The NDINI Podcast

Joining us this week is supermodel, actress, and motivational speaker, Nini Amerlise.

In her childhood, Nini was bullied because of her physical appearance, introversion, difficulty expressing herself. She grew up believing a lot of these lies about herself, but everything was about to drastically change.

Nini tried modeling for the first time when she joined the Africa Fashion Week in 2014, but wasn’t successful at first due to lack of confidence. This experience did not stop her as she took it upon herself to research and learn how to start as a fashion model. Nini did her research and exposed herself as much as she could in the fashion scene. She worked hard and built her confidence through her journey doing volunteer photoshoots and runway shows.

"I had to build the confidence. I had to be able to now show myself on that runway and not be timid. Until you believe who you are, you're not going to sell it to who else is watching you."

In 2015, she joined African Fashion Week again and this time got selected for the runway. This was the beginning of her successful career as a fashion supermodel.

Opportunities came nonstop after that. Some of Nini’s most notable highlights include: Vogue UK, Flare magazine, Be Body Aware Campaign for Vogue Italia, Glamour Magazine, Huffington Post, Daily Mail UK, Jamaican Gleaner, Caribbean Entertainment Magazine, Golden Button fashion television series, Trinidad’s GT Network interview special, CTV - Diversity in Fashion Panelist, and new fashion TV hit show on SLICE called STITCHED.

Nini was named the Rising Star Model of the Year by African Fashion Organization in 2016. And in 2017, Nini became the Inaugural winner of Supermodel Canada TV series, making her the first black woman to win a modelling competition of this caliber in the entire Canadian demographic.

"Consistency is really what births the fruits of greatness. From consistency, you see the fruits of all your work that will be done."

After joining the fashion industry, Nini wanted to share her experiences and journey of self-esteem that led her to where she is. She became a motivational speaker empowering and motivating youth to build their self-esteem and confidence. Nini’s Successes lead to her Self –Esteem development program "Royals” which will be launched fall of 2019.

In this episode, Nini talks about her journey -- her struggles, success, challenges, self-discovery, and discovering her purpose. She also shares her most painful and traumatic experience that brought her to the lowest point of depression, and how finding God in her life helped her to get back on track, and skyrocket to success.

"The fact that you're living here today means that you have a purpose attached to your life -- that you have a destiny. My purpose is to develop self-esteem, to equip others with confidence and assurance of themselves, because that's what I lacked. Whatever you feel that you have broken free from is what now you can give back to society once you attained it for yourself."

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Nini’s childhood experiences and struggles that affected her self-esteem
• How Nini’s first unsuccessful try as a fashion model led her to a journey of self-improvement and realization
• How Nini’s success as a supermodel began
• Nini’s trailblazing accomplishments, awards, and recognition in the fashion industry
• How Nini decided to become a motivational speaker
• Her personal journey of self-esteem,faith,  and empowerment

This week, we’re revisiting a conversation with my dear friend and award-winning journalist and filmmaker, Nyasha Kadandara. Nyasha just had a huge win at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival! Her Virtual Reality film ‘Le Lac’ won the "Best Digital Narrative Award" at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival in England. The film, which Nyasha spent almost two years working on, tells the story of how Lake Chad had shrunk to a tenth of its former size, and the impact on the communities that depend on the lake.  Nyasha took the bold and unusual step of giving the lake a poetic voice to tell the story.

In between our giggles (it’s always so strange interviewing a friend and fellow journalist!), Nyasha talked about her passion for storytelling, and how that led her to leave a career in the corporate world to pursue journalism and filmmaking.

You see, Nyasha actually studied for a business degree at the University of Cape Town (UCT), with the intention of becoming an Actuary! She volunteered on the university’s student newspaper, where much to her disappointment, her first article didn't get published.  But that only inspired and challenged her to become a better writer. By the time Nyasha was in her senior year, she had been promoted to editor-in-chief.

