Andre Junior Mekinda Mekinda

'Finding Your Way in USA'

A Guide From An Immigrant to Immigrants

Learning to integrate in a new country can be a concern to many who decide to emigrate. When Andre Junior Mekinda Mekinda landed in America from his native land Cameroon, he learned to adapt to a country which was foreign to him and then published a book which serves as a simple-guide in helping immigrants adapt to America. 

"Most people don't understand what I do until they see the actual product," said Mekinda, author of "Ready for America: The Practical Guide to Finding Your Way in USA."

The book helps new-comers understand health insurance, employment, rules and regulations, the education, finance, and transportation system  in America. 

One month after arriving in the United States with a scholarship granted to him by the U.S. Department of State (June 17, 2012) was when Mekinda decided to work on a book that was destined to facilitate the lives of many immigrants in America. Call it a coincidence, or just plain destiny, but on the exact day two years later (June 17, 2014), Mekinda received from his publisher a copy of "Ready for America." He had gone through countless of trials and errors, and at times even 'give up' flashed before his eyes, but he kept reminding himself of the task at hand, his 'million-dollar' project. His hard work paid off in a form of a book.

The author explained that, "so many people are disappointed when arriving in America because they don't know what to do. In any transition in life, you need someone to hold your hand...there are important things that you need to know in the beginning."

That someone is Mekinda. He published "Ready for America" to give immigrants a shortcut. His book is a result of all the issues that he had gone through when he first arrived in the United States. He wants to "fix issues he faced."

One of the issues Mekinda faced in the beginning was commuting. The transportation system was, overall, confusing. The map did not make life easy for him; getting lost was a routine. So what did he include in his book? A map that he took the time to draw himself. It is creative and simpler than the one presently available to the public. He said with a promising smile that, "if you are able to move around in New York, you will be able to move around in any other state."

"Creating is not easy. One of the things I admire about Mekinda is his creativity. He has fantastic ideas, and is devoted to push to the end," said Kevin Besseck --long-time friend of Mekinda-- in French.

Mekinda is involved in so many projects that sometimes one would wonder if he has more than 24 hours in a day. But just like everyone else, he has 24 hours in a day. Like a clown's ability to juggle different balls simultaneously, one of Mekinda's talents is being able to creatively and tactfully juggle different projects  at once with excellence. 

"Ready for America," a guide which was brought to life by an immigrant who chose to learn from his experiences and create a pathway to facilitate the lives of many who decide to make America their second home, will be translated to French, Spanish,  Arabic and Mandarin.  Mekinda's goal is to have his book catch the attention of the State Department and to seal a promising contract with them. With over "50 million" people coming into America yearly, when the deal goes through, Mekinda will have the ultimate taste of the American Dream. 

A Glimpse of Mekinda's World

"I am a problem solver. I specialize in providing solutions. If you have a problem and need a solution, I'm here."-Mekinda

 "I'm somebody who wants to help make changes."-Mekinda

In 2009, Mekinda created Dream Kamer Image (DKI) -- a creation that was intended to re-brand the image of Cameroon by capturing beautiful images of Cameroon and having them printed on T-shirts. Also in 2009, he founded his non-profit organization (Drépano Solidaires) to raise awareness on Sickle Cell disease. In December 2011, he launched "Look, Listen, Learn," a project that was designed to help facilitate communication between farmers and engineers in Cameroon. In the first  9  days, he sold 2,500 DVDs and in 4 months more than 10,000

"Nothing stops me from achieving my goals."-Mekinda

In 2013, Mekinda was the only African to compete against individuals of different American universities in career planning in Agribusiness Management and Marketing Systems.He won 1st place.

"People should believe that the American Dream is possible.This country [the USA] is the land of dreams, where everything can happen."-Mekinda

Mekinda studied Law in Cameroon for 10 years and when he came to the United States, he decided to study Agribusiness and Technology for one year at Muscatine Community College, Iowa to expand his knowledge of agriculture. 

A Proud Cameroonian

"I have a list of 25 different solutions to major problems that can improve people's lives in Cameroon without spending billions."-Mekinda

Ways to Reach Mekinda:

YouTube: Junior Mekinda

Facebook: Junior Mekinda Mekinda

Email: Juniormekinda@gmail.com

Saran Kaba

 The Importance of Knowing

 Where You Come From

Tales have always held a special place in Saran Kaba's heart from childhood. They have kept her grounded and close-knit with her roots, and for that reason she took it upon herself to use storytelling to educate the youth on the importance of knowing where you come from.

