Speakers | Edges & Drinks

Meet Yema Ferreira

A Catalyst for Transformation
Get ready to be inspired by Yema Ferreira, an extraordinary Angolan Psychotherapist, facilitator, and writer based in the vibrant city of Copenhagen, Denmark. With a passion for empowering Black women, Yema runs a transformative private practice dedicated to helping them redefine their identities, heal from trauma, and reconnect with their spiritual selves.
As the founder of the Black Women’s Sanctuary, Yema has created a dynamic online community where Black women come together to reclaim their identities, history, and divine essence. In this sacred space, she guides them on a powerful journey of self-discovery, personal liberation, and the essential work of building their own tables.
Yema’s approach is rooted in deep understanding and compassion, making her a sought-after voice in the field of mental health and empowerment. Join us in Copenhagen to experience her insights and wisdom firsthand, and take part in a journey that promises to uplift, heal, and inspire!

Maria Theresa Jones 1_ Head of childrens program & producer_edited (1).jpg

Maria Jones

Maria Jones is the brilliant mind behind our Children's Department and the creative genius who brought the Edges and Connection Children's Program to life together with founder Miriam.

Her mission? To cultivate a space where self-discovery, openness, playfulness, and growth take center stage for our future leaders.

After every E&D event, we receive heartfelt messages from both children and parents, thanking us for the incredible experience Maria curated for their children.

At Edges and Drinks, we firmly believe in the magic of community and the boundless potential that lies within each child. With Maria at the helm, we're beyond excited about the future of our Children's Department and the incredible experiences that await our young minds at upcoming gatherings.

About Maria:
Beyond her incredible work with our youth, Maria's passion runs deep for a topic that resonates with many - the celebration of natural hair and the rich stories it carries, both politically and societally.

Maria's credentials are nothing short of impressive - a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in Social Work and Welfare Studies. Her daily mission involves serving as a project coordinator for an NGO dedicated to empowering minority women and young girls. They tirelessly champion political awareness, equal rights, and the pursuit of a brighter future. This NGO also actively works to improve the living conditions of immigrant and refugee women in Norway.

Grace Iche

Grace Iche @grace_sews is the brilliant mind and artist behind all of the excellence we all saw at the 2023 Edges and Drinks hair and cultural show. She humbly accepted our invitation with open arms and an artistic vision that transcended borders, amplifying the celebration of black women in the Nordics.

As for 2024, Grace became our new head stylist, designer, and creative director. As someone who derives joy from making women feel and look confident and beautiful, we are beyond grateful to have her with us as E&D continues to take shape.

Every woman is my canvas," proclaims Grace Ucha, a true maestro of style, culture, and innovation.

The Nigerian-born, Oslo-based Designer, Stylist, and Creative Director has an unwavering dedication to E&D´s vision, and since joining the team with her brand; Grace Ucha, she has undeniably set the standard for the afro-Nordic experience, shaping the future of how we show up for our vibrant community in and outside of our various gatherings.

Miriam Nabunya

Miriam Nabunya, a visionary cultural entrepreneur, producer and service expert.

Miriam is on a mission to create spaces of connection, empowerment, and celebration for black and brown women in the Nordics through her work with Edges and Drinks. As the founder of this, both physical and digital safe space, Miriam has cultivated a community where BIWOC can come together to uplift one another and foster meaningful connections.

Edges and Drinks is the first structured safe space and community for black and brown women in the global north.

With its motivating message, sister-to-sister tone of voice, compelling and engaging program lineup together with its vibrant afro-nordic black history presentation approach, Edges and Drinks is on its way to becoming the definitive voice and meeting place for today´s dynamic afro-nordic woman.

This safe space and network speaks directly to black and brown women's spirit, her heart and her unique concerns. It has, thus far, empowered afro-nordic women to, confidently, move forward personally, professionally and intellectually.

Beyond Edges and Drinks, Miriam is the driving force behind the culture- and events boutique agency; Nabunya AS, specializing in service, project management, and service staff education. Through Nabunya AS, she helps professional organizers deliver exceptional experiences, emphasizing the importance of service excellence and a culture that values people as the amazing human resource they are.

Miriam's passion for serving her communities and making a positive impact on society shines through in everything she does. Her dedication to service excellence extends beyond her professional endeavors, as she also holds workshops and lectures to empower others with her expertise.

