized as an empowering member of society.

She explained that, "a woman who sells vegetables and looks after her child all day isn't any less empowering than a woman who works in an office." In her perspective, these two woman both show strength in different ways.

"I've been a nanny and a waitress, but at the end of the day, I know where I am going," Luthuli expressed with confidence.

A Glimpse of Luthuli's World

"Mandela Day"

Luthuli speaking at the Senator Perkins and Imbizo Host Committee's youth event, held at the State Building in Harlem on 18 July 2013

Luthuli at her first Imbizo forum event in March, 2013

Luthuli at US-Africa Synergy's "Cultural Evening Event" on 1 March 2013

Luthuli with Les Nubians at the 2012 Applause Africa Diaspora Awards

Volunteering to Clean Up for Hurricane Sandy

Pre-Screening of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"

Luthuli at the Shared Interest and South African department of Arts and culture, on 18 November 2013

Speaking on the Behalf of the Youth and Carrying on a Legacy

Luthuli giving a speech at the Imbizo H.C Nelson Mandela Memorial service, at the historical AME church

A Proud South African

Ways to reach Luthuli on social media:

Twitter: Yoliswa Cele

Instagram: Mayoli Yoli

LinkedIn: Yoliswa Cele

Facebook: Yoliswa Cele Luthuli

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Souheil Zribi

'[He] Got 99 Problems, but a [Job] Ain't One'

Souheil Zribi is one determined man who is not willing to settle for the status quo: "go to school and get a job." Instead, the entrepreneur has succumbed to the values his father instilled in him, which is to "never depend on anyone."

Before leaving his native land Tunisia, Zribi completed a Bachelor's degree in international business at Ecole Supérieure de Commerce Tunisia.

When he arrived in the United States, he sought ways in which he could make extra income. He wanted to be in control of his life; this was to be achieved through network marketing. YOR Health, a health and nutrition company, allowed Zribi to put his goals into action.

In 1996, the unthinkable happened. Zribi's mother died of pancreatic cancer. He lost a woman very dear to him to a deadly disease, and couldn't afford to lose another.

Through YOR Health, he not only saw a way he could secure his finances, but also educate people on taking care of their health before "it is too late."

As Zribi puts it, "things don't just happen; bad health, is an accumulation of bad habits."

The journey to success is never a 180-degree line.

Not everyone believed in Zribi. Despite backlash he received from family and friends, one person who never stopped believing in his ambitious goals is, Son Nguyen, his mentor.

"Souheil has a very stern character...never takes advantage of people. " said Nguyen. "He knows how to take care of himself, but always puts people first," he added.

YOR Health has allowed Zribi to conquer his fear of public speaking. Now, he is able to stand before a crowd, comfortably and enthusiastically speak about the benefits of sustaining a healthy lifestyle.

"I see the light at the end of the tunnel," said the entrepreneur with fire in his eyes on what motivates him to keep going when he encounters obstacles.

"Souheil is someone who inspires me to be a man,"expressed entrepreneur Ahmad Dalhatu. I consider him a full-hearted man because he is always committed. He works very hard, and when he plays, he plays hard...I will name my son after him."

Zribi is a product of his product. He doesn't only sell nutritional products, he consumes them. "When I take the products, I feel like I'm protected," he said with an invincible approach.

Shockingly, Zribi has not had the flu for five years all thanks to YOR Supergreens, one of YOR Health's anti-oxidants.

Zribi is naturally able to talk about the products he sells because he has gotten significant results after taking them.

Prior to YOR Health, He has had a rash on his chest for 12 years. Even after being offered creams by dermatologists, nothing worked. When he took YOR anti-oxidants and vitamins, the rash dissipated. This was no magic, it was simply a result of a product that works wonders.

YOR Health products have also worked for hundreds of people who struggled to lose weight. Consumers who bought YOR Health products as means of weight loss were able to lose 40 pounds, and even more, once they took it upon themselves to regularly follow the regimen.

One of Zribi's long-term goals is to build a mosque in one of the underprivileged villages in Tunisia.

