The Architects of EmpowerHer Initiative

  • Black and white portrait of a woman smiling, wearing a blazer with arms crossed, against a dark background.

    Ifeoma Melissa Ofoedu, M.A.

    Ifeoma Melissa Ofoedu serves as the CEO and a board member of the African Cultural Foundation, where she leads initiatives aimed at empowering BIPoC women and promoting cultural awareness and advocacy. Professionally, she is a Senior Technical Advisor specializing in gender economics and sustainable international development.

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long dreadlocks, wearing a patterned top, against a plain light background.

    Hawa Kebe, M.A.

    ​Born in Senegal and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, Hawa likes to describe herself as a hybrid African, shaped by her numerous travels. She is the founder of SETI, a platform that promotes the successful initiatives of African women and those in the diaspora from entrepreneurs, to industry experts, non-profit leaders, and women of talent who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Hawa now lives in the beautiful city of Vienna, where she works for an international organization, designing and implementing projects that empower youth and women in West Africa. Always on the move and curious about the world, she never misses an opportunity to connect with people and learn from others. She is passionate about people, entrepreneurship, and Africa.

  • Black and white portrait of a young woman with natural textured hair, wearing a light-colored ribbed top and a patterned scarf. She has earrings, a nose ring, and a delicate necklace.

    Audrey Kodjo, MBA.

    Audrey Kodjo, is the founder of Diaspora Creatives, an organization dedicated to showcasing talents and creatives from the diaspora and cultural industries. She is a dynamic and engaged member of the diaspora for the past 10 years, with strong interest in the valorisation of the African culture, resonance and support of diaspora creatives and creative entrepreneurs in Europe. She puts her creativity and skills forth to create positive narratives of diaspora works through Diaspora Creatives, a platform for community members to access and publish creative events, foster a supportive environment for cultural expression and collaboration. ​

Cover image with the text 'Diaspora Creatives' in colorful letters above a stylized basketball hoop with a multicolored powder explosion behind it, set against a dark blue background.
Sethi logo featuring a stylized woman's face with curly hair and earrings, with the tagline 'promoting women of talent' on a purple background.
Cover page of a document or report titled 'African Cultural Foundation' with a subtitle 'Promoting African Culture and People,' featuring a purple background and green border.

  • Through strategic work with key stakeholders in Austria and African countries African Cultural Foundation workes towards a change in the perceptions of African Culture in Austria and promotes access to educational opportunities for the African Diaspora community in Austria and Europe. The African Cultural Foundation works very closely with local and national Diaspora NGOs and networks as well as civil society organizations.

    We are passionate about enhancing the lives of Africans in the Diaspora and promoting African Cultural Heritage with a 25 year track record of leading and supporting successful initiatives and campaigns.

  • SETI is a platform that promotes successful initiatives of African women and its diaspora. It is about empowering, increasing the visibility and positive representation of African women and showcasing women of excellence, full of talent, passion and purpose.

    SETI offers an online presence via a blog, and engaging content on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

    SETI brings together a community of inspiration and growth: and shares the stories of amazing entrepreneurs, industry experts, non-profit leaders, women of talent who are making a difference in their community and beyond.

    SETI is a series of events to connect and expand one’s skills: (such as networking events, workshops, webinars, training and talks) that help women to grow in their journey as entrepreneurs, professionals, and young students.

    More than a platform, we aim at building bridges and breaking barriers. We invite you to rediscover and explore the continent through a variety of experiences and a new generation of bold African women entrepreneurs and women of talent who are shifting the lines.

  • We envision an impactful platform that amplifies the vibrant stories and successes of diaspora creatives, much like a gong whose resonant sound spreads far and wide. Each strike symbolizing the celebration of initiatives in the cultural industries, reflecting the diverse talents and positive narratives of creative individuals from the diaspora. Through this, we aim to elevate their voices and highlight their contributions to global culture and innovation.

    Through networking, community building, and increased visibility/promotion opportunities Diaspora Creatives works towards this vision.

    Diaspora Creatives is the platform where creators and creative entrepreneurs of the diaspora can showcase their work, network, exchange with global audiences, develop capacities, create partnerships, and collaborate across borders, access ideas, opportunities for skills development and mutual growth. We believe in the power of creativity to bridge cultures, promote diversity, and foster understanding.