SARAH NAKIITO

The Host: Artist Sarah Nakiito- is a visionary artist and a key partner in The Art of Holding Space tour, particularly in the Malmö leg of this impactful initiative. Her work centers around The BLACK FEMALE FORM project, which delves into the intricacies of Black female physicality, mental health, and collective

healing through various artistic mediums, including spatial installations, photography, film, and objects linked to health and recovery.
The purpose of her invitation to Edges and Drinks is to engage deeply with this vital project, which serves as a platform to address the complexities surrounding the experiences of Black women in the Nordics. She is particularly interested in exploring minority stress and decolonizing recovery methods, making this journey an essential opportunity to examine the detrimental effects of historical and colonial structures on contemporary mental health.
Through our participation, Sarah aims for the Malmö audience to connect with Edges and Drinks and to be empowered, immersing them in a collaborative environment where art acts as a catalyst for social justice. Through interactive discussions, she endeavors to foster meaningful dialogues that honor shared experiences and highlight the resilience of their communities.

This event is not only crucial for Sarah's practice but also contributes to the collective mission of creating inclusive spaces that celebrate and uplift Black and brown womxn and non-binary. For Edges and drinks to participate in The BLACK FEMALE FORM project, she aspires to deepen people´s understanding of interconnected narratives across the Nordic countries and advocate for healing and empowerment through innovative artistic expression.

Maria Jones

Maria Jones is the brilliant mind behind our Children's Department and the creative genius who brought the Edges and Connection Children's Program to life together with founder Miriam.

Her mission? To cultivate a space where self-discovery, openness, playfulness, and growth take center stage for our future leaders.

After every E&D event, we receive heartfelt messages from both children and parents, thanking us for the incredible experience Maria curated for their children.

Grace Iche

Every woman is my canvas," proclaims Grace Ucha, a true maestro of style, culture, and innovation.

Miriam Nabunya

Miriam Nabunya, a visionary cultural entrepreneur, producer and service expert.

Edges and Drinks is the first structured safe space and community for black and brown women in the global north.

Miriam Nabunya

Miriam Nabunya, a visionary cultural entrepreneur, producer and service expert.

Edges and Drinks is the first structured safe space and community for black and brown women in the global north.

MEGAN ALBRIGHT

Megan Albright is a dynamic force in the creative world, serving as the social media consultant, content creator, and production assistant for Edges and Drinks. However, during the Stockholm leg of The Art of Holding Space tour, she will take on an exciting new role as the host of the day, guiding participants through a transformative experience.

At just 22 years old, this Cameroonian-born creative now calls Norway home, where she has established herself as a multifaceted talent. As the CEO of her own media company, a musician, podcast host, and dedicated social sciences student, Megan embodies the spirit of innovation and community engagement. She is also the mastermind behind a monthly Sunday market in Oslo, an event that celebrates culture and fosters connections within the community.

With seven years of experience in content creation, Megan is committed to amplifying voices and crafting inclusive spaces where Black and Brown women can truly thrive. Her passion for storytelling and community empowerment shines through in all her endeavors, making her an inspiring leader and advocate.

Join Megan in Stockholm as she brings her unique perspective and infectious energy to The Art of Holding Space tour, creating an environment that encourages dialogue, creativity, and connection.

MERCY MBABAZI

Moderator; Mercy Mbabzi - a passionate advocate for representation, cultural identity, and community empowerment, serving as a vital partner for The Art of Holding Space tour, particularly during the Stockholm leg. As the Chairperson of the Uganda Now and Tomorrow (UNAT), she tirelessly works to amplify the voices and experiences of people of African descent throughout the region.
Under Mercy's visionary leadership, UNAT has launched transformative initiatives designed to inspire both personal and collective growth. One of her flagship projects, the Colours of Afrika Festival, serves as a vibrant platform for cultural expression, fostering dialogue and connection among diverse communities. Through this festival and other initiatives, Mercy creates spaces where stories can be shared, cultures celebrated, and identities embraced.
Her dedication to empowering marginalized voices and championing cultural representation has made her a respected leader in the community. Mercy's work not only enriches the lives of those she serves but also contributes to a broader understanding and appreciation of African heritage in the Nordic context.
Join Mercy in Stockholm as she brings her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to The Art of Holding Space tour, creating an inclusive environment that fosters meaningful connections and celebrates the richness of cultural diversity.

LOLA AKINMADE

Lola Akinmade Åkerström- is a Nigerian photographer, speaker, travel storyteller, an international author and a true woman´s woman.