After graduating, Nyasha got a job at a local IT consulting firm...but she wasn’t happy.  She realized that what she really loved was storytelling. Nyasha finally decided to take a chance and go after her dream of becoming a journalist and filmmaker.  She applied, and was accepted into the prestigious Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York.

Since graduating, Nyasha has produced several award-winning documentaries including  'Through the Fire', 'Queens and Knights' and most recently 'Le Lac.' Another recent documentary ‘Sex & The Sugar Daddy’, which was an intriguing yet controversial look at the 'Sugar Daddy' or 'Sponsor' culture that is widespread in Kenya, was published by BBC.

Listen in as Nyasha shares her inspiring story, and she shares her thoughts on the impact she wants her work to have in the world.  

This week’s guest is stand up comic and writer, Hoodo Hersi. Passionate, brilliant, and hilarious, Hoodo is already making her name as a trailblazing newcomer in the comedy world. We talk about who she is, how she got here, and how comedians affect our current social discourse.

"No one's writing rules for someone who looks like me." - Hoodo Hersi

Hoodo Hersi LOVES comedy. She loves how she can wield it to present her audience with a tremendously fun yet enlightening experience. Hoodo shares how growing up, she and her brother enjoyed watching the Chappelle's Show, and it was at that moment when she realized and acknowledged that comedy is a career. As a creative individual with a penchant for humour, Hoodo Hersi was naturally drawn to this pursuing this path herself.

Despite being the rising star in the industry, Hoodo had her fair share of struggles. First and foremost, she's of African descent, a Muslim, AND most noticeably a woman. She didn't have any role model in the field that looked like her, so how exactly was she going to make it on her own? Hoodo says it was her naiveté that ultimately helped her overcome personal and external obstacles.

She first tried her hand in stand up comedy when she was fresh out of high school. Hoodo had booked the open mic at Yuk Yuks in Ottawa, which pretty much was her “Las Vegas” moment. No one knew her there, she thought to try this gig and if it didn't work out then she could just as easily walk away. But she obviously made enough people laugh because she’s been getting all sorts of amazing opportunities. Hoodo had gone on to perform in events all over Canada and the US, hosted the TEDxToronto 2018, and even got featured in TVO's documentary, "Stand Up Toronto."

"I want people to laugh, but I also want people to really think. I care about getting laughs, but I also want to challenge people's ideas -- in a good way." - Hoodo Hersi

Hoodo shares how the climate in comedy has started changing. Where there used to be some tension upon seeing her on stage, she's now being met with some excitement and careful anticipation. She takes on a very straightforward approach when writing her set, "these are the things I want to talk about and I'm not shying away from it." It's this mindset and her authenticity to her craft that allows her to help shift the conversation to more pressing issues such as racism and sexism.

Hoodo brings in a refreshing standpoint on how resilient African women are and why we shouldn't let other people's expectations hold us back from speaking our truth and sharing our humour in this complicated yet incredible world.

What You Will Learn:

• Who is Hoodo Hersi
• How she stumbled upon the colorful world of comedy
• What led her to pursue a career in comedy
• Who are the people who inspire her the most
• How does her heritage affect the content she creates
• What piece of advice would she give others and herself
• Her greatest dream, failure, and fear
• How Hoodo finishes this sentence, "I am..."

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Fear is one of the most prevalent causes of pain and injustice in the world.

Think about it, what good has fear done for you?

Fear is what binds us to remain unchanged and unmoving -- it makes us stagnant. It is what holds us back from owning our power because we fear our greatness will come with even greater sacrifices. It is our fear that lures us away from opportunities and awakening our potential. Fear exploits our weaknesses by magnifying our perceived incapability. The moment we succumb to fear's temptations, it is then our dreams slowly perish.

You see, fear wins when we deprive ourselves of being our truest self, when we refuse to acknowledge our purpose, and when we deny the world the gift we hold within ourselves.

