Born in Côte d'Ivoire, raised in Morocco and now living in Montreal, Djamilla Toure defines herself as a product of the diaspora. Passionate about women's empowerment and the media, she is a media founder, content creator and social entrepreneur.

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She holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and international law, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in sustainable development, where she is exploring solutions to the structural barriers faced by women around the world.

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In 2015, convinced that change begins at her own scale, Djamilla set herself the mission of rethinking the world through concrete action. And so, with four other women, she founded Sayaspora, a media outlet dedicated to young women from the African diaspora. Through this platform, she aims to amplify the voices of these women, highlight their ideas and offer them a space where they can not only express themselves and build their capacities, but also find a community that understands and values them.

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Between leadership, innovation and commitment, Djamilla continues to explore new avenues to strengthen the influence of women in the media, social and economic spheres.

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Afoali Ngwakum Akisa is a Montreal-based creative mind, storyteller, and founder of 9:16 Stories, a video production company specializing in emotionally resonant, goal-driven narratives. Inspired by her father’s love for capturing family memories, Afoali turned her passion for storytelling into a thriving career, helping businesses and creators cut through the digital noise with content that connects and drives results.

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Her work has delivered measurable impact across industries. Afoali’s expertise helped Swab the World raise over $232,000 through social media campaigns, secured $614,000 in funding for Sayaspora’s mission to empower African women, and supported Juno in raising $300,000 to innovate menstrual health solutions. Known for blending creativity and strategy, Afoali ensures that her clients’ stories resonate and inspire action.

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In her workshops, Afoali empowers participants to create engaging content that not only captures attention but delivers real results. By sharing practical techniques, creative insights, and actionable strategies, she equips business owners, marketers, and creators with the tools to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.

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A dynamic and versatile entrepreneur, Mahaya brings a wealth of experience to the worlds of business and entertainment. Coming from a family with deep jazz and blues roots, she has nurtured a passion for creativity, innovation, and communication. With over two decades of experience, she has honed her expertise in customer service, sales, networking, and business development.

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Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her strategic vision and adaptability. She has worked closely with emerging artists, supporting their creative and professional growth while building a vibrant network in the entertainment industry. At the same time, she has navigated the tech sector, particularly in Blockchain, and has invested in tech-focused startups and fashion merchandise ventures, showcasing her innovative mindset and ability to seize growth opportunities.

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Passionate about health, wellness, and personal development, Mahaya seamlessly combines her business acumen with a deep commitment to enhancing quality of life. As the owner of a franchise for over six years, she has demonstrated strong business management skills while successfully balancing her roles as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

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Resilient and driven, Mahaya embodies excellence in all her ventures, inspiring those around her by shaping the business landscape while prioritizing well-being and success for those she supports.

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