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Bangaly KOITA Profession: Cybersecurity Expert Country of Origin: Guinea Biggest achievement: All my achievements are big Favorite quote : "Life without challenge is like rice without sauce." My Outstanding Story I am an Outstanding Cyber Security guy! First, I studied Computer Science and Network after my studies.I always dreamt to work in this field. I got my first job as IT Support Analyst. During this work, I fell in love with Cyber security and began some trainings and certifications such as ComptIA Net+, Sec+, ITIl,CCNA,CISSP, CHFI and others. I also worked as Cyber Threat intelligence, Analyst, and now hold my blog "osintafrica.net " where I write articles about cyber threats and open source tools used in the field to defense against cyber attack. If you want to keep in touch, thanks for adding me on LinkedIn . I am mostly proud of achieving a certificate in my field of work: CISSP ISC 2. During my life journey, I overcame several challenges. When I moved to Ukraine ,the first months were very hard culturally, linguistically and even with regards to the weather conditions. I still remember how hard it was for me to go to the school to learn the language and adapt to the environment. But everything is possible! Motivation and courage helped me overcome that hard time of my life. Now living in Austria, I engage with the Guinean community. I am a member of our association in Vienna Austria and hold motivational meetings for people to be part of the community and remember about the root. As a Diaspora member, I contribute to the society with my experience and vision, changing the mindset of the diaspora and also our brothers and sisters in Africa. For emerging diaspora members and creatives, I encourage you to always be creative and innovative.

"IMMERSIVE": Diaspora Innovative narratives An exhibition event that aims to strengthen the creative contribution of diaspora through film, by highlighting the valued impact they have in shaping cultural narratives in Europe and beyond. ART FOCUS: Film MOVIE: "Dahomey" by Mati Diop SCREENING OF "DAHOMEY" by Mati Diop Mati Diop’s movie documents the return of 26 treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey to their homeland. These return falls within the recent dialogues and actions around the repatriation of ancient artefacts looted during the colonial era with the Government of Benin being among the countries that initiated the negotiations. These same items, showcased in the documentary film of Mati Diop further raises debates among students at the University of Benin. The movie Dahomey is also the winner of the Golden Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024. RELEASE & RIGHTS TRAILER An immersive exhibition of innovative narratives by creatives from the Diaspora through film Showcasing this art highlights the contribution of creatives from the diaspora to ignite discussions on important and sometimes political discussions. Watching the movie, we are immersed in the creative process of the producer, the innovative approach to give a voice to the artefacts themselves and the Beninese youths. SPONSORS OF "IMMERSIVE" Join us in acknowledging our sponsors, who make this unique experience possible. Together, we are creating an event that highlights innovation, heritage, and community. Their commitment to cultural diversity and empowerment helps us celebrate the creative contributions of the Diaspora Creatives. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Sypnosis November 2021, twenty-six royal treasures from Dahomey are about to leave Paris for repatriation to their homeland, now Benin. Along with several thousand others, these works were looted during the invasion of French colonial troops in 1892. But how to live with the return of these ancestors in a country that has had to build itself and come to terms with their absence? As the soul of the works is set free, debate rages among students at the University of Abomey Calavi.

The Diaspora Creatives (DC) Activities and Impact Overview 2023-2024 Over the past year, DC has connected, empowered, and celebrated diaspora creatives through diverse events, storytelling initiatives, and community-building activities. In this report, you’ll find a snapshot of our achievements, the inspiring initiatives we’ve introduced, and the impact made possible by the continued support of our community. From the Diaspora Outstanding Creatives (DOC) series to memorable events like Creatives’ Date and our One Day As workshop, this report highlights how DC is shaping the future for diaspora creatives. Dive into our journey and discover the milestones we’ve reached together—and join us as we look ahead to new ways of uplifting and connecting our community. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE

Make a Difference with Your Donation Support Us OBJECTIVES Financial donation to Diaspora Creatives supports initiatives and programs that empower and promotes diaspora creatives and actors of the creative industries in Vienna to advance their projects, make connection, integrate and reinforce the local community. By investing, donors contribute to building and preserving the platform and to creating opportunities for personal and professional growth, community reinforcement, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for diaspora talent. Compasionate Contributor UP TO €50 Pathway Pioneer UP TO €100 Catalyst Champion UP TO €500 Impact Innovator FROM €1000 DISCOVER & SUPPORT OUR DONOR WALL Welcome to our Donor Wall ...a testament to the generosity and dedication of our valued supporters. Here, we honor those whose contributions have propelled our mission forward, fueling initiatives that empower diaspora professionals in Vienna and beyond. This page serves as a tribute to the individuals, organizations, and partners who have invested in our vision of fostering professional growth, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for success. As you explore this virtual space, you'll discover the names and stories of those who have played a pivotal role in shaping our collective impact. Each name on this wall represents more than just a donation—it symbolizes a commitment to building a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have joined us on this journey, standing as beacons of hope and catalysts for positive change. Individual donors Steeve H. Bangaly K. Anonymous Donor - Mazak Organizational donors