Kaba is the author of "The Three Little Birds," a children's book about three little birds "that learn the hard way that when you're not united, things don't go as planned." She took a traditional tale shared by colleagues of her mother's  who had heard the strory growing up (originally from the Susu tribe), and added her own twist.

She was "the first to contribute a Guinean story to publishers: One Moore Book" and has received good-feedback since it was published. Several public schools have reached out to her asking to introduce her book to the youth and educate them on Guinean tradition. 

"[Guinean] culture is so strong in oral history; sharing stories will educate our kids," she said with a glow in her eyes and friendly smile.

Although Kaba was born in America, she speaks with never-ending appreciation for her connection to Guinea (where her father is from). As a teenager, she had the privilege of experiencing "the best of both worlds," living in both the United States and Guinea.

"It's very important to know where you come from," said Kaba. "That is what helps you decide what you want to do with your life."

Knowing where she came from and seeing Guinea's conditions during the time she resided there in the 90s, helped Kaba rest her head on becoming a philanthropist.  

She is the co-founder of Guinée Espoir, a New York-based non-profit organization. "Guinée Espoir (meaning Guinea Hope in French) is dedicated to promoting youth development in Guinea, West Africa. Guinée Espoir's vision is to create a lasting change in the lives of children living in Guinea by working to increase the access to education and addressing important topics such as healthcare and professional development. We work together with other organizations, local partners, and established groups, on projects aiming to better the lives of children in Guinea," explained Kaba.

Ihaku Ngokwey, a long-time friend of Kaba had this to say about her: "Saran is one of the strongest people I know. She's a very driven person...has a great work ethic, and is all about personal development, bettering herself."

Engulfed with a desire to show the world that moral values are instilled in Guinean tradition, and the passion for giving back, Kaba's journey has just begun, for she has plans of returning home to discover more stories to share with the world.

A Glimpse of Kaba's World

"I am obsessively determined...I talk about things and plan to make them happen."-Kaba

Kaba holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies from City College and a Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College

 

"If you don't ask for what you want, you will never get it...keep pushing and do what you can until you can't."-Kaba

"I know it sounds cliché, but I get my biggest pleasure from helping others."-Kaba

Since Kaba graduated in 2005, she has been working in the non-profit sector. Some of the organizations she has worked with include: Equality Now (an international women's rights organization), Foundation for Aids Research, Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, Ubuntu Education Fund, she is a co-founder of Guinée Espoir, and is now working at Center for Reproductive Rights 

"There are so many organizations out there with the same goals. Why don't we all talk to each other and make these projects happen together? If we work together, we can get these projects done quickly."-Kaba

Twins and Founders of Guinée Espoir

(L-R) Sarata Kaba-Fofana, Saran Kaba 

"I am very fortunate to work with my twin sister...it's amazing to have someone who has the same goals and vision as you... we make a good team because we're good at different things (I'm good at talking and she's good at planning)... we are go-getters, we never take 'no' for an answer."-Kaba

Ways to Reach Kaba

Facebook: Guinee Espoir/ Saran Kaba

Website: Guineeespoir.com

Email: Saran116@yahoo.com

Evelor Savior

An Angel Sent to Heal Mankind

When an angel descends, people's lives undergo a major transformation. When Evelor Savior, a native of Haiti and an angel sent from above, touched the face of Earth, her mission became: to heal mankind.

"My mission is to give people an option to free themselves," expressed Savior, an intuitive self-happiness mentor, certified energy healer, speaker and  author of "Stronger Than My Mistake," "Delicious, Joy, Love, and Self-Happiness," and "Happy Vagina Miracle."

Savior has always seen the world different from everyone else. She has an intuition comparable to having a third eye.

"Evelor has helped me uncover that all the love I need is in me. I am complete and all the rest is complementary or what I call gravy. [She] is very intuitive and wise for her age," said wellness and nutritional consultant Lorena Clark, about Savior. 

Savior has helped hundreds of people expand their happiness in different areas of their life: health, well-being, spiritual experience and self-awareness. If you are stuck in your life, her mission is to help you get unstuck. Savior is, indeed, a savior. 

With a powerful intuition she has had all her life and having spent over $30,000 in training to solidify her skills, Savior has what it takes to help anyone's life undergo a 360-degree transformation. 