So rarely do we take a moment to truly appreciate all the incredible things we women are capable of doing. Take this speech I delivered during the Empower Me event on International Women's Day for example, never would I have known that I would be standing here with my peers - shaping the world in our own way.

Sometimes we think that our brokenness automatically disqualifies us from contributing and sharing our legacies with our community, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Our stories only get stronger the more adversity we overcome.

"You just need to take one step -- one step forward, and think to yourself, 'what's the worst that could happen? For me, I think that the worst that could happen is that you get to the end of your life and you think, '-what if...'" - Sandra Chuma

We have had several inspirational speakers share their stories on stage. ALL of them were afraid at some point of their journey, and yet they pursued their passion anyway. They braved through the obstacles in front of them, reached the summit, and now they share with us something we may not have known all along - we have the capacity and capability to make a difference in this world. These great women were not born with their greatness. These women are not here by accident. But these women are no different than you.

We all have a gift and a calling. Our dreams, moments of inspiration, and ideas are meant to make a difference in the world. Don't let fear get in the way of embracing your higher purpose. Don't give in to the uncertainty and excuses. I personally had experienced this reality when I had the idea for NDINI. But one thing I had learned is that the path does not have to be crystal clear. You do not have to be able to see the end. What is immensely important is that you take one step, regardless or even despite your situation.

You are here for a reason, so live for that reason and make that reason known.

Ask yourself, "what is my greatest dream or idea? What is stopping me from achieving it? What are the things I'm telling myself to avoid taking action on this idea?"

We already have it within us to make a difference in our everyday life, and in the world. Let us not allow fear to hold us back from being, becoming, and doing our best.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How each and every one of us has the capability to make a difference
• How our dreams and ideas are not accidental, but a sign of our gifting and purpose
• How we are born no different from the great people who have achieved great things
• How taking the first step is very important, despite your situation
• How a phenomenal woman like Sindy Zemura-Bernard turned an idea into a foundation that is changing lives of so many people

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This year’s Cannes Film Festival has yet another reason to celebrate trailblazing African women in the film industry. ‘Atlantis’ director Mati Diop is the first black female contender for the Palme d’Or, which is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.

In celebration of this, let us go back and listen to our interview with award-winning Zambian filmmaker Rungano Nyoni. Her first Directorial feature film ‘I am not a witch’, which she also wrote, made its debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2017.

“There is a wealth of information out there, and there is really no excuse. You can come from anywhere and learn. And you don’t need expensive equipment. You just pick up a camera. But you can’t teach someone to have the desire.”

- Rungano Nyoni

Her film, which is a satire about a nine-year-old girl accused of witchcraft in Zambia, has gone on to play at every major film festival; and has won several awards, including a BAFTA for ‘Outstanding Debut’. The film has also won ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Feature Film’, ‘Best International Film’ and ‘Best Directorial Breakthrough’ awards.

“You can achieve anything!  There’s no reason for you not to.”

- Rungano Nyoni

But Rungano didn’t set out to be a filmmaker – she actually studied for a Masters degree in acting before deciding she preferred being behind the camera and not in front of it.  Since making that decision, Rungano has written and directed 6 short films.

In this interview, Rungano sat down with me at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to talk about filmmaking and the challenges of being a black woman in the industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• What inspired Rungano to become a filmmaker
• How she came up with the subject of her first feature film
• What it takes to make a feature film
• Some of the challenges she faced in making the film
• What it’s like being a black female filmmaker
• What advice she’d give to anyone thinking of a career in filmmaking
• What inspires Rungano
• The meaning of Rungano’s name, and how it foreshadowed her career
• What brings Rungano the most joy
• What Rungano’s ‘I am’ is

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"At the core of each and every woman in this room (and men too), we're all yearning to be seen for who we truly are." - Dr. Nothabo Ncube

You may recognize Dr. Nothabo Ncube as a previous guest on NDINI.  We featured an interview with this inspiring International Speaker and Coach in Episode 39.   She shared her remarkable story of making this promise at 14 years old as she stood at her mother’s graveside - “I will fulfill my ambition. I will try by all means, and I will strive to be a doctor, mama.” This promise ultimately became the guiding light for her journey to becoming a doctor.