Explore our services and get in touch Our Services 01. Custom Project This service is designed for unique challenges and innovative ideas. We collaborate closely with you to understand your specific needs and objectives, developing tailored solutions that drive tangible results. Let us help bring your vision to life with a project crafted just for you. Show more 02. Personal Solution Planning We believe in understanding your individual circumstances to provide the best possible guidance. This service involves dedicated one-on-one sessions to explore your situation, identify key challenges, and map out personalized strategies for success. Get the focused attention you deserve. Show more 03. Expert Guidance Package Leverage our extensive industry knowledge and experience to navigate complex decisions. This package offers strategic insights and expert advice to help you overcome obstacles and achieve your desired outcomes. Benefit from professional perspectives to refine your approach. Show more

AN INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO BRING TOGETHER CREATIVE MINDS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS IN A SERIES OF UNIQUE AND INSPIRING ENCOUNTERS. CREATIVES' DATE! CREATIVES' DATE! IS AN INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO BRING TOGETHER CREATIVE MINDS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS IN A SERIES OF UNIQUE AND INSPIRING ENCOUNTERS. WHETHER IT'S OVER LUNCH, DINNER, OR DURING AN ENGAGING TOUR, EACH CREATIVES' DATE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO FOSTER MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS, IGNITE COLLABORATIVE SPARKS, AND EXPLORE THE VAST TAPESTRY OF CREATIVITY WITHIN OUR DIASPORA COMMUNITY AND BEYOND. MARCH 16, 2024 DINE. CONNECT. MINGLE This introductory edition of Creatives Dates! series was held on March 16th, 2024 and aimed to gather members of the Diaspora, Creatives and friends in Vienna around a fun evening. Through different creative ice breaker activities, guests learnt about themselves and connected for long-term relationship building. During this episode of Creatives Date!, a vibrant Creative Wall was crafted alongside our guests. Each participant contributed their unique artistic touch, symbolizing the diversity and creativity within the diaspora community. Together, a unique masterpiece that reflects the collaborative spirit of our gathering and Diaspora in general was build. The theme for this Creative Wall is "Representation of Diaspora in Vienna". THE PROGRAM 18H00 : ARRIVAL Welcome drinks are offered to all guests. Don't forget to collect your voucher from the organisers 18H30 :OPENING OF EVENT/PRESENTATIONS About Diaspora Creatives and Creatives Date! Get to know tonights' host, Restaurant Ikaze 18H35 : CREATIVE ICEBREAKER SESSION PART I Pick a partner to form a team of two... 19H00 : OPENING OF THE AFRICAN BUFFET Enjoy an African buffet provide d by Ikaze Restaurant 19H30 : CREATIVE ICEBREAKER SESSION PART II Follow-up of Part I - Let's get to know ourselves. THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT: A CREATIVE CONTRIBUTION FROM ALL GUESTS AROUND THE TOPIC: "DIASPORA REPRESENTATION IN VIENNA " Let's enjoy a fun evening in each other's company! DONATE/SUPPORT US Account Name : Diaspora Creatives - Verein zur För. IBAN AT23 2011 1850 2398 6900 BIC/SWIFT GIBAATWWXXX EMAIL hello@diasporacreatives.com PHONE +436606202426 FOLLOW