There was a moment in Savior's life, when she was not in tuned with her intuition. Once she tapped into her intuition, everything changed, from how she feels to how she sees and feels about the world.

"Everything is based on how you feel about yourself. And, my job is to make people feel their best," explained Savior.

According to the energy coach, whatever is showing up in your life, it is because of what your energy is vibrating. If you are at a "high-frequency," you are attracting things at high frequency. If you are not happy, you are not attracting happy things. She adds that, when you make a transformation in one area of your life, it "manifests" into other areas.

In winter time, she might wear blonde hair, in spring red, in summer brunette, in fall black. If there were an extra season, she'd probably go for blue, as well. Everything Savior wears speaks volumes of who she is,  a woman who loves taking risks. A spontaneous woman. A woman who expresses herself freely and passionately. And a woman who believes in sharing her gift.

A Glimpse of Savior's World

"You are creating yourself every minute, every moment, and that's why it's important to be aware of how you're feeling...you need to be in tuned with who you are and why you are here."-Savior

"You are here to evolve and expand. If you don't want to expand, the universe challenges you."-Savior

In the past, Savior has done acting and modeling gigs for MTV, Spike TV, Fuse TV. She has movie credits from "Stomp the Yard" featuring Chris Brown, Megan Good and also "My Super Ex-girlfriend" featuring Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson

"A lot of people have routines. I don't have a routine. My ideal life is to be able to do whatever I want."-Savior

Savior interviewing Dwight Eubanks from  Atlanta Housewives

(L-R) Dwight Eubanks, Savior

Savior interviewing famous author Jeannie Trantel from Dr. Phill

(L-R) Savior, Jeannie Trantel 

"The purpose of life is to be happy daily."-Savior

"My biggest accomplishment is being able to help women feel sexy, healthy and striving phenomenally."-Savior

"I live in the moment. I love life in the moment...I get to create my life how I want it; I design my life."-Savior

Ways to Reach Savior:

Twitter: @EvelorSavior

Instagram: @evelorsavior

Facebook: Evelor Savior

Email: Evelormusic@gmail.com

Website: MyAngelicLife.com

Fatoumata Binta Diallo

A Black Woman Trying to leave her Footprints in the Modeling Industry

An exotic walk, skin that gleams, and cheekbones unique to her. All her life, Fatoumata Binta Diallo's beauty had been compared to that of renowned black models. As she works tirelessly to reach her  personal goals, she leaves behind everlasting-footprints.

"When i'm on the stage, the only thing I see is me walking on the runway and people calling my name," admitted Diallo, the 5'9 Guinean-native model residing in Chicago.

With her love for fashion and a strong desire to show off her catwalk on the runway, Diallo's dream of becoming a model flickered through her imagination during her sophomore year in high school. 

Since Diallo decided to dedicate her life to modeling, she has been splurging her resume. She has participated in multiple projects, worked in multiple places for different designers: in 2009, she competed in Miss Guinee North America Scholarship Pageant. In 2010, represented Guinea at Miss Peid Dorada in Mexico. In 2011, she worked the runway at New York Fashion Week (NFW), in 2012 in Paris for Sadio Bee during Miss Union African in Paris, for Adama Paris Dakar Fashion Week in 2013, Senegal for Elie Kuame during Dakar Fashion Week (DFW), Evgheni Hudorojco from Moldavie, Weni from Benin. Today, she is a model for Abercrombie & Fitch.

"I love the fact that she is always happy. Whenever I am around her I feel positivity. She is a hardworking girl and I have faith in her, she is my favorite model," expressed Fifi Soumah, crowned Miss Guinee North America 2009 and winner of Miss Africa USA 2010, on what she loves most about Diallo.

"When you reach a certain age in the modeling world, you have a less chance of making it," clarified Diallo. To this 27-year-old model, age does not impede her from reaching for her goals, because she is "going to put [herself] out there."  

"Putting herself out  there" will give her publicity and contracts. Tagged to that will be an army of people ready to criticize her intentions. But none of this bothers Diallo. 

"Many people judge us models in Africa because they think we are selling our bodies...sometimes we are misjudged by our own people," she explained. 

Despite Diallo's people's misunderstanding of the 'beauty' of modeling, Diallo is not putting her dreams on halt for anyone. She has been working on launching her very own modeling agency (Binta Modeling Agency) in Guinea, which is slated to open next year. She wants "to put it out there that modeling is a job just like every other job. [Models] wake up everyday to work like everyone else. [They] stand up long hours during fashion shows or photo shoots."

