Event: Making your way up 2025
On May 31, 2025, Sayaspora organized a day at Espace Rodier in Montreal dedicated to equipping women from the African diaspora to face the realities of the professional and entrepreneurial world in Canada.
101 women were able to participate free of charge in 3 conferences, 2 workshops, and 1 networking activity.
This event was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Conference 1 – From idea to success: your entrepreneurial journey
The entrepreneurial journey is a demanding but rewarding one. These two speakers were able to guide aspiring female entrepreneurs through the essential steps of starting and growing a business. Participants received practical advice, applicable in the short and medium term, which enabled them to make concrete plans for their entrepreneurial projects, while identifying the first steps to take to bring them to fruition.
Speakers
Nassima Bekhechi
Nassima Bekhechi is a consultant, lecturer in finance at HEC Montréal, and founder of SF Factor, a company that supports organizations in integrating sustainable and responsible practices. Arriving in Canada as an international student from North Africa, she has over 20 years of experience in banking, consulting, sustainable finance, and entrepreneurship. A graduate of HEC Montreal and McGill University, CFA charterholder, and certified coach, Nassima now works to inspire a new generation of leaders to create economic value while making a positive impact.
Maïthé Bizabishaka
Maïthé Bizabishaka, 31, has lived in Quebec for 23 years and is originally from Burundi. With degrees in biochemistry, communication, and management, as well as a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree, her passion for the world of beauty took over when she was a model in Quebec City and had trouble finding makeup that suited her. She therefore learned about makeup and subsequently sought to develop her own brand to prevent others from facing the same problem. Her company, Maïsha Beauty, founded in 2017, operates in the beauty industry. The brand creates makeup and haircare products designed for Black, brown, and mixed-race women who need simple, quick, and effective routines. The company’s primary mission is to provide easy-to-use products that target our everyday needs. Maïthé is also a professional makeup artist and expert in microshading, which allows her to promote her business and stay close to her customers.
SLAM – Wêri Poetry
Wêri Poetry, whose real name is Irina Aguy, is a Montreal-based poet and slam artist of Ivorian origin, known for the emotional depth and cultural roots of her art.
With several degrees in languages, marketing, and public relations, she embodies a fusion of creativity, communication, and social engagement.
Writing since the age of 12, she distinguished herself in 2016 as part of the bilingual collective L’Art Selah. With more than 100 performances to her credit, she is now a leading voice in Quebec slam poetry, using poetry to promote resilience and mental well-being.
Founder of Les Thérapies Poétiques and L’Or de l’Art, she creates spaces for expression to support women in their emotional recovery through the power of words. Her commitment has earned her several awards, including the Prix Mwali Jeune Engagée (2022) and the Prix du RECOPAC (2017).
Workshop 1: The art of negotiation for entrepreneurs
50 women benefited from a masterclass led by Tayssa Waldron, a specialist in behavioral finance.
They were able to deconstruct their beliefs about money and gain confidence to better negotiate their future contracts. Workshop very well received
Speaker
Tayssa Waldron, author and founder of Déclic du fric, is a specialist in behavioral finance.
She is considered a refreshing voice in the field of finance.
Renowned for her ability to combine social psychology, behavioral science, and finance, she invites us to see money beyond the numbers.
Through its various projects, its mission is to support women in using money as a lever to live their dream life, but also to encourage decision-makers to create more inclusive economic opportunities.
Workshop 2: Setting your standards and knowing your worth
42 participants attended this workshop led by Elsa Tannous, a human resources professional.
They received practical tips on how to assert themselves in the professional world, despite possible discrimination based on their origin or gender. This workshop was also very well received.
Speaker
Elsa Tannous is a human resources specialist with over 10 years of experience in career development, recruitment, and training, both in France and Canada.
She helps professionals unlock their full potential by helping them align their aspirations, skills, and values.
Founder of the non-profit organization DigiWomen, she actively works to promote the inclusion of girls and women in the technology sector through awareness, support, and mentoring programs. Elsa firmly believes that every woman deserves to set her own standards and create a path that reflects who she is.