Ceri SAMVILIAN Profession: Life Coach Country of Origin: Kenya Biggest achievement: Being an Author of my First book "Journal and discover your authentic self" Favorite quote : "Capturing what you see and what you do will reveal who you are" - John Rohn Best quality: Connecting with people and using that connection to inspire them. I'm also a great listener which works perfectly with my job as a Life Coach My Outstanding Story My background... Born and raised in Kenya and now based in Vienna, Austria, I am a HR professional who loves working with people and being a problem solver. I have a BCOM degree on Human Resource Management that I received from University of Pretoria in South Africa. I then returned to Kenya and studied for a Higher diploma on the same to accustomize myself to the Kenyan labour laws. I became a Human resources manager for a well known chain of restaurants in Kenya called Java House. About 3 years ago when I decided to take my career to the next level and be a Life coach, I took a Diploma on the Art & Science of solution based coaching. I am now an ICF certified Life coach . ...the soul searching and life changing process... I felt like I was not making the impact I needed to make by being of service and fulfilling my fullest potential. I reached a point in my life where I was working a normal 9 to 5 job going home and being a wife and mother. As much as I love my family, I felt like something huge was missing. I asked myself “Is this all there is to my life right now ?” The one thing I knew for sure was that the only way I could reach the dreams that were hidden inside of me, was by first having a clear understanding of who I was and who I wanted to become. So, I started a serious soul-searching process and used the tools that I could find, to give me the answers I was looking for. I read self-help books, I watched hours and hours of motivational videos. I joined groups in my part of town that got me out of my comfort zone and did things I would normally never do. I also invested in myself and went for major trainings and weekend workshops. It’s interesting what happens when you ask the universe for something. It will always reply as long as you are willing to listen. I found a coach who navigated me through finding what I am good at and how to apply my skills. I found mentors who opened doors for me and helped me start my own business. I was able to not only find my skills but improve on them. Since then I realised that being a life Coach is my calling and I became a certified (solution - based) Life coach and accomplished over 200 hours of personal coaching hours, helping people have a clear understanding of who they are and using that direction to create the life they have only dreamed of. ...culture influencing my work... My name in full is Gacheri and in my culture it means "the one who takes care of others ". I feel this is who I have always been. I always seem to be the one giving advice or giving a shoulder to cry on. I always felt like I needed to do something to help others. The problem with this sometimes is you may get over burdened with this trait if it is not done in a healthy way. Studying to be a coach helped me understand how I could use my skills and natural talents to help people in a healthier and more purposeful way. ...I am inspired by... I am inspired by mentors who look like me. The first on stage speaker that blew me away was Les Brown. Seeing a black man speak so well and move the masses was amazing to me. Then I saw Lisa Nichols and that made me believe that a black woman also has the ability to dominate the motivational stage and move millions of people. I was even lucky enough to meet her this year at an event and she taught me even more on how you can mold your craft and take it further. These people showed me that anything is possible. Engaging with the community... I always try to support other black entrepreneurs in Austria by providing guidance or giving them a platform to showcase their work. I enjoy doing collaborations that promote our skills and talents. On a personaI basis, I research a lot on the African stories, proverbs and how personal development was used in the past and add it into my work. We actually have so much we have been taught and have forgotten or we don't even realize that this had to do with personal growth. My goal is to be continuously part of the supportive system for any diaspora. I want people to know they are not alone and do not have to go through this journey alone. There are people who can guide you through your journey. As for my work, I see myself working both in Europe and Africa. I want to be able to learn as much as I can from this space and take it back home to propel and improve other people's lives. My message to emerging diaspora members and creatives... This is a poem I love to share, every chance I get. “You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness. Your were born with wings. You are not meant for crawling, so don’t. You have wings. Learn to use them and fly.” — Rumi www.cerisamvilian.com Check Out My next Event

