We recently had the honor of interviewing Rosheen Ngorima, a seasoned Professional Accountant by qualification and an award-winning entrepreneur. Rosheen’s journey to entrepreneurship while bridging the considerable gaps in support services, particularly for female entrepreneurs to founding the fastest-growing organization for female entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Africa, named Female Founders’ Initiative Middle East and Africa (FFIMEA) is an inspiration for many.
In this interview, Rosheen Ngorima passionately shares the latest initiative for female leaders and entrepreneurs, SheEO Leadership Bootcamp, with the theme “Empowering Females to Lead and Excel”. The Bootcamp is a way of celebrating and empowering women entrepreneurs in the Africa and Middle East region through several attractive events and sessions. Rosheen shares her profound insights on addressing challenges as female entrepreneurs in the industry and also offers invaluable lessons for them.
Breaking Barriers
We started the interview by asking, “Rosheen, can you briefly describe the essence of the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp and its significance, especially in the African and Middle Eastern context?
Rosheen Ngorima responds, “SheEO Leadership Bootcamp’s purpose is to celebrate and empower female entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East. Business leaders, especially women, need to be given the recognition they deserve. They are breaking barriers, and the world needs to see it. SheEO aims to spotlight the women achieving greatness, which is why we are hosting the 50 under 50 Awards.
Not only that, we are on a mission to help these women unlock their potential and take the global market by storm. We have decided to theme the event “Empowering Females to Lead and Excel”. We are gathering industry experts from The Middle East and Africa to share their insights with other female founders. We want our attendees to see and learn from women who look like them and who are making moves globally.”
Redefined To Meet Challenges
We were intrigued to learn the evolution of the Bootcamp since its advent. So, we asked, “How has the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp evolved since its inception in Dubai in 2023 to its return to the African continent in 2024?”
Rosheen Ngorima asserts, “In Dubai, the concept of networking and collaboration is familiar. Attendees were established businesswomen who were ready to exchange ideas and establish partnerships. Whereas in Africa, many businesses are informal; they are high quality and have an unlimited potential to grow and flourish. By gathering both the Middle East and Africa in one room, we allow Middle Eastern founders to partner up with African founders to help them grow and for African women to be inspired by what the global market offers.
The decision to return to the African continent in 2024 is a testament to the ever-growing ambitions and potential of African women entrepreneurs. The boot camp’s content and structure have been adapted to address the specific challenges and opportunities that women face, making it a more tailored and impactful experience.”
Spark Behind The Initiative
We asked, “As the President of Female Founders Initiative Middle East and Africa, what inspired you to bring the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp to Kenya?”
Rosheen Ngorima replied, “Kenya, a vibrant city with a deep sense of ambition and potential, resonates deeply with our founder and the Female Founders Initiative. It’s a place where dreams are pursued with vigour, and it embodies the very spirit of the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp.
We were inspired by the opportunity to bring the global resources required for women to excel in entrepreneurship to the region. This initiative aligns with our mission of creating a collaborative and supportive community for female entrepreneurs in Africa.”
Major Highlights
To learn more about the major highlights and attractions of this entire Bootcamp, we asked, “What are some of the key highlights and sessions that attendees can look forward to at the SheEO Leadership Boot Camp Kenya 2024?”
Rosheen Ngorima passionately replied, “Attendees can look forward to enriching experiences, including training sessions on strategy, leadership, and execution. Day two promises an exciting networking brunch focusing on strategic collaboration and partnerships.
The boot camp concludes with an excursion day, providing attendees with the chance to explore Nairobi. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.”
Addressing Challenges The Right Way
Challenges are an inevitable part of any journey. So, we asked, “In your view, what are the most pressing challenges facing women in leadership roles today?”
“Women in leadership roles, especially in Africa and the Middle East, face challenges related to access to education, mentorship, and skills development. They often encounter barriers that hinder their professional growth and hinder their ability to access opportunities on an equal footing. This is why initiatives like the SheEO Leadership Bootcamp are vital in addressing these challenges and empowering women to lead and excel.” Rosheen Ngorima replied.
Empowering The Next Generation
“With discussions and workshops focusing on topics like access to education, mentorship, and skills development, how do you see the boot camp empowering the next generation of female leaders?”
Rosheen Ngorima shared, “The boot camp empowers the next generation of female leaders by providing them with essential knowledge, fostering mentorship, and honing their skills. By creating a supportive environment and fostering a sense of community, the boot camp enables attendees to connect with experienced leaders, gain valuable insights, and establish relationships leading to ongoing mentorship and collaboration. This comprehensive approach equips them to overcome challenges and excel in leadership roles.”
Contribution Towards The Event
“The boot camp has been made possible by the support of sponsors and exhibitors. How can interested organizations get involved, and what benefits do they stand to gain?”
Rosheen Ngorima responds, “Interested organizations can get involved by contacting our organizing team, who can provide detailed information about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities. By becoming sponsors or exhibitors, these organizations will gain exposure to a diverse and influential audience, showcase their commitment to women’s empowerment, and contribute to the growth of female leadership.”
Message For Aspiring Female Leaders, we asked Rosheen Ngorima
“Lastly, for all the aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs out there, what message would you like to leave them with as they embark on their leadership journeys?”
“My message to aspiring female leaders and entrepreneurs is to believe in your abilities, embrace collaboration, and never underestimate the value of your unique perspective. Your journey may have challenges, but it’s also filled with opportunities. Surround yourself with mentors, supporters, and like-minded individuals.
Your voice and vision have the power to shape the future. Keep pushing forward, and together, we can create a world where women’s leadership and excellence are celebrated and embraced.” Rosheen concluded.
Connect with Rosheen Ngorima on LinkedIn.
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