Conference 2: Digital revolution and media: embracing them to thrive
Two digital media professionals helped around 100 young women gain a better understanding of how the digital world works and encouraged them to engage with it with greater clarity and confidence.
The discussions focused on concrete strategies for building an authentic online presence, the essential tools for producing impactful content, and the approach to take in order to make their voices heard in a way that is aligned with their personal brand or entrepreneurial project. This exchange was particularly stimulating and enriching for the participants.
Speakers
Afoali Ngwakum
Afoali is a digital creative specializing in high-impact short videos. Founder of 9:16 Stories Inc. and 9:16 Academy, she supports brands, creators, and entrepreneurs in creating strategic, authentic, and culturally rooted content. After collaborating with artists such as Burna Boy and Wizkid and heading up video production at Goalcast, she now puts her expertise to work creating powerful and meaningful stories. She has trained more than 700 students, supported 50 brands, and accumulated more than 400 million minutes of video views. For her, what makes the difference in a saturated world are real stories, told with clarity and heart.
Marguerite Mendy
Marguerite Mendy is a content creator, model, and international student of Senegalese origin, currently based in Canada. She launched her social media career in 2017, first on Instagram, then on TikTok and YouTube. In just a few years, she has experienced rapid growth, going from 30,000 followers on Instagram in 2022 to over 200,000 in 2025. Today, she has built up an engaged community of over 500,000 people across all her platforms. Thanks to her creativity, authenticity, and aesthetic sense, Marguerite collaborates with major international brands and has made content creation her full-time job.
Conference 3: Personal fulfillment and entrepreneurship: how to find balance
About a hundred women attended this conference, which was moderated by a facilitator and enriched by contributions from two panelists: a neuroscience coach and an herbalist.
Together, they discussed beliefs related to success, the challenges specific to migration, and the importance of cultivating a balance between personal life and professional ambitions. It was a profound exchange, punctuated by moments rich in emotion and sincere interaction with the audience.
Speakers
Andrea Bomo
Andrea Bomo is the founder of Ann & Eli Apothecary, a Montreal-based company specializing in natural health solutions for women’s well-being, from puberty to menopause. As an herbalist and educator in menstrual and reproductive health, she works to break down taboos surrounding the female cycle while offering natural alternatives to women at every stage of their lives. Her impact extends beyond Canada’s borders, particularly in French-speaking Africa, where she is actively developing her business and hosting educational events that raise women’s awareness of their hormonal and reproductive health. In recognition of her entrepreneurial commitment and leadership, Andrea was a finalist in the JCCM’s ARISTA 2024 competition in the Young International Leader of Quebec category, winner of the Entreprendre ICI honorary scholarship, and appointed Canadian delegate to the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Summit (G20 YEA) in 2023 and 2024.
Amina Kriket
Amina Kriket is a certified coach and mentor in neuroscience and CBT, passionate about human development, interpersonal relationships, and psychology. With nearly 10 years of experience, she supports entrepreneurs and leaders by providing them with tools to develop their leadership skills, make decisions, and overcome mental health challenges. Originally from Algeria, Amina immigrated to Canada at the age of 9, developing resilience and open-mindedness. Committed to diversity and inclusion, Amina believes in the unique potential of each individual and creates a space conducive to personal growth. She inspires her community through conferences and workshops focused on well-being and entrepreneurship. Amina is an inspiring figure who has left a lasting mark on coaching and entrepreneurship.
Networking activities
Thanks to the various activities planned to encourage networking, including a dedicated event, the presence of an exhibitor specializing in finance, and a closing cocktail reception, approximately 100 participants were able to freely exchange ideas with each other. These exchanges allowed several of them to connect with speakers, learn more about key topics (such as financial management), purchase books, and forge new professional connections related to their entrepreneurial projects. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere has Ample space facilitated discussions.
Recap video
Watch the highlights of the event.