Laure a.k.a "Mademoiselle Fesch" Country of Origin: France Biggest achievement: My son, he helps me grow every day into a better and more patient person. Favorite quote : "Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak" Best quality: Spreading my energy and enthusiasm to others. My Outstanding Story Bonjour , I'm Laure, your French personal stylist. It's not just about fashion for me—it's about care and dedication to helping you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. How my creative journey started... Growing up, like many, I faced my fair share of bullies. It wasn't easy, and it made me empathize deeply with those who felt out of place due to society's beauty standards. My journey into style and self-expression began around 13 or 14. While everyone else rocked white sneakers, I boldly sported blue ones, refusing to hide who I was. It took me years to embrace my unique path. Even as I dove into personal styling, echoes of my teenage struggles lingered. But life had a funny way of leading me back to my passion. From styling with secondhand clothes for a zero-waste project in Austria to founding Mademoiselle Fesch , my focus has always been on helping women feel amazing in their own skin. Like many in my circle, I have roots from other countries despite being French. My grandfather hailed from southern Portugal. This aspect of my heritage has perhaps influenced my insatiable curiosity about people's lives and experiences. I truly believe there's so much to learn from others if we just keep an open mind. My proudest moment is... I think my proudest moments come from the reviews my customers leave about the service. Also, I won a competition organized by a styling school in Paris (ESR Paris), which was based on the Netflix series "Worn Stories. About my inspirations I don't think I can pinpoint just one person who has inspired me. I've met loads of amazing women in different situations, and it's their ongoing journeys that really get me fired up. Although, I have to say, my grandmother, Marthe, wasn't a businesswoman or anything, but she always encouraged me to push forward. After she passed away, I began delving deeper into my stylist journey. Her death was a wake-up call in various aspect of my life. It started with a blog named after her, and a few years later, I launched my own business. The challenges...we all face them! Here are mines... Before starting my business, I faced my fair share of challenges, mainly stemming from my insecurities. I kept postponing, thinking I could always do better . But eventually, I overcame those doubts. With each step, I grew more confident, realizing the genuine impact I could have on my customers' lives, making them feel good along the way. About engaging with community and contributing to cultural preservation I'm not big on social media, but I thrive in face-to-face interactions. I love meeting people personally through consultations, local events. It's all about connecting on a real level for me . My way to contribute to cultural promotion—keeping it personal and down-to-earth. My aspirations as a Diaspora member I aspire to empower more women in the future by providing them with the tools to manage their image and communicate who they are without fear of judgment. ...an advice for emerging diaspora members: Embrace your uniqueness, for it is the essence of your beauty http://www.mademoiselle-fesch.at

All events from and by diaspora creators and creatives SAVE THE DATE Diaspora Creatives is finally here and we couldn’t be happier. Take a look at our events as well as the ones organised by and for diaspora creators for details, and make sure to save the date. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. You can also publish your event on our website below. Creatives and Cultural Events from and by Diaspora Sambizanga So., 21. Juni Metro Kinokulturhaus More info Learn more “MADE IN DIASPORA”: Art, between worlds and cultures Mi., 24. Juni Location communicated after registration More info RSVP Mossane Fr., 26. Juni Metro Kinokulturhaus More info Learn more Vienna Carnival Road March So., 28. Juni Kaiserwiese More info Learn more Want to publish your event on our home page? PUBLISH YOUR EVENT

Discover the outstanding profile of Teinye Boyle Téinye Boyle Profession: Social, Creative & Cultural Entrepreneur Country of Origin: Nigeria Biggest achievement: Discovering myself as a "Multipod", and relaxing into the idea that i could become more than one thing, and be exceptional at it all. Favorite quote : “I’d rather be WORTH-KNOWING than WELL-KNOWN” Best talent: Discernment www.teinyeboyle.com T einye Boyle is not easily categorised and he has never wanted to be. A social entrepreneur, creative director, life coach, author, and event architect, he moves across disciplines with a rare fluency, guided by a central conviction: that the African creator's goal is not to fit into existing structures, but to build an entirely new path. Born in Nigeria and rooted in the Ijaw identity he carries with quiet pride, documented through his personal lens project #IjawBoyInTransit, Teinye has spent years proving that a multiplicity of passions is not a liability. It is a superpower. The term he uses for himself is Multipod: someone whose many gifts, rather than pulling them in opposite directions, converge into something greater than the sum of their parts. His personal insights, journey, vision...here narrated to us in his own voice and with his own words: " For years, I have navigated the creative world as a 'multipod'‚ a talent with multiple passions that refused to be siloed. My journey, captured through the lens of #IjawBoyInTransit , is a mission to prove that for the African creator, the goal is not to fit into existing structures but to build an entirely new path using African grit, soul, and identity as our primary fuel. “The goal is not to fit into existing structures but to build an entirely new path using African grit, soul, and identity as our primary fuel." This vision found its most prestigious expression in Creative Innovation through the founding of Afri-Ball . What began as a regional spark has evolved into a national event phenomenon‚ an annual Pan-African charity gala that serves as the premier platform for honoring 'unapologetic African excellence.' By hosting the Creators‚ Awards alongside Afri-Ball 2026 in Newcastle, I have established a dedicated 'table of our own' for creatives in film, music, fashion, and literature who are often overlooked by mainstream industries. “What began as a regional spark has evolved into a national event phenomenon, an annual Pan-African charity gala that serves as the premier platform for honoring unapologetic African excellence." My commitment to Community Impact is rooted in the strategic ecosystem I’ve built around these events. Platforms like Creators' Mix bridge the gap between emerging talent and established professionals, fostering a sustainable community where creators move from being a 'moment' to becoming a 'movement.' As a life coach and author of Black Multipod, I further this impact by helping individuals break the 'shackles of indecision' to birth careers that embrace their full potential. “By advocating for African stories as central, not peripheral, to global culture, I am dedicated to a legacy that ensures the next generation of diaspora creatives are both well-known and, more importantly, worth knowing." As an Entrepreneurial Trailblazer, I have transitioned Afri-Ball CIC into a high-growth social enterprise and a vital bridge between the African diaspora and the global stage. By advocating for African stories as central‚ not peripheral‚ to global culture, I am dedicated to a legacy that ensures the next generation of diaspora creatives are both well-known and, more importantly, worth knowing . " For Teinye, the legacy is clear: a world where the next generation of diaspora creatives are not merely well-known, but worth knowing and where the structures that celebrate them are ones they built themselves. Outstanding Story

