Chidinma Menakaya's Professional Portfolio!
As the President of Menakaya Ministries, I created a cultural education institute called e-Pal World (e-pal.world). This initiative was born from my personal vision and determination to foster cross-cultural connections between Americans and Nigerians, offering them a thrilling 3-month virtual adventure.
In this exhilarating journey, participants not only broadened their horizons but also received valuable tools for personal growth. Each participant is equipped with a tablet and a specially tailored African-made jacket. These tangible assets are complemented by intangible treasures, including a focus on essential life skills like financial literacy, cultural enrichment, and emotional growth.
It's an opportunity for both youth and adults to embark on a thrilling adventure, connecting with their peers in Africa. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between people of all ages in America to their peers in Nigeria, West Africa. We do not just match you with a pal, we set you both up to leave the experience with a deeper sense of each other, their culture and personally developed through lessons focused on emotional and spiritual growth, cultural enrichment, and financial empowerment. What sets e-Pal World apart is our commitment to fostering collaboration, engaging in peer-to-peer learning, and leveraging your new partnership to create products with global export and import potential. Over the course of three months, both youth and adults embark on an exciting journey, connecting with pals vitually - on new tablets received through the program - to form enriching collaborative connections. Together, they discover, learn, and have a great time.
My role in shaping this remarkable journey extends beyond its inception. From 2020 to 2023, my primary focus has been to facilitate collaborations between high-level executives in America and their counterparts in Africa. I started by creating a strategic roadmap and then forging critical relationships and connections.
I initiated contact with two influential figures: the head of the United Black Clergy, overseeing a network of more than 50 black churches in Maryland, and the President and Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Churches in Anambra, Nigeria (West Africa), managing a staggering 2000 churches. Through personal meetings and the presentation of my meticulously crafted roadmap, both leaders enthusiastically embraced the vision.
I successfully orchestrated virtual connections between these visionary leaders, setting the stage for two momentous in-person meetings where the Nigerian President visited America to meet with his American counterpart. This remarkable partnership paved the way for collaborations with organizations like the American Heart Association and the launch of grant-funded cultural education programs. These initiatives enabled virtual collaboration between the youth in the American President's group of churches and their counterparts in the Nigerian President's group of churches. This partnership is just the beginning of an exciting journey, with numerous captivating projects on the horizon.
To gain a deeper insight into this transformative program, you can visit our website at www.e-Pal.World.
Here's a glimpse into one page from a larger 20-page document. I designed it this way to ensure that the plan is presented in a clear and easily digestible format.
If you haven't already explored the cultural education program I developed, implemented, and successfully secured funding for, please visit our website at e-Pal.world. Thank you for taking the time to check it out!
I have had the privilege of serving as a consultant for the Ministry of Tourism in Anambra, Nigeria, where I provide expertise in the realm of tourism and strategies for engaging with American tourists. My journey into this role began with a profound and inspiring exploration of Nigeria's most prominent tourist destinations, as well as the hidden gems that often go unnoticed. However, my mission transcended mere exploration; it was a deep-seated commitment to uplifting the local economy through the transformative power of tourism. This endeavor has not only increased the visibility of Anambra's tourism offerings but has also emphasized the importance of tourism as a vital source of income for the local community.
In 2019, one of my notable achievements is a partnership agreement I aquired between my consulting firm, Menakaya Ministries, and the Ministry of Tourism and Diaspora Affairs for Anambra, Nigeria. In my capacity as a consultant, my primary focus has been on establishing strategic partnerships that can enhance the government's initiatives. The partnership signifies a significant step forward in our mission to unlock the full economic and cultural potential of the region, while also facilitating meaningful connections with the diaspora community for mutual benefit.
I 2018, I had the privilege of co-sponsoring the Entrepreneur Africa Awards, an experience that allowed me to forge connections with a remarkable group of industrious and visionary entrepreneurs from Africa. This engagement has since motivated me to actively collaborate in connecting these talented individuals with like-minded American entrepreneurs who share similar projects and aspirations.
I actively seek out fabric and other goods from African factories to supply American-based distributors. The butterfly emblem serves as a seal of authenticity, proudly signifying that the products we represent are crafted in Africa, by the skilled hands of African artisans. I used my corporate marketing training to skillfully design, print, and craft all branding materials, effectively showcasing African-made fabric to captivate American buyers.
I participate in and collaborate with conferences and trade shows to establish connections with distributors and fabric buyers for my African-based factories. In 2018, I dedicated 12 days to networking and engaging with attendees at the Houston International Quilt Market, an event that draws an annual average of over 50,000 individuals seeking to purchase or sell fabric.
I collaborate with fabric producers in Nigeria, encompassing both machine-made and hand-made products, facilitating their connections with American distributors. To ensure the highest quality and standards, I personally visited each factory before representing them.
We have partnered with a distinguished individual known for his extensive travels, during which he has conducted traditional naming ceremonies for individuals seeking African names. In collaboration with him, we offer an enriching experience that encompasses the exploration of cultural history, personalized naming ceremonies, and an annual river festival held in Anambra, Nigeria. Together, we aim to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions and heritage of this vibrant region.
My father operates a school located in Anambra, Nigeria. Our ongoing efforts are dedicated to nurturing the school's development and providing support to both the students and their parents within the community.
In 2014, I founded Sassy Tall Girls, marking my debut in the world of entrepreneurship. The brand's primary mission was to cater to the fashion needs of tall women, a cause close to my heart as I stand at 5'11" and am the oldest among my five siblings, all towering at 5'10" or above. With a hands-on approach, I personally crafted and hand-printed all the items. My multifaceted role encompassed a wide array of responsibilities, including:
Building and managing the e-commerce store website * Crafting and implementing a comprehensive sales strategy * Overseeing social media management * Organizing and executing fashion shows and events * Engaging in sewing activities* Coordinating photo shoots * Sourcing materials and products * Conducting marketing efforts * Efficiently managing inventory* Budgeting * Modeling for promotional purposes * And much more
This venture allowed me to gain invaluable experience and develop a diverse skill set while pursuing my passion for fashion and entrepreneurship.