SPEAKING EVENTS
RISE by She-EO, Lagos
HOST/SPEAKER
November 29th | Lagos, Nigeria
RISE by She-EO is a transformative summit celebrating resilience, identity, and healing through storytelling, culture, and connection, empowering changemakers to rise in purpose and power. This year’s edition features inspiring guests whose stories will spark hope, strength, and belief in attendees. The event schedule is available here, and tickets can be purchased here.
Food and Agriculture Policy Summit
PANELIST
October 28th @ 2pm | Washington, DC
Voices of Eaters – A Panel on the Future of Food – Part of the 1st Annual Food and Agriculture Policy Summit hosted by José Andrés, Food Tank, the Global Food Institute at GW, and the Culinary Institute of America
This interactive panel will bring together farmers, chefs, school food providers, parents, students, and community leaders for a dynamic, on-stage conversation. Designed as a live focus group, the dialogue will highlight what individuals across the food system truly need and want from future policy.
Apinke Girls Initiative
GUEST SPEAKER
October 25th @ 7pm | Virtual
This interactive session will bring together mentors and young girls for a powerful conversation on the importance of nurturing relationships and creating safe environments for girls to thrive.
Designed as an open dialogue, the session will explore how mentorship, storytelling, and community support can transform the lives of young girls across Africa—ensuring that every girl has access to meaningful guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to reach her full potential.
Decatur Book Festival
AUTHOR SHOWCASE
October 4th @ 10am | Atlanta, GA
The Decatur Book Festival marks its 20th anniversary this year—two decades of stories, voices, and imagination. I am honored to exhibit my books: Love In Cancun, Soulful Whispers, What Color Is Your Money?, and A Mile in My Shoes at this landmark festival, alongside works from fellow authors and friends.
Join us as we celebrate storytelling, amplify diverse voices, and showcase books that inspire and transform. It is also a perfect opportunity to grab your copy. Learn more
CULTIVATE. The UNCONFERENCE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
September 25th @ 1pm | Washington, DC
CULTIVATE. The UNCONFERENCE is a dynamic gathering designed to inspire growth, connection, and purpose. With a focus on health, presence, brand, and community, this transformative experience brings together changemakers for bold conversations, practical insights, and authentic networking. This year’s edition will spark clarity, fuel confidence, and empower participants to thrive in every area of life.
Heartfelt Thank you!
Dear Ms. Fajingbesi,
It was truly such a joy and blessing to meet you at the UNConference today. To be honest, I almost didn’t come. I only purchased my ticket about a week ago, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay for more than an hour. My plan was simply to hear the keynote, step into one breakout session, do a bit of networking, and then head to get my kids from school. But God had other plans. He placed you as the keynote speaker, and I now see it was divine intervention because I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear your message today.
Within minutes of your talk, I found myself fighting back tears. So much of your story, your life experiences, and the lessons you shared about "conditions", "rocks", "soil", and the "harvest", etc, resonated deeply with me. Looking back, I now wish I had taken down some notes!:)
This month marks one year since ———-. We sang hymns, and her grandchildren sent videos and voice notes.
Your message did something I can only describe as watering my soul. It gave me space to face emotions I had set aside, and it reminded me that even in seasons of rocks and weeds, God is still cultivating a harvest. The way you spoke was both challenging and comforting - confronting me with what I needed to acknowledge, but also encouraging me that God has not forgotten me, my family, or the seeds he has planted in us.
I only wish your speech could have been longer, because I found myself wanting to sit with your words and hear more. Yet even in the time you spoke, you gave me exactly what I needed today: a reminder of God’s faithfulness, hope for the future, and the courage to keep tending to the soil he has entrusted to me.
I left the conference quickly, but I didn’t want to leave without letting you know what an unexpected impact you made on me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your obedience in sharing your story and wisdom. I truly believe God sent you there to speak to me today, and I will not soon forget it.
May God bless you, God bless the work of your hands, and God bless your family.
Muslim Association Forum
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
August 30th @ 10am | Dublin, Ireland
The 7th Annual Sisters’ Conference brings the theme “The Tranquility of a Grateful Heart.” It is a faith-inspired gathering celebrating gratitude, sisterhood, and spiritual growth. With transformative talks, soulful reflections, and inspiring guest speakers, this year’s edition will nurture hearts, spark connection, and strengthen belief.
RISE by She-EO, DC
HOST/SPEAKER
June 19-21st | Online & Washington, DC
RISE by She-EO is a transformative summit celebrating resilience, identity and healing through storytelling , culture and connection-empowering changemakers to rise in purpose and power. This year’s edition features inspiring guests whose stories will spark hope, strength and belief in attendees. Event agenda is available here, and tickets can be purchased here.
Manna Staff Retreat
SPEAKER
April 25th @ 10am | Columbia, MD
A Heartfelt Thank you!
Dear Tope,
Thank you so much for joining us during our All Staff Retreat on Friday, April 25th, and for sharing the incredible journey of building your farm from just 0.67 acres to the vibrant and impactful operation it is today. Your openness in sharing the obstacles you’ve faced while turning your family’s dream into reality truly inspired our team. Your story reminded us that with determination and passion, even the most significant challenges can be overcome. We walked away with a renewed sense of resilience—feeling truly unstoppable—as we continue working toward our mission of eliminating hunger in Montgomery County. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing to grow together in this important work.
With appreciation,
Furman
On behalf of the Manna team
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