FIERCE Mothers

Today we sit down with Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola, another awe inspiring tenacious woman.

Nnenna is the founder and editor-in-chief of Radiant Health Magazine.

Her lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for Africans began with her work as a pharmacist.

She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from Texas Tech University and her Master's in Public Health from Columbia University.

Radiant Health is a bi-annual print and digital magazine dedicated to the African woman and her journey to wellness through health, beauty and culture.

The magazine's mission in their own words is to tell our own health stories and inspire African women to live out their healthiest and most fulfilled life.

Nnenna has been featured in How We Made It in Africa, Voice of America, YNaija's Leading Ladies Africa, She Leads Africa and was recently named one of 41 Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Putting the Country on the Global Business Map by Lionesses of Africa. She was also a media panel speaker at the 24th Annual Wharton Africa Business Forum at The Wharton School.

In today's episode we discuss the impact that her Mother had on her life, as her number one cheerleader. We talk about her fond memories of Christmas in her village of Abiriba. We also talk about the challenges of running a magazine and what keeps her going, when things get tough.

Nnenna quotes Marie Forleo, who says that "Everything is figure-out-able."

Finally we talk about the next issue of the magazine, which will be available in June.

For more information about Radiant Health Magazine, and to purchase a copy please visit the website at: http://www.radianthealthmag.com.

Instagram - @radianthealthmag

Facebook - @radianthealthmag

Twitter - @RadiantHealthNG

>>>Subscribe on APPLE PODCASTS | STITCHER | GOOGLE PLAY

In this episode, I speak to the incredibly multifaceted Iyom Chiebonam "Chi" Ezenwugo Ezekwueche.

A graduate of Wesleyan College, a retired Pharmacist, an artist, a community organizer, Founder of Otu Umunne Cultural Organization, Inc., a legacy mother of Jack and Jill of America, Founder of Pan African Festival of Georgia, Originator of the Tubman Museum's "All That Jazz", founding board member of Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia, and a motivational speaker, Mrs. Chiebonam "Chi" Ezekwueche loves God.

Ezekwueche served on the Governing Board of the Naviscent Health's Rehabilitation Hospital in Macon, Georgia; serves on the Board of Trustees of Wesleyan College, Macon ; and on the Wesleyan College President's Council on Diversity and Inclusion; mentors with Path To Shine; speaks on African arts, culture, community, and family-strengthening strategies.

Iyom Chi Ezekwueche is married to Dr. Christian Mbamalu Ezekwueche, and is blessed with wonderful children, inlaws, grandchildren, extended families and friends. She recently celebrated her 70th birthday.

In today's episode we talk about the importance of knowing who you are and keeping the culture alive. Iyom says "whatever you don't call important will not be important." She encourages everyone, regardless of their origin to be very proactive in learning about your heritage.

Iyom can be reached at [email protected]

For more information about the Tubman Museum, visit https://www.tubmanmuseum.com

You can also follow the Tubman Museum on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TubmanMuseum/

>>>Subscribe on APPLE PODCASTS | STITCHER | GOOGLE PLAY

Today we speak with Jules Brown

Jules conjures up the image of the traveler on the road less traveled. She is very much the individualist, who has blazed her own trail and defined success on her own terms.

She is a fitness inspiration, who started her fitness journey in earnest in 2009, after the birth of her second child. Jules is also a wanderlust who combines her passion for traveling with fitness and will be starting a new project called "The Complete Experience" in 2019.

On todays' show we discuss a number of different topics including the important fact that celebrating the Igbo culture is not intended to be exclusive, or alienate other cultures, but rather to celebrate all cultures.

We talk about ways to start a fitness regimen for beginners and dispel the myth concerning getting bulky with strength training.

We also discuss the definition of success and the perfect day in the life of this amazing, strong Igbo woman.

Follow Jules on Instagram @unapologeticallyjulestravel

Igbo Resources:

- Igbo101 – Check the App store on your phone and search for "Igbo101"

- Oji Abiala Igbo Podcast – Instagram @igbopodcast

>>>Subscribe on APPLE PODCASTS | STITCHER | GOOGLE PLAY

In today's episode I chat to Keke Olisemeka, who is the founder and creator of Style Your Selfie, a fashion and style blog with over 95 thousand followers. Additionally, Keke is the proud creator of the clothing line Style Selfie.