Diallo has embraced the uniqueness of the features that she has been blessed with, helped designers flaunt their creations, remained true to who she is and her roots. But that is not all. She could be the next Naomi Campbell or Tyra Banks, appearing on several ads and  rocking every runway with her exotic catwalk. 

A Glimpse of Diallo's World:

 

"I love my face because when I look at myself in the mirror every morning, I see my father."-Diallo

"Beauty to me is, you have to be beautiful inside and outside; you have to have the whole package."-Diallo

"What people say about me does not do anything to me.I just continue to do what I am supposed to do to make my life better."-Diallo

Aza Photography

Model: Diallo

"My father always told me that I would make it big one day."-Diallo

Dakar Fashion Week 2013

"A model is a person who displays clothes, poses for an artist...a woman or man who wears a designer's clothes to show them to potential buyers at a fashion show."-Diallo

Dyrti Martini Photography

Model: Diallo
"One of my favorite models is Naomi Campbell, because she represents well black females."

  

"I am a very nice person. If you need someone, I am always here to help...since 2 years ago, I started working with the children in my village Gaoual (N'djouria) by providing them with clothes and food."-Diallo

A Proud Guinean
" I represent Guinea everywhere I go. I love my country , I love my people."-Diallo

Ways to reach Diallo:

Instagram: Binettemodel

Facebook: Binette Diallo-International Model / Binette Kane

LinkedIn: binette diallo

Email: binettediallo@outlook.com

Oumou H. Cherif

What A Pencil And Notebook 

Can Do For A Child

Give a pencil and notebook to the average person, she'll build her own future. Give a pencil and notebook to Oumou H. Cherif, she'll build the future of an entire nation.

From the get-go, Cherif's parents invested in her so that she could grow to become an educated woman with choices. But she has always felt a tingly itch within her soul to help those whose parents lacked the financial stability to give their son(s) and daughter(s) access to an education.

"Education is a pathway to better your life and the life of others," she expressed. "Education doesn't make life perfect, but it does guarantee you respect."

Respect is all that Cherif has been getting since she founded her not-for-profit organization Children Education Alliance Inc. (CEA) in January 2012. Her organization has, since, "given [the children of Guinea, Kindia] a lot of hope" by providing them with academic supplies. 

Some speak of wanting to make a difference,  but do not act upon it. Cherif speaks of wanting to make a difference and acts upon it. Abass Dieng, Vice President of Guinea Conakry United of Massachusetts (GCUM) --an initiative that strives to integrate the Guinean community in Massachusetts, Boston-- said that his encounter with cherif led him to unhesitatingly believe that "she understands what the meaning of life is...she sets goals and is  very committed to fulfill the goals she set."

As an only child, one can only imagine the endless attention Cherif has been spoiled with all her life. But she has not kept all to herself the love she has been showered with. She has found ways to transfuse her love by empowering the youth. By showing them that "someone out there cares."

In the early stages of CEA, raised funds were sent to a representative in Guinea, supplies were purchased there, and then  distributed to  a myriad of students in Kindia who were eager to get a hold of their school supplies. 

Now, with a campaign that aims to assemble 10,000 notebooks and pencils, CEA isn't taking money from its supporters. The Massachusetts-based organization is giving its supports the opportunity to purchase pens and notebooks during their own time and then donate.   This creates a bond. This creates movement.

Cherif could  have distributed other tools to the youth in Guinea (perhaps rulers, compasses, calculators, etc.), but she chose, instead, to give them two sacred tools: a pencil and notebook. A pencil and notebook? What can a pencil and notebook do for a child that no other tools can? 

According to the this young, committed, education-advocate Guinean-born, a pencil and notebook will give a child the power to full-hardheartedly express his or her thoughts on paper and be able to pass on a knowledge, wisdom which will empower another.