Her work has been featured in National Geographic, New York Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, BBC, CNN, Travel Channel, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet, Forbes, and many more. She has collaborated with commercial brands such as Dove, Getty Images, Mercedes Benz, Intrepid Travel, Electrolux, ASUS, and National Geographic Channel, to name a few.

She is based in Stockholm, Sweden. Her work focuses on culture, tradition, and lifestyle. She is a Hasselblad Heroine and 2018 Bill Muster Travel Photographer of the Year. In January 2024 her novel, Everything is Not Enough, earned a nomination in the Outstanding Literary Work at the NAACP Awards.

As a storyteller, Lola was featured on Condé Nast Traveler's Women Who Travel Power List. She was named one of the Most Influential Women in Travel by Travel Pulse, a Hasselblad Heroine and Bill Muster Travel Photographer of the Year. She was also honoured with a MIPAD 100 (Most Influential People of African Descent) Award within media and culture and a Newsweek Future of Travel Storytelling Award.

Her book, Due North, received the Lowell Thomas Gold Award for Best Travel Book, and she is also the author of international bestselling "LAGOM: The Swedish Secret of Living Well" available in over 15 foreign language editions. Her internationally-acclaimed novel, "In Every Mirror She's Black", was a Good Morning America (GMA) Buzz Pick, Apple Editors' Pick, Amazon Editors’ Pick, and Independent UK "Best Thought-provoking Story". Her latest novel, EVERYTHING IS NOT ENOUGH, is an NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literature, Jennette McCurdy Book Club Pick, a Washington Post, Sunday Times, and Amazon Editors’ Pick, amongst others. Her newest novel BITTER HONEY was published in May 2025.

As an entrepreneur, she runs Stockholm-based creative storytelling agency Geotraveler Media and online academy, Geotraveler Media Academy, which runs photography experiences around the world and is dedicated to visual storytelling and helping the next generation of travel storytellers put the heart back into the craft.

JABOU FOON

Jabou Foon is an inspiring Afro-Swedish professional whose journey is as rich and vibrant as her heritage. Born and raised in Sweden to Gambian parents, she has spent over 20 years navigating the complex landscapes of human resources and career development, bringing a unique blend of expertise, leadership, and personal insight to every space she enters.

Holding a master’s degree in Human Resources and Management from Middlesex University and a bachelor’s degree in Law from Buckingham University in England, Jabou’s academic accomplishments lay the foundation for her impactful career. She has successfully carved her path in HR, embracing both generalist and leadership roles across a diverse range of public and private sectors.

What sets Jabou apart is her unwavering commitment to equity and justice, which has guided her in her role as a Global DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Advisor for a Fortune 500 company. In this capacity, she developed inclusive strategies and collaborated closely with senior leaders to instigate meaningful change, ensuring that diversity is not just a buzzword, but a lived reality.

In a bold and heartfelt transition, Jabou has recently shifted her focus toward wellbeing and mental health, particularly within Black and other underserved communities. As a certified stress therapist, she founded Suma Haven, a purpose-driven startup that connects BIPOC therapists with the communities that need them most. Her work not only addresses the mental health disparities faced by marginalized groups but also empowers individuals to reclaim their narratives and prioritize their wellbeing

As a panelist for "Navigating Success: The Hidden Costs for Women of Color," Jabou will bring her wealth of experience and deep passion for fostering inclusivity and healing. Her insights into the intersection of career success and mental health will enrich the conversation, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by women of color in their pursuit of success. Join her as she invites attendees to reflect on their own journeys and empowers them to navigate the complexities of success with resilience and authenticity.

WhatsApp Image 2025-06-01 at 02.13.14_eb3ef157.jpg

SUMBU CHANTRAINE TEMO

Sumbu Temo- a passionate advocate for health and rights, will be joining Mercy for this vital conversation. Holding a master’s degree in psychology, Sumbu believes in the transformative power of open dialogue to address critical issues surrounding mental health within Black communities.

With a background as an experienced journalist and communicator, Sumbu has a demonstrated history of working in civic and social organizations, particularly focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Her academic qualifications include a master's degree in Journalism & Conflicts from Södertörn University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Örebro University

Miriam Nabunya

Miriam Nabunya, a visionary cultural entrepreneur, producer and service expert.

Edges and Drinks is the first structured safe space and community for black and brown women in the global north.

​

Meet Yema Ferreira

Maria Jones

Grace Iche

Miriam Nabunya