In 2006, Nothabo and her family moved to Canada. They settled Regent Park, which provided accommodation for low income families.  Dr. Thabo recounts how life was incredibly challenging, and how she often wishes her mother was still alive. Given her circumstances and surroundings, Dr Thabo could have easily been led astray.  But she was committed to honouring her promise. With financial assistance from Pathways to Education, which is an organization that provides educational financial assistance for low-income youth, Dr Thabo was able to get an undergraduate degree from one of Canada’s top universities.  

"When you have an intention, the universe will meet you right where you are and support the unfolding of your story and your journey." - Dr. Nothabo Ncube.

Dr Thabo was accepted into medical school, but with no additional funding available to her, she saw her dream of becoming a doctor rapidly start to fade.  A chance opportunity to attend a taping of Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Life Class’ was what Dr Thabo needed to reinvigorate her in her quest to go to medical school. Not long after, Dr Thabo was gifted $10,000 by a hairdresser she barely knew, but who was inspired by hearing Dr. Thabo’s story.  

"I've never understood why I've been guided in this way, but maybe it was so that one day I'll be using my voice to remind other people that they have what it takes to rise." - Dr. Nothabo Ncube

Dr. Thabo fulfilled the promise to her mother to become a doctor, but she has since found what she believes is her bigger purpose and calling.  She is now a motivational speaker and coach empowering people through her story and experiences.

"When you allow the light to shine, you unconsciously give permission for other women to do the same." - Dr. Nothabo Ncube

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How a promise at her mother’s graveside defined the trajectory of Dr. Thabo’s life
• Why she believes that losing her mother at just 14 years old was a ‘gift’
• What Dr. Thabo says we are all yearning for
• The great gift she received from attending Oprah’s Life Class

• Why Dr Thabo believes it is her obligation to share her story

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"We have to care not only about our own situation, but we have to look at the situation of women around the world." - Hon. Jean Augustine

Our guest this week made history for black women in Canada. The Honourable Jean Augustine, was one of two black women elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 1993.

Born in Grenada in 1937, Jean immigrated to Canada in 1960 where she started out as a domestic worker, before eventually going back to school and getting a Master of Education degree.  Jean became an educator, eventually rising to the position of School Principal for one of the largest school boards in Canada. Jean served with numerous organizations focused on education and social justice, and in 1987 she was named National President of the Congress of Black Women of Canada.  

In 1993, Jean was elected to the Parliament of Canada.  What was particularly remarkable about her election was that less than 1% of the constituency she represented were black.  As an MP, Jean chaired several Caucuses and Committees. In 1995, she successfully championed legislation to recognize February as Black History Month in Canada.  In 2002 she became the first black woman to hold a Cabinet post when she was appointed Secretary of State.   Jean served as a Member of Parliament until her retirement in 2006.

Her tireless advocacy work in education, politics, and social justice earned Jean several honors and awards, including being made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2009, and the 2018 Nelson Mandela Award. The ‘Jean Augustine Scholarship Fund’, which assists single mothers to undertake post-secondary study at George Brown College, was put in place and named in her honour.  There is also a Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario which is named after her in honour of her contributions to education.

Jean’s speech was part of the 2019 International Women’s Day celebration brunch hosted by Southern Africa Embrace Foundation in Toronto.

Jean shared experiences, life lessons, anecdotes and words of wisdom that have all formed some of her most important life lessons.  

"If you did your best at all times, if you gave a hundred percent at all times, then the regret words 'if only' will never be, and can never be in your vocabulary." - Hon. Jean Augustine

Jean shared how she feels that in her work and her contributions to the world, she has been “both the messenger and the message.”