By building and expanding his business, Zribi's goals will surely come into realization. His residual income will allow him to return to his country and give back, without money being an issue.

A Glimpse of Zribi's World

(L-R) Zribi, Son Nguyen (Zribi's mentor)

Zribi and his team at the the YOR Health Headquarters in California

(L-R) Danny Jacobs, American boxer, Zribi

Zribi hosting a YOR Health Event

YOR Health Product Sampling

Zribi showing love to YOR Supergreens

Zibri in New York City training on marketing tactics

Zribi at YOR Health's "East Coast Regional Event," a quarterly event focused on giving recognition to rising stars.

Work hard, play hard

Zribi Jet Skiing in Las Vegas

Way to reach Zribi:

Facebook: Souheil Zribi

Monday, December 16, 2013

Linda Arrey

Women Taking On Leadership Roles

Linda Arrey is not your typical girl next door. She exudes waves of confidence wherever she goes. The Cameroonian-born philanthropist and businesswoman is using her lived experiences to empower masses.

Just when you thought one degree is enough to live a fulfilling life, Arrey pulls out not one, not two, but three degrees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Masters in Healthcare Administration.

Arrey's energy is invested in helping others. She is a healthcare administrator for the US Air Force.

Everyday, Arrey looks forward to going to work because she loves her profession. From 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., she is responsible for keeping things running on track: meetings, conference calls, problem resolutions, looking into proposals, educating her clients, and making sure that staff is doing what they are supposed to do.

Her day doesn't end there. When she is not at the office, she is home building her own business.

"I have a gift in bringing people's vision to life," she said.

She owns her very own Consultation firm, Lindaarrey Inc, and is President and CEO at WILDE (Women In Leadership Development and Empowerment).

Currently, there are 22 members enrolled in WILDE. Her not for profit membership-based organization is a melting pot of women with different professions -- they, too, run their own businesses.

When these successful women collaborate for humanitarian purposes, we can expect innovation at its best.

Although Arrey is always surrounded by ambitious women, she would like to see a lot more women believe in themselves and take initiative.

"People always ask me how I am able to do what I do; my response to them is: 'I just do it.'"

"You cannot do life alone," she added. Arrey believes that with the right guidance, many women can accomplish their goals.

"Every body needs a mentor and every mentor should reach out to a mentee," she went on to say.

Arrey believes in a push-pull system, where those who are at the top must learn to reach and pull up those who are not.

To some people, "no" is a rejection. To Arrey, it is the contrary: "When you tell me 'no,' it encourages me to do more," she said passionately. Her inspiration comes from wanting to be better.

"My goals are my inspiration because I know I can achieve them."

How does a woman who dedicates her all to helping others find balance in her own life?

In Arrey's mind, it is simple arithmetic. No matter how hectic her job gets, she always finds time for herself. "I have to take care of me, then I can take care of others."

Her philosophy on work ethic is: "you need time to rest so you can recuperate and be more productive."

Arrey enjoys connecting with nature. She also liberates her mind and body by running at least three to four times a week, and dedicates her "lazy days" to not doing anything -- she doesn't leave the house or use the internet.

According to the philanthropist and businesswoman, we have to earn our "lazy days." A well deserved "lazy day" is earned after having worked hard throughout the week and managed time wisely.

"Project 2020," as she calls it, is her brainchild that aims to open a professional base institution in Africa, producing graduates that are well equipped for the competitive workforce. The program will also open doors for intercultural exchange, whereby students from the institution will travel to the United States for Internship purposes.

Arrey's vision unfolded beautifully. In fighting to reach her goals, she not only grew as an individual, she helped many people believe in themselves in ways they have never imagined.