A Glimpse of Cherif's World

"As much as people see me as a strong person,I would also like them to know that I am vulnerable...I make mistakes...I am human."-Cherif

(L-R) Natacha Gwet (Executive Director at US-Africa Synergy), Assiatou B. Bah (Guinean Activist), Cherif, Saran Kaba Jones (founder and CEO of Face Africa)

"My number one mentor is my mother... my other three mentors are Natacha Gwet, Saran Kaba Jones and Assiatou B. Bah. Mentors are people who can help you make better decisions. Sometimes when you're too proud, they tell you to calm down...they keep you humble."-Cherif

CEA Annual Fundraising Event in Massachusetts (2013)

"I have always believed in sharing when I learned something."-Cherif

Cherif sharing her story on "Every Women Has A Story"

(L-R) Eunice Onwona (host), Cherif

"We all need each other. I have something that you don't have, and you have something that I don't have...God did not give us everything so that we can help each other."-Cherif

Children Education Alliance Recipients

"Kids are the future of tomorrow...CEA have sponsored close to 2000 children with school supplies since its creation."-Cherif

  African Youth Excellence (AYE) Launch in Boston (05/10/14)

(L-R) member of AYE, Cherif

"Leadership is being able to influence others positively without ruling them...leadership is working together."-Cherif

Cherif's (right) rally in Boston, MA against Boko Haram's abduction of the 200-something schoolgirls in Nigeria (05/08/14)

"I  never thought there was a person like that [Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau] that existed. I am heartbroken by this...that's taking away 200 dreams, 200 goals...that's taking away future doctors, lawyers...school is supposed to be a safe environment for kids."-Cherif

A Proud Guinean

   "Our goal is not to forget where we came from."-Cherif

Ways to reach Cherif:

Instagram: Oumoucherif

Facebook: Children Education Alliance / Oumou H. Cherif

Website: www. Africacea.org

Email: oumou.cherif@gmail.com

Amara Dioubate

'I Am going to Be the First Person to Open A Digital Media Design School in Guinea'

Putting hopes on winning the lottery is like throwing a coin into the ocean and expecting to find it; chances are very slim. People who win the lottery are, undoubtedly, lucky people. Amara Dioubate is one of those people, for his array of luck widened when he won a Green Card lottery (DV1 Visa)  to come to America and further his skills as an Artist.

"I am going to be the first person to open a digital media design school in Guinea," announced Dioubate with confidence. It is a bold statement for anyone to announce that he will be the first to do anything. But Dioubate has made a bold announcement, that he plans on backing up with expertise.

He is currently studying Digital Design Animation at Hostos Community College (HCC). And, has made it clear that he would only open a digital media design school in Guinea, after having completed his Masters, because he believes that, "to give a message, you need to learn about the message, first." His plan is: become an expert, and then utilize his expertise to teach in Guinea. The art school he plans on building  in Guinea will have traditional illustration, and also introduce to aspiring artists a technology which he did not have access to at the time he resided in Guinea. Digital design. 

Rocio Rayo, adjunct at HCC, and researcher for a grant that is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), said that Dioubate has "integrity and the willingness to keep going back to a job regardless of how many times it might take."

When people see Dioubate today, they see an individual with immense talent, but what some don't know is that, had he never emigrated to America, this talent would have been limited.

Dioubate always wanted to learn digital design and animation while he was in Guinea, but the country's lack of advanced technology prevented him from doing so; only traditional illustration was taught.

Before the Artist won the lottery to come to America, in 2008, he studied art at Institut Superieur des Arts de Guinée (ISAG), in Guinea, Conakry. He, then, worked for 3 years driving public transportation to save money so that he could further his studies.

Once he was able to raise enough money, Dioubate left for Dubréka, Guinea (where he went to further his studies). Life there for him was hard at the time. For 3 consecutive months, he would sneak in to classrooms, sleep there throughout the night --because he couldn't afford to have a place of his own-- hoping that no one would discover him. It was "hard to make it in Guinea," but he did whatever it took to get the education he needed.

Right around the time Dioubate was preparing to come to America, he also won an art contest, where out of 50 people, he was selected to illustrate content for an animation movie that was to be shot in Burkina Faso.

Art becomes more meaningful when it can be used to make a difference in the world. And, with corruption surpassing the African continent, Dioubate believes that art can be used to change Africa because "only an Artist can illustrate a story without using words. It makes people believe things, it makes people fight for things."