"Never be satisfied with 'fairly good', 'good enough', 'pretty good' -- just as I learned, you give a hundred percent at all times.  I learned very early that you reach for the sky." - Hon. Jean Augustine

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How Jean Augustine went from being a domestic worker to being the first black woman to hold a Cabinet position in Canadian government
• The two words she struck out of her vocabulary
• Why it was so important to her to not only represent women, but in particular black women
• Some of the greatest life lessons and principles Jean used to guide her career
• And much more!

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This week, we feature Meera Estrada, who was one of the powerful and inspirational speakers who shared her story at the International Women’s Day ‘Empower Me’ Brunch hosted by Southern Africa Embrace Foundation on March 9th in Toronto.

Meera shared publicly for the first time about a health condition that has impacted her life and career.  While on a vacation with her then boyfriend, Meera suffered a grand mal seizure. Since that first seizure, Meera has suffered multiple violent seizures.  But Meera shared this story as a testimony of her resilience and strength, and to inspire others to believe in their ability to overcome any circumstance.  She shares her personal journey of how she has not allowed this potentially crippling health condition to define her.

"My story has taught me to never judge, to never look at anyone with envy or scorn for their easy life, or pity for their dreary one, because I actually do not have a clue about it beyond what I see on the surface. And there is always, always more than meets the eye. We don't know what anyone has gone through until we walked a mile in their shoes."

- Meera Estrada

Meera started her speech with the story of her grandfather Govind, a man who was born in 1912 into the Dalit caste -- a lower class in India, who were also called the "untouchables”.  They were the outcasts and lowest in the hierarchy of the Indian caste system, and were severely discriminated against.

She then went on to tell the story of Govind's son, Vimal, who is her father. Even though the caste system was abolished in the 1950s, discrimination and segregation of the 'untouchables' remained very much a practice during Vimal's childhood. Meera tells us of Vimal's struggles in school and society, the extreme prejudice and humiliation he experienced, and how despite all that, he still managed to do well in school and graduate. Vimal was the only person in their village to get a Bachelor of Science degree at that time.

Inspired by her father and grandfather’s stories, Meera has worked hard to create a successful career for herself.  This journey had led Meera to pursue what she is passionate about -- telling stories. She is currently the host of Kultur'd, a pop culture and diversity show on Global News Radio 640 in Toronto. She is also the founder and writer for Fusia Media,  a Toronto-based media company engaged in digital lifestyle publishing and experiential events targeting South Asian women.

"You are not your circumstances. You are your possibilities. You are what you dream to be possible, and you define your identity."  

- Meera Estrada

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How Meera has used what could have been a debilitating condition to be a source of inspiration
• How her diagnosis led to her following her heart and pursuing her true passion
• The greatest lesson she has learned
• How Meera was inspired by her father and grandfather’s stories of rising above the limitations of their status ‘untouchables’
• Her experiences with the still-existent classist mentality of her culture

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This week, we feature one of the powerful and inspirational speakers that shared her story at the Empower Me event hosted by the Southern African Embrace Foundation last March 9 in Toronto. Her name is Rhonelle Bruder.

Rhonelle talks about how feeling powerless was already prevalent in her young childhood having been placed for adoption at the age of 3 by her own mother due to poverty. Growing up in a town and school where she was the only person of African descent, she suffered much discrimination and powerlessness. It was also to much despair that, still in her youth, her adoptive parents both suffered from mental illness. This led her to discontinue her studies in high school and leave home.

Her journey was far from relief as she ended up on the streets of Toronto. She survived with the help of Covenant House, an agency serving at-risk, homeless, and troubled youth. But here she also met certain individuals that eventually led her to another dark path of exploitation, manipulating her through her vulnerabilities of basic needs to survive and to belong. The string of powerlessness came at its peak when she ended up witnessing the physical abuse of a young woman she could not save, that could very well have been herself. This was the turning point that made her decide to escape that life, and into another journey hoping for a better life.

This next chapter of her life was unfortunately that of an abusive relationship while she was with child, which again led her to leave with just her and her very young daughter. At this point, the powerlessness had to end. Rhonelle decided to open her eyes, see her value, and embrace true empowerment.