A Glimpse of Arrey's World

Arrey sharing insightful advice at the "She's The Way Summit," held at Columbia University

Arrey with recipients of the WILDE Leadership and Service Award

Networking: 2010 Bill Signing in Atlanta

(right) Linda, Georgia State Representative Mike Glanton, Governor Sonny Perdue (left)

Arrey (right) being presented a Certification of Appreciation by Gabrielle Starr (left), the founder and CEO of Ladies of Favor Mentoring Program (LOF)

Arrey as one of the panelists at IMPACT Leadership21's "Transforming Women's Leadership in a Hyper-Connected World," hosted by The New York Times

"Doing what I do best."-Arrey

Arrey addressing a group of women at WILDE's "Thrive: Building Something Great together"

Arrey shooting a promotional video for WILDE

Ways to reach Arrey on social media:

Instagram: Lindychaps

Facebook: Linda Arrey

Monday, December 9, 2013

Ddiddy Pavarotti Gabanna

Comedy Meets Reality

Over 10,000 group members on Facebook with videos that have gone viral on YouTube, the creator of Radio Woroworo, Ddiddy Pavarotti Gabanna, has created a name for himself on social media while healing thousands of hearts along the way.

Everyday, people across the continent wake up to a taste of optimism, hoping that their idol has uploaded a video that would "make their day."

Whether he is on the road or at work, Ddiddy is always thinking of ways to uplift his loyal fans, even if it means making a fool out of himself.

"I got people to feed," he said jokingly.The best of Ddiddy is seen when he uses his charisma to connect with his fans.

On Radio Woroworo, all topics are covered: politics, social life, celebrities and more. His ability to create humor out of the everyday situations people encounter is what draws people to him for entertainment.

"I talk about what people think about," he said. "Someone needs to be daring to do it."

Known for his high-pitched tone, silly personality, and skill of artistically incorporating different languages (French, English, Fula, Nouchi, and Susu) in his videos, it's no surprise why people from different backgrounds gravitate towards Diddy's cite.

Maningbe Fofana, one of his fans based in Pendleton, Indiana, admires Ddiddy's creativity because: "his words are always legitimate. He finds a way to put humor into reality."

"For me, [Radio Woroworo] is a school for laughter. Every time I get connected [on the Internet], I spend some time laughing -- no matter what mood I'm in," said another one of Ddiddy's fans, Dana Manga, who resides in Rochester, New York.

Ddiddy's comicality comes to life through mocking everything and everyone, even himself.

The creator of Radio Woroworo questioned, "if you don't know how to make fun of yourself, what makes you think people will find it funny when you make fun of someone else?"

The art of making people laugh is not new to Ddiddy. He discovered his talent as early as his childhood years.

During his high school days, he leaned on comedy as a form of comfort and a way to fit in.

In 2008, Diddy was blessed with a newborn. Like any parent, he is proud to have witnessed his baby, Radio Woroworo, crawl its way to popularity.

At first, Radio Woroworo's existence served the purpose of reaching out to the Guinean community. But as Ddiddy felt the need to unify Africans, Radio Woroworo became a home for everyone, a place of comfort.

Admittedly, some of the comedians whom Diddy finds funny are: The Wayans Bros, Terry Crews, and Le Grand Maitre.

There's no script or rehearsing. Ddiddy's thoughts burst with creativity once he's alone in a room and in front of a camera.

"When I think too much about what I'm going to say, it doesn't come out right," he explained.

As a comedian, Ddiddy finds it at times challenging not knowing how people will react when a new topic is made available to the public. He might sometimes make a joke out of what seems funny to him, but turns out to be something personal to some of his fans.

At the end of the day, Ddiddy means no harm. In fact, he's sensitive to his fans' reaction every time he publishes content.

"My audience is always important because even though I want to make people laugh, I want to respect them and their values," Ddiddy pointed.

"It's about building trust and being someone they can talk to about anything they're going through."

A Glimpse of Ddiddy's World

Ddiddy talking about the reality of trying to make it in America

Lights, Camera, Action!

Ddiddy making a video for his fans

The creator himself representing Radio Woroworo

Ddiddy Being Diddy

Ddiddy in DC with one of his favorite comedians Le Grand Maitre

(L-R) Ddiddy, Le Grand Maitre

Ddiddy is not only known for his humor

The fashionista won a title on Conakrypeople.com in 2012 for his sense of style

Ways to reach Ddiddy:

Instagram: Ddiddy_Gabanna

Twitter: Ddiddy_Gabanna

Keek: Ddiddy_Gabanna

YouTube: Loveoflife9

Facebook: Ddiddy Gabanna

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Lily Tenaw

New York's Next Top Model Is Ethiopian

Growing up, Lily Tenaw did not know she had an outer beauty that gleamed, until a casting agency launched her career as a model.