Keke is passionate about making women beautiful and believes that women are created to shine.

She takes us through her personal journey, and her health challenges, proving that anything is possible.

In this inspirational episode, we discuss the impact of her loving parents, the desire for a six month Igbo immersion period for our kids, individual style tips and increased creativity through exercising your gift.

Access Keke's content via the following platforms:

Instagram. -@styleyourselfie

Facebook - @styleyourselfieblog

Website - https://www.styleselfie.com

Clothing Line - https://www.styleselfie.com/shop/

>>>Subscribe on APPLE PODCASTS | STITCHER | GOOGLE PLAY

Today we chat with the inimitable Chika Ojiaku.

Chika is the founder and Creative director of DayMy Lane. Chika is another creative, who started her journey studying biochemistry. She then went on to law school, and works in the area of Intellectual Property Protection.

In 2016, she started her company Day MyLane.

Day MyLane is an apparel line that celebrates cross-cultural universal themes of daily living in a fun and fresh way.

Behind every design is an empowering and in some cases whimsical message.

Day MyLane T-shirts turn heads but they also change minds and hearts, one quote at a time. Why? Because they combine languages and meanings to cross beyond cultural barriers to unite us together as one people.

On today's episode we talk about the challenges of starting a new business, how to manage a side hustle, while working a full time job and a balanced approach to social media.

CHIKA OJIAKU

Website – http://www.daymylane.com

Facebook - @DayMyLaneDesigns

Instagram - @DayMyLane

Twitter - @Mylane_Day

LINK LOVE

1. Link to sign up to receive latest additions to the DML collections and exclusive offers.

2. Newsletter, which includes Chika's book recommendations and tidbits. With one simple click receive the full compilation – Special edition of DML Tidbits.

3. Discount code for merchandise on the website - "IGBO10"

>>>Subscribe on

APPLE PODCASTS | STITCHER |

GOOGLE PLAY

Today I talk to my funny, keep it real dear friend Ada Ibe Offurum.

Ada is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

She is also the founder of the Common Ground Network.

Common Ground is a 50 – 60 women strong network of women in the DC, Maryland Virginia Area formed in 2005. The network was formed with the premise that everyone needs a community to learn, laugh, share and make friendships. It was designed to be a natural network for mentorship questions and career guidance in a safe space.

We had a very fun and relaxed chat about the strong emphasis placed on academic excellence growing up, the progress she has made immersing her children in Igbo and Nigerian culture, extroversion vs. introversion and the goals for Common Ground in the future. Quite the reading maven, we also talk about her favorite books, what she would say to her younger self, being a nerd, what's next on a personal and spiritual level and keeping it real.

Ada recommended the following books:

1. A fine balance - Rohinton Mistry

2. Say you are one of them - Uwem Akpan

3. Purple Hibiscus – Chimamanda Adichie

4. The Space between us - Thrity Umrigar

5. White Teeth – Zadie Smith

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Please subscribe to my podcast so you do not miss an episode. Go to the link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple. Click on "View in iTunes" and select "Subscribe."

I would be really grateful if you left me a review in iTunes, too. The reviews will help other people find my podcast and they are encouraging for me to read. Click on Five stars to provide a five star rating.

From the same link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple select "View in iTunes", "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review."

Please let me know what you love about the podcast.

Thanks

Today we speak with Adaeze Iheanyi Igwe

Adaeze is an Igbo woman with boundless energy and zest for life.

She was born in Enugu State and grew up speaking Igbo, which was her first language.

She studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and still works in the field of Engineering as a seasoned project manager.

She has enjoyed a successful career having worked at a number of brand name companies such as Schlumberger, Deloitte and the Travel Channel.

On todays' show we discuss her journey of self discovery beyond her career, and living life with passion.

We talk about personal finance, Marathon running, Modeling in mid-life and how it is never too late to be what you want to be.

My favorite quote from the chat with Adaeze is "If it does not scare you, then it is not big enough."

