Lead Story

African Women Break VC Barriers—Gender-Equal Tech Fund Raises $78M

Summary: Janngo Capital's successful, oversubscribed fundraise demonstrates how women-led venture firms can shatter industry norms while maintaining both profitability and social impact, achieving a 48% IRR through strategic investments.

Pan-African venture capital firm Janngo Capital has finalized its second fund at $78 million, exceeding its initial target by 20%. Led by founder Fatoumata Bâ, the firm stands out as one of the few female-founded, owned, and led VC firms in Africa. The fund's success has attracted major institutional investors including Mastercard Foundation, IFC, and the European Investment Bank.

What makes this milestone particularly significant is Janngo's commitment to gender equality - 56% of their portfolio companies are founded, co-founded, or directly benefit women. The firm invests up to €5 million in tech startups that improve access to essential services, support African SMEs, and create sustainable jobs with a focus on women and youth.

Read the Perspectives on Leadership Summary on LinkedIn.

Read more from Antonia Gleizes and Nicolas Teisserenc at IT News Online.

Trending Topics

Latina Tech CEOs Forge New Paths in Silicon Valley Through Cultural Innovation

 From Medellín to Silicon Valley, two pioneering Latina CEOs are revolutionizing the tech landscape while creating pathways for future generations. Monica Hernandez of MAS Global is leveraging her Colombian roots to connect U.S. corporations with Latin American talent, while providing free tech training to nearly 1,000 public school students through the MAS Future Foundation. Meanwhile, Paola Santana's company Glass is transforming government infrastructure systems, demonstrating how cultural awareness and inclusive leadership can drive technological innovation. Both leaders emphasize how their immigrant experiences and cultural perspectives provide unique advantages in problem-solving and community-building, proving that Latina leadership can simultaneously drive business success and social impact.

Read more from Yamily Habib at FiercebyMitú.

Trends Roundup

• LGBTQ+ Leader Raises Record $18M to Diversify Congress in 2024: As the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress, Rep. Mark Takano is spearheading unprecedented change through Equality PAC, raising over $18 million for the 2024 election cycle. Co-chairing with Rep. Ritchie Torres, Takano is supporting groundbreaking candidates like Sarah McBride, who could become the first transgender member of Congress. His work emphasizes the interconnectedness of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in defending trans inclusion amid rising opposition. "It's a mistake to think that our destinies aren't tied together," Takano notes, pointing to how the landmark Bostock employment rights decision stemmed from a trans person's lawsuit—proving that progress for one advances rights for all. Read more from Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate.

• McBride's Historic Congress Run Shaped by Healthcare Justice Fight: Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride's groundbreaking campaign to become the first openly transgender member of Congress is deeply rooted in her experience as a caregiver to her late husband, Andy Cray, a pioneering LGBTQ+ healthcare advocate. As the frontrunner for Delaware's House seat, McBride has transformed personal tragedy into legislative action, successfully passing paid family leave and healthcare access bills in her state. Her campaign demonstrates how lived experience can shape effective policy-making, with her track record showing particular strength in workplace protections and healthcare accessibility—issues that resonate deeply with marginalized communities navigating both personal and professional challenges. Read more from Orion Rummler at The 19th.

• will.i.am Revolutionizes Radio with AI-Powered Cultural Innovation: The Black Eyed Peas front man is transforming media accessibility through RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-integrated platform that reflects diverse cultural voices through its personalized AI personas. As founder and CEO of FYI.AI, will.i.am's latest venture goes beyond traditional streaming by creating interactive experiences that reflect communities from South Los Angeles to East London. With $10 million in funding for his AI music app Udio and the launch of RAiDiO.FYI, he's demonstrating how cultural awareness can drive technological innovation while creating new pathways for diverse representation in tech leadership. Read more at DiversityComm.

Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship

Former DEI Executive Creates Economic Pipeline for Black and Women Business Owners

After leading DEI initiatives at major corporations like Starbucks, Nike, and Indeed.com, Donna DeBerry is driving change as CEO of San Diego's Black Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the Chamber has secured significant corporate funding—including over $200,000 from Sony Electronics—to support minority-owned businesses in accessing vendor contracts with major institutions like SDG&E and UC San Diego. Through initiatives like the Women's Kitchen Table networking platform, DeBerry is tackling systemic barriers to capital access while creating tangible opportunities for women and minority entrepreneurs.

Read more from Leorah Gavidor at San Diego Magazine.

Business & Entrepreneurship Roundup

• Eva Longoria’s $6 Million Saves John Wick from Collapse: Eva Longoria’s $6 million investment that saved John Wick just hours before production shutdown is little known history. However, her shrewd investment launched what would become a billion-dollar franchise. Her quick decision not only secured the film’s release but also marked a notable achievement for Latina investors in Hollywood. Read more by Yamily Habib from Fierce by Mitú.

• Marijuana Legalization Measures Could Shape Tribal Business Opportunities: As four states prepare to vote on marijuana legalization measures, the outcomes could influence tribal cannabis businesses. In states like Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota, expanded legalization may either boost tribal interest in cannabis ventures or create new competition. For many tribes, cannabis provides a rare avenue for economic growth and self-sufficiency, despite federal restrictions. Read more by Mary Annette Pember from ICTNews.

Workplace & Career

Industry Recognition NMSDC Honors Leaders in Supplier Diversity at 2024 Annual Awards

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) celebrated outstanding contributions to supplier diversity at its 2024 Annual Conference & Exchange in Atlanta. Key awardees included Kelly Services, Duke Energy, and The Walt Disney Company for Corporation of the Year, with A&P International and SDI Presence among the honored suppliers. Emerging Young Entrepreneurs like Jazmine Jackson also showcased new talent, embodying the event’s theme of “defining new norms” in business.

Read more from DiversityComm.

Workplace & Career Roundup

• Workplace & Mental Health Burnout Crisis Among Millennial and Gen Z Workers: A recent study by Vitality shows that burnout and mental health issues are significantly impacting productivity among millennial and Gen Z workers, particularly those earning under $38,000 annually. Mental health struggles are linked to a 150% loss in productivity, underscoring the need for supportive workplace policies and personal strategies to manage stress. Read more by Kandiss Edwards from Black Enterprise.

• Education & Inclusion Schools Nationwide Struggle to Fill Special Ed Teacher Vacancies: A recent report from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics highlights that 74% of elementary and middle schools and 66% of high schools are struggling to fill special education teacher positions. Challenges include a lack of qualified applicants and limited candidate availability, with schools also facing shortages in essential support roles like aides and transportation staff. Read more by Michelle Diament from Disability Scoop.

• Employment & Disability Rights Walmart Settles ADA Lawsuits Over Employee Terminations for Medical Absences: Walmart has agreed to