Now, Rhonelle is a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, and had recently completed her masters of Healthcare Informatics. She has worked in multiple leading healthcare institutions across Ontario as a researcher and analyst.

"I was never really powerless. I always had everything I needed inside of me. I just couldn't see it. And the moment I opened my eyes and I saw my value, I knew that I was unstoppable." - Rhonelle Bruder

In the summer of 2018, Rhonelle founded The Rise Initiative with the aim to inspire members of the community to become agents of change, to "help vulnerable youth who are exploited, abused, alone and scared" as she once was. Rhonelle has been advocating for survivors of human trafficking, for homeless youth, and for girls of African descent. She has partnered with various non-profit organizations and continues to advocate for support and funding for her cause.

"It wasn't until I started helping other people that I felt empowered... we are not empowered unless we start empowering each other." - Rhonelle Bruder

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• Rhonelle’s early life experiences
• Growing up with an adoptive family in a predominantly white community
• Her personal struggles with discrimination in school, and family issues after her parents had suffered from mental illness
• Her experience leaving home and ending up in the streets of Toronto
• How she got manipulated into a life that exploited her vulnerabilities
• How she finally got to embrace true empowerment
• How she currently helps the troubled and exploited youth

EPISODE LINKS:

• Rhonelle’s Website
• INSTAGRAM: @rhonellebruder
• The Rise Initiative website
• INSTAGRAM: @rise.initiative
• Covenant House in Toronto
• African Embrace Foundation

Follow NDINI on:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NDINImedia/

Twitter: @NDINImedia

Instagram: @ndinimedia

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Following last week's episode, we are joined by another mastermind from the 'Bring On The Sunshine' African Festival. This week we talk to BOTS co-founder and Festival Director, Alice Penny.

Alice grew up in Zimbabwe and came to America when she was just 18. She talks about her experience coming to the US as a young African girl, and what it meant to her at that time. Alice later moved to Canada and talked about her transition and being exposed to a more diverse community. That’s how she met Jacqui Terry-Carroll, a woman who also grew up in Zimbabwe, when they worked for Christian Horizons. With similar interests and the same cultural background, Alice and Jacqui quickly became friends! As mothers, they began discussing ideas on what they could do to make children of African descent connect and be proud of their heritage. This is how the Bring On The Sunshine Festival began -- with an idea anchored to their cultural identity.

The ‘Bring On The Sunshine’ African Festival for Alice, is “the world she wants to live in.” It is a place where one is free to share ideas in a space of love and celebration. BOTS has become an annual event attended by over a thousand people and is growing every year. This unique festival celebrates African heritage through music, arts, fashion, dancing, food and culture.

Alice has been involved with BOTS since its conception, from ideas for the festival, to doing admin and finances. She has always been one of the forerunners of BOTS, until recently when she had decided to take more of a mentorship role her team. This team that currently runs the festival is composed of a lot of members of the youth, and is purely volunteer driven.

In this interview, Alice talks about the challenge of getting as many young people interested in the event, and how the people’s passion and volunteering is what really makes BOTS successful.

"If you're absolutely genuine about what you are offering, people sense that. People feel that, if you're coming from a good place." - Alice Penny

What may have started as a small-scale idea with a large-scale purpose soon grew into a community. Alice and her partners have not only established a successful annual festival, but are also working on several expansion initiatives. Join us to hear all about Alice’s story, her work, and her dreams for the future of BOTS, and herself.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Alice’s experience as a young African woman moving to the US at 18
• How she met BOTS co-founder Jacqui Terry-Carroll
• How the idea of ‘Bring On The Sunshine’ Festival was born
• Her role in BOTS and the work she does
• Her biggest challenges in running the festival
• How the success of BOTS is purely passion and volunteer driven
• Her strategies of helping the youth understand their history and heritage as Africans
• Her dreams for BOTS and herself
• And much more!