The Qonnect

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Ladan, the founder of Takow network, a platform for young women to advocate for international women's causes. Ladan is also an established social media influencer, who uses her broad platform to champion Human Rights causes and women's issues. She  empowers young audiences and engages them in public affairs and activism and breaking down b...

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks about how letting go can transform our mindsets and help us understand that we are enough as we are. She touches on perfection, being in control, uncertainty and more. This episode is inspired and informed by Brené Brown's Guideposts to Wholehearted Living. Let us know what you're letting go of in 2021. --- Have thoughts about this episode? Sha...

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Abla,  who works to use art + storytelling to help create positive social change. She is the founder of Elmi House Productions, a storytelling company that creates work based on an inclusive storytelling method that she created, which aims to answer the question: What would stories look like, if the people whose stories are being told, were included...

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with you all about her learning lessons of 2020, from us truly knowing nothing, the importance of appreciating the little moments to the power of saying no and believing in yourself and more. Let us know what you're taking away from 2020 into 2021. --- Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Q...

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with USEN,  an auteur and curator based in between New York and Lagos. He founded HAUSEN, a gallery and cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora,  out of his Brooklyn apartment when he was 25 years old and is on the acquisitions committee for the Young Collectors Council at the Guggenheim Museum. During this convers...

In this episode I look back on some of my favourite moments, wisdoms and learning lessons from this season. This episode will recap on overcoming beauty standards, what inspires one's creativity, overcoming imposter's syndrome, black women in academia and intersectionality, creating for the African audience and removing oneself from anything that doesn't serve you. Follow my social...

In this weeks episode, I speak on the protests happening all around the world after the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd. I touch on the psychology around riots and protests, how this is connected to different parts of the world, what organising and mobilising looks like, and so much more. For different resources on BLM please check out aashni.me Instagram & Twitter : @qaaliciid Have thou...

“you need to practice self care as a black woman for survival”   Vee is a young East African girl and the host and producer of the At The Table Podcast which is all about centering women, wellness and self care - particularly women of colour. She is currently doing her second masters, an MBA in Global Business in London and hopes to start her PhD this fall in Gender Studies and decolonising knowle...

"follow the clues that God has given you"   The Kenyan native Effy Kawira began her career in film as an actor and producer creating short films and music videos in Minneapolis with local filmmakers and friends which then led her into the world of directing and from there her interest and devotion blossomed. Effy’s propulsive passion for storytelling is the driving force behind every pro...

In this solo episode Qali speaks to listeners about the struggle she has faced with motivation lately and the importance and need for self-compassion. She touches on the need for more mindfulness, acceptance and patience with ourselves. Have a listen for a little pick me up! Instagram Twitter Website Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and...

" you belong, the space is yours to occupy " Khadija is a Kenyan-born documentary and travel photographer with an interest in climate change, faith communities and women's issues. After spending her formative years living in Texas, Khadija moved back to Kenya in 2014 and got a job at Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya. In the year she served in Dadaab, she witnessed dozens of pho...

“there’s no way you can come into my house and tell me not to make a cup of tea” Noni Muchiri is a modern-day nomad! A "third culture kid" of sorts with her roots firmly planted in Kenya! She's currently a Digital Journalist at BBC Africa and also runs a lifestyle YouTube channel under her name: Muthoni Muchiri . Noni is hella passionate about Africa, it's vibrancy, it's d...

Join Qali on a solo episode as speaks about why storytelling matters, their influence on our identities, the relationship between stories and empathy and how stories have helped her journey and why she implores more people to show their real selves. Instagram Twitter Website Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Ins...

" the sky is too big for two birds to clash" Terembe currently leads knowledge management and learning efforts for CARE International's future focused organisational development. This involves supporting the CI Confederation to become more agile, diverse and relevant for the future and supporting global governance and leadership teams to understand changes underway and make informed...

" Did I tell you about the time I slept on the beach in Barcelona? "  Julie O is a nomad, writer, model, lover of festivals and dancing from Nairobi, Kenya.  Growing up exploring East Africa on school holidays, a remote writing job in her last year studying architecture in South Africa and resulting solo EuroTrip put her on a quest for more adventure. She's currently pursuing a noma...