This week, I’m absolutely excited and honored to be able to chat with Black Women Connect Vancouver’s founder, Nataizya Mukwavi.
In 2017, Nataizya started Black Girl Magic which is now called Black Women Connect Vancouver as something she and friends could enjoy together. It was due to the success of this party she saw and heard a demand for more events.
Vancouver’s Black population makes up less than 1%, according to the 2016 Canadian census, which is also unequally dispersed throughout the Lower Mainland. This has made it essential for collectives such as Black Women Connect Vancouver to bridge the gaps that have been created in the local black community, particularly among black women here. It’s a way of black women expressing their solidarity with each other. It is about forming a community of support based around their mutual disenfranchisement.
Black Women Connect Vancouver is a collective of women who come together to inspire, empower, leverage our strengths and embrace our diverse experiences. It’s a community where black women in Vancouver can build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the beauty of black womanhood.
What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
The greatest accomplishment I have so far was my car accident recovery.
What’s a book you re-read over and over again?
Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
Michelle Obama
A place you’ve never been, but is on your bucket list?
Italy
Who was the greatest influence/inspiration in your career?
My parents.
What’s your greatest joy?
My niece and nephew
Greatest “A HA “ moment?
Knowing that the expectations I have for myself isn’t what others have for me.
Greatest pet peeve in business?
Lack of professionalism.
At this stage in your career, what would you consider to be a dream project/opportunity?
Develop a mentorship program to empower other black girls and women.
What piece of advice would you give young people just starting out in their career?
Do not doubt yourself. You route will consist of ups and downs.