Adaeze recommends these two non-fiction books:

1. The One Minute Millionaire by Mark Victor Hansen

2. The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Please subscribe to my podcast so you do not miss an episode. Go to the link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple. Click on "View in iTunes" and select "Subscribe."

I would be really grateful if you left me a review in iTunes, too. The reviews will help other people find my podcast and they are encouraging for me to read. Click on Five stars to provide a five star rating.

From the same link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple select "View in iTunes", "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review."

Please let me know what you love about the podcast.

Thanks

Today we speak with Destiny Chioma Iheukwumere.

Chioma was born in Uzuakoli, Imo State in 1970. She grew up in Aba.

She knew from a very young age that she was called to help the poor, and that she would go into full time ministry.

Chioma lost her husband and son in the space of a few months, and was left all alone to raise two children.

Today, she is the founder of Life Builders Africa mission, (LBAM). LBAM is a ministry with many arms:

- A school

- Farm

- Widows ministry

- Azalea – Girl to women ministry

- White Oak – Boy to Men Initiative

- Community care

Additionally there are plans for a clinic to serve the community

On today's show we talk about what God can do with a life dedicated to him. We also discuss the need in the world, and how no amount of time or resources is too little to make an impact.

To learn more about the ministry, please visit the website at http://www.lifebuildersafrica.org.

You can also contact Chioma at [email protected].

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Please subscribe to my podcast so you do not miss an episode. Go to the link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple. Click on "View in iTunes" and select "Subscribe."

I would be really grateful if you left me a review in iTunes, too. The reviews will help other people find my podcast and they are encouraging for me to read. Click on Five stars to provide a five star rating.

From the same link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple select "View in iTunes", "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review."

Please let me know what you love about the podcast.

Thanks

Today we speak with Dr. Angela Onwuanibe.

Dr. Onwuanibe is a board certified psychiatrist with over 30 years experience in General Medicine and 17 years experience in Psychiatry and psychopharmacology. Dr. Onwuanibe provides expert diagnosis and compassionate care for patients with a full range of mental health needs.

In today's episode we discuss Mental Health and a number of myths surrounding mental health, with specific signs to watch out for in a loved one or oneself.

Angela Recommends the book "The Four Agreements" by Don Míguel Ruiz, and discusses each of the agreements, which are:

1. Be impeccable with your words

2. Don't take anything personally

3. Don't make assumptions - Communicate very clearly what your needs are

4. Do your best. Your best changes at different times.

She also references a quote by one of her favorite mentors, Lady Julian of Norwich, who says "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well'

Angela can be reached in the following ways:

Website - http://www.solutionsforminds.com

Phone - (410) 992-3796

Email - [email protected]

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Please subscribe to my podcast so you do not miss an episode. Go to the link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple. Click on "View in iTunes" and select "Subscribe."

I would be really grateful if you left me a review in iTunes, too. The reviews will help other people find my podcast and they are encouraging for me to read. Click on Five stars to provide a five star rating.

From the same link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple select "View in iTunes", "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review."

Please let me know what you love about the podcast.

Thanks

In today's episode, I chat to Riri Okoye, founder and CEO of Majestically Rare.

Riri says that being sent to Igbo land at the tender age of 11 from London was one of the best things that happened to her. We discuss her journey and her struggles with finding and appreciating her Igbo identity, and surviving as an adult in Nigeria for the last ten years. We chat about the importance of self confidence.

Riri recommends "The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield

Riri also recommends downloading the "Igbo 101" app to your phone to practice learning Igbo.

She also informs us that Africa Magic has an Igbo Channel.

Riri can be reached in different ways:

1. Raising Confident Girls - http://www.raisingconfidentgirls.org
2. Facebook - "Raising Confident Girls"
3. Majestically Rare Events Planning - http://www.majesticallyrare.com
4. Instagram - @ririokoye

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

Please subscribe to my podcast so you do not miss an episode. Go to the link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple. Click on "View in iTunes" and select "Subscribe."

I would be really grateful if you left me a review in iTunes, too. The reviews will help other people find my podcast and they are encouraging for me to read. Click on Five stars to provide a five star rating.

From the same link http://bit.ly/igboinitiative-Apple select "View in iTunes", "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review."

Please let me know what you love about the podcast.

Thanks