Mariama Ciré Keïta

I am a global voice on contemporary African culture and politics, champion for women and visionary public servant.

In my efforts of paying it forward, I am the founder of HOIMA, a career development and learning initiative that prepares millennial women of African descent for higher education and competitive young professional recruitment programs for multinational organizations.

As a communication strategist by training, I have a decade of experience in the social, public and international development sectors working for organizations that include UNICEF and USAID. In my consultancy roles, I manage high-level portfolios on cross-cutting development issues to celebrity relations and partnerships for the development of Africa. This includes integrating international influencers to successfully champion the work of multinational organizations programs, regional and global campaigns. From 2010-2013, Mariama led youth and women empowerment initiatives with a sub-Saharan Africa regional focus for the World Bank, UNAIDS, and White House under President Obama administration.

Prior to my transition to international development, in the early stages of my career I worked extensively in the fashion, media/entertainment industries. As a natural story teller and strong writer, I honed my journalism skills by independently reporting from the field throughout my travels across the globe. In 2014, I conducted signature interviews with news-makers from former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga’ to multi-platinum recording artist and business mogul Akon. I have contributed articles to Ebola Deeply, Committee to Protect Journalists covering breaking press freedom stories in 7 African countries.

As a Guinean-American, fashionista, travel, music and culture enthusiast, I am committed to the journey of living a purpose driven life.