A Glimpse of Dioubate's World

Dioubate's Drawing

"People don't understand the difference between an artisan and an Artist. An artisan repeats patterns over and over. An Artist does not repeat; he can not re-create the same thing because art is unique and can only be done once."-Dioubate

"Art is something I do because it makes me happy.I don't think I can see myself without art...I don't want to be a president,I just want to be somebody who can help people, through art."-Dioubate

Dioubate's drawing of American basketball player LeBron James

"I admire other people's work, but I admire mine the most. You have to believe in what you do."-Dioubate

"The United States braced me and gave me everything I needed in order to achieve my dreams."-Dioubate

 Dioubate's Work

"Art is unique. You can copy it, but it will never be the same."-Dioubate

 In 2013,Dioubate worked at Hostos Community College as a teacher's assistant for a semester-long, in which he taught students how to paint and draw

Dioubate and Wife

"Next to every strong man, stands a strong woman. I love my wife, she's always there for me. In the worst times and good times."-Dioubate 

 Ways to reach Dioubate:    

Twitter: @Adioubate
Instagram: amarahaw
Facebook: Amara Dioubate
Email: masseamara@hotmail.com / masseamara@gmail.com

Souadou Dramé

2012-2013 Miss Guinee North America On the Importance of Going Back Home

Souadou Dramé isn't just bestowed with beauty, charisma, and the grace to rock the runway. She is a queen with a big heart, willing to use her education to help her country, Guinea, Conakry, develop.

Raised in Saramoussaya, a village situated in central Guinea, Dramé not only has goals for the children of her village, she knows of  a tool  that if Guineans in the diaspora use, intentionally, Guinea forever will be transformed. It is clutched in the hands of many educated Guineans. It is a degree. 

"We had the opportunity to come to America...,we have interacted with different communities and we have what it takes to go back," said the crowned 2012-2013 Miss Guinee North America (MGNA).

Dramé, 21,  is currently a student at the University of Montreal, studying International Business and Civil Law. When she earns her degree, there is one thing she plans on doing: to go back to Guinea and use her degree to help her people.

But before that, she wants to do an internship next year in Guinea to get hands-on experience. When it comes to doing internships, very few consider Guinea as a place to go to to get hands-on experience. Well, not Dramé. She is willing to take the first leap; she is willing to be a leader.

The pageant queen explained that if Guineans have been fortunate enough to come to America to get an advanced education, after having completed their studies, it is only right to go back home and apply what they have learnt. Adding that people in the medical field, for in instance, are needed in Guinea.

Dramé explained that Guinea needs change, and that change ought be fostered by people with a different mentality. The aspiring diplomat addressed a question which many Guineans in the diaspora need to be aware of in order to bring change to their native land: "how do you want Guinea to change if it's always the same people, the same generation?"  

"Some of the best qualities in Souadou (because she has so many) is that she is very humble, respectful, driven, kind and willing to learn and be corrected when she makes mistakes. And those are truly some of the qualities that will lead anyone on top, which is exactly where she is headed as a young leader," said Dramé's mentor Hawa Barry-Diallo, founder of MGNA.

When lauding about bringing change to Guinea, Dramé pointed that many initiators "always help the city, and forget about the village." She added, "when you count how many people there are in the country, they [the people who live in the village] are part it." The need to give attention and education opportunities to underprivileged children of the village inspired Dramé to initiate her own not-for-profit organization called "Hope For Angles."

In 2010, Dramé was the first runner-up of Miss Guinea Canada. Today, she is the Executive Director for Miss Asia Pacific World-Canada, "an international beauty platform dedicated to nurturing talented beauties around the world into becoming future stars in the global entertainment industry."

Dramé was shy before joining the world of pageantry. Now, she has become a confident, outspoken young woman, who is not shy about pointing out what needs to be done for her country.

A Glimpse of Dramé's World

"To me, beauty is someone who is humble and respectful...If you're humble, you can get along with anyone...If you're respectful, you'll always think twice before doing something."-Dramé

"When you're out there [in the public eye], you have to think  about your name. I have to protect my name...I like to protect my image."-Dramé

(L-R) Dramé, John Dumelo (Ghanaian actor, director, entrepreneur, and philanthropist)

Model:  Dramé

Photographer: Sébastien Robillard

Designer: Arfie Lalani

Hair: Laura Masson

"If you respect, you get respect."-Dramé

  In 2013, Dramé had the opportunity to travel to Asia to represent Guinea in Miss Asia Pacific World (MAPW)

Dramé in O'Mack Designs by Uche

"They [Guineans] take it like a competition. It's not about us, it's about the future generation; it's about the bigger picture."- Dramé

A Proud Guinean

"[Guineans] need to start appreciating Guinea more...it's a beautiful country."-Dramé

Ways to reach Dramé:

Instagram: Queen Dramay

Facebook: Hope for Angels / Thequeen Dramé

Email: Drames13@gmail.com / infohopeforangels@gmail.com