Raised in Jackson, MS, Sandi Pumulo Lewanika carries her Zambian-Kenyan American heritage with pride, honoring the legacy of her Zambian mother, who raised her and her sister in dignity and cultural wisdom. This pianist, soprano, professor, and actress earned degrees in Piano Performance from Xavier University of Louisiana and the University of Rhode Island. Her performances have taken her across the nation and beyond, earning first-place in the DC NANM Piano Competition and Chloe Flower’s POPSICAL Challenge. Today, she serves as Visiting Professor of Music and Artist-in-Residence at Xavier, where she shapes the next generation of musicians. She has adjudicated the NAACP ACT-SO Competition, founded The Lewanika School, and will soon launch CROWN the Classroom, her humanitarian initiative supporting arts educators. Her service extends to maternal health through the Touro Infirmary Foundation Board and her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Excellence remains her language and impact her legacy. https://youtu.be/I5CyE0QIPJ4https://youtu.be/JgUn2bck3iU?si=qvzYavRNcHR7xYT8

For generations, African women have been taught to be quiet, told not to be too loud, too bold, too visible. Decisions have been made for them: about their bodies, their families, and how far they’re allowed to go. I’m Ruby Amondi Okidi, and I am part of the generation that’s changing that. Born in Kenya, I am a licensed trauma-informed therapist trained at Columbia University, where I earned my Master of Social Work and served as the first African Vice President of the Students’ Union. I am interested in the intersection of mental health, community care, and social medical sciences and was later accepted into Columbia’s Public Health program, I currently work as a licensed therapist at a state hospital, where I provide therapy and conduct mental health assessments and diagnoses. My clinical work is grounded in cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. I am also the founder of Lorem Counselors in Kenya, a mental health initiative I started during the pandemic to challenge stigma, amplify culturally grounded healing practices, and support communities in need. my need for a clinical focus landed me at Columbia for my masters. I created Healing Out Loud as a safe space where immigrant women come together to talk, dance, learn, and reclaim their power. Whether I’m leading therapy, dance sessions, or public talks, my mission is always the same, make healing accessible and visible. https://youtube.com/shorts/A229PFZ7-58https://youtu.be/_hky5_Ottp0?si=_VKXY77j4LbfU3TX

Ropafadzo Nyakutya is a Zimbabwean-born advocate, content creator, and proud holder of a Chemistry degree. She is passionate about using science and storytelling to make a meaningful difference, especially in the areas of menstrual hygiene and STEM education for young African girls. As a finalist in the Miss Africa USA 2025 pageant, Ropafadzo is leading initiatives such as a sanitary pad drive, a STEM and etiquette day camp, and a women’s empowerment panel. She is a certified influencer through Her Campus Media and has worked with fashion and beauty brands while remaining grounded in her Christian values. Her platform is a reflection of both purpose and passion—blending her academic background, creative skills, and deep commitment to empowering girls. Through her work, Ropafadzo hopes to inspire confidence, innovation, and leadership in the next generation, showing that a crown is not just about beauty, but about impact. https://youtu.be/L4KArvStnp4