Ahmed Tijani Country of Origin: Ghana My Outstanding Story I am Ahmed Tijani Kassim, better known as @africanstjay on my content creation journey, a visionary creative on a mission to empower, inspire and eradicate the negative stereotypes of Africa in the western world and bridge the gap between Africa and other continents through my artistry. Born and raised in Ghana, my journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From a young age, I exhibited a profound love for media broadcasting and creativity, which ultimately led me to start my own company known as Tijani groups, a company which includes Afrocentric clothing production, A natural drink production company, A media creative hub, etc. I studied Textiles Science And Technology With A Speciality in Chemistry for my degree And Currently Studying For MSc in chemical science. I have a deep creative passion in visual art specifically, painting and interest in music My Personal Insights and inspirations... Driven by a deep rooted desire to make a positive impact, I infuse my work with authenticity, empathy, and cultural richness. My unique perspective reflects a fusion of my Ghanaian heritage and global experiences, capturing the essence of humanity in its purest form. Through my art, I strive to break barriers, challenge perceptions, and foster connection across borders. Some cultural and personal influences that play a role in my journey has a lot to do with my background as a member of a royal family in Ghana and my parental upbringing as well. Growing up in a multicultural environment has shaped my artistic style and my desire to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage in my work. One challenge I have encountered in my artistic journey is balancing the expectations of my cultural community with my own creative vision. At times, there is pressure to conform to traditional norms and styles, but I have learned to stay true to my own artistic voice and incorporate elements of my cultural background in a way that feels authentic to me. My aspirations and goals as a diaspora member and creative are to continue creating meaningful and thought-provoking content that resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds. I hope to use my platform to amplify marginalized voices and bring awareness to important social issues. In the future, I see my work evolving to encompass a wider range of mediums and reaching the world . I aspire to collaborate with other creatives from different backgrounds and cultures to create innovative and impactful projects that challenge societal norms and inspire change. I believe that my unique perspective as a diaspora member will continue to shape my artistic journey and drive me to create work that is both personal and universal in its themes. Holder of prestigious awards... My talent has not gone unnoticed, earning me accolades and recognition on both local and international stages. My innovative approach to entrepreneurship has garnered prestigious awards, including the Ghanaian Creative Excellence Award and the African Artistic Visionary Prize. These honors serve as a testament to my dedication and creativity in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Project 101 Outreach in Ghana Beyond artistic endeavors, I am a passionate advocate for social change and youth empowerment. Through my groundbreaking initiative, Project 101 Outreach, I am making a tangible difference in the lives of less privileged children across Ghana. By providing access to education, mentorship, and creative resources, Project 101 is breaking the cycle of poverty and nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators. My journey as @africanstjay embodies the transformative power of creativity and compassion. From humble beginnings in Ghana 🇬🇭 to global impact as a creative force, my story serves as an inspiration to dreamers and doers everywhere. With each brushstroke and each act of kindness, I continue to leave an indelible mark on the world, shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Connect with me on instagram as AfricansTjay, subscribe to my YouTube channel @africansTjay, check out my business page on instagram: Tijani groups. ...My message for emerging diaspora members: It’s now or never , be authentic to yourself and accept no one’s definition of you. @africansTjay

Contact Us Get in Touch! First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting! Contact Details Address Vienna, Austria Email hello@diasporacreatives.com Join the Diaspora Creatives Community Creators and creative entrepreneurs and initiatives can register to become a member of the Diaspora Creative Community MORE INFO Join our mailing list Not ready to join the community yet? You can subscribe to our mailing list SUBSCRIBE Follow our WhatsApp Channel Follow the DC WhatsApp channel for more access to our next actions, news, opportunities... JOIN CHANNEL