Lelena Tenaw, known by the name Lily, was born in Dessie, a city located in the northern part of Ethiopia.

Becoming a model, for Tenaw, was unplanned. Accident? Accidents don't just happen; it was her destiny.

On one Saturday afternoon in 2002,Tenaw received an invitation from her sister, who also auditioned, to attend a casting call. Out of the 600 contestants who auditioned for a shot at modeling, 12 were chosen. Fortunately, Tenaw was one of them.

Tenaw, 14 at the time, was in total disbelief for having won an opportunity she never dreamt of.

She was ready to prove to the world that she had the potential to become a successful model.

While there are people who decide to go into modeling for the wrong reasons, Tenaw pursues modeling not just for the money and attention that comes with it, but because it's her passion.

Today, the 5'7 beauty is a commercial and print model.

She has modeling certificates from John Robert Power, City College, and Mary Joy Aid Through Development (MJATD), a non profit organization devoted to bettering health and living conditions for the underprivileged in Ethiopia.

In 2009, Tenaw wowed her fans as she made an appearance on the Jones Beach Exotic Calendar. She was featured on the cover of the Poughkeepsie Journal in 2011, and on Zen Magazine as "Models To Watch in 2012."

Tenaw modeled for Forever Us -- a clothing line -- and for two months was issued on a hair commercial called Hyped Hair.

Her work is not only known in New York, "she is the face (and body) of a T-shirt advertisement of a popular catalog in Tokyo."

"Regardless of your beauty or talent, every model should have some background education," she opined. "The world is not only about beauty."

"I can go out there and get any job because I was able to get a college degree."

Tenaw is not just defined by her beauty, she is an educated woman. She graduated from Marist College in 2012 with a double degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising.

Because she is a attractive woman and model, being hit on is inevitable. Tenaw has turned down many opportunities to work with well-known and experienced photographers because she'd rather walk away with her pride than undressed.

"Work is work and pleasure is pleasure; sometimes you have to say 'no,'" she expressed. "I respect myself and my body."

Although the model spent 13 years of her childhood in Ethiopia -- a country where exposure of the skin is a taboo -- she is able to, at any given moment, pose before the camera, show off her curves, and still walk away being truthful to who she is, a woman who knows her worth.

"My first impression of Lily was that she was extremely beautiful, humble...her beauty was natural," recalled Bakari Adeyemi, President of Blue Ice Entertainment (a talent management agency).

According to Tenaw, "a model is a person who has a unique look or features and has the ability to make anything that is given to him or her look good."

When Tenaw began modeling, she worked with a modeling agency "that expected [her] to be all bones." She weighed 105 pounds and was still asked to lose weight. Knowing her worth, Tenaw switched to an agency where her curves weren't going to be taken for granted.

Tiran Winston remains her favorite photographer because of his passion for photography and great appreciation for women with curves.

In the beginning, acquiring publicity was challenging for Tenaw: "you can have the look and body, but if you don't have a great agency or network, no one will pay attention to you," she explained. Despite the challenges she encountered, Tenaw persisted.

"Her positivity and outlook on life [is] always up. If you're feeling down, being around her will bring you up," said photographer Sherwin Dyer, known as Shots. "plus, she always looks amazing," he added.

Though Tenaw is enjoying the lavish benefits of being a model -- traveling, good pay, and having designer clothes for free -- she has thought of ways she can contribute to helping young girls in Ethiopia.

In the near future, the model plans on using her knowledge of the modeling industry to help teenage girls in the countryside of Ethiopia gain confidence in their inner and outer beauty, hence pursue a career in modeling.

Tenaw's advice to people continues to be: "If you have a passion for something, don't be afraid to go after it."