Yawa Hansen-Quoa Discusses Leadership and Pop Culture
On Tuesday, November 8th, we welcomed Ghanaian social entrepreneur and feminist Yawa Hansen-Quao, for a conversation with students from Dr. Msia Clark's Black Women and Popular Culture class. Dr. Clark says about her class that "there is a strong, rebellious, feminist energy in this class. The space in that room has been like a little village within the larger Howard community." Hansen-Quao represents a passion for helping Black girls and women, a mission that aligns with Dr. Clark, her class, and the Center.
Combining the curriculum surrounding representations of Black women in media and culture with Hansen-Quao's advocacy for women's leadership in Africa, an inspiring and illuminating discussion on the intersections began.
The founder of the Leading Ladies Network, Hansen-Quao, has built her career working to unlock opportunities for women and youth across Africa and beyond. Through her foundation, she has fostered an ecosystem of women and girls with ambitious goals, strong character, and resolve to serve as impactful leaders in business, civil society, and government. As Hansen-Quao states, "Leading Ladies' Network supports women and girls through programs and resources that enhance their development as leaders. Our mission is two-fold: 1. Fill the future women's leadership pipeline. 2. Strengthen the capacity of existing women leaders."
During the conversation, Hansen-Quao invited Joy Preston, a network member, to share a few words about the program and her journey. "When I started undergrad, I was very nervous," Preston began. Lack "of self-confidence," and fear of public speaking were some of the strongholds she dealt with before joining the Leading Ladies Network. "Here I am!" she exclaimed as she continued sharing how LLN has helped her grow and develop skills to flourish in her personal and professional life.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to hear from Ms. Hansen-Quao as a great example of passion for equality at work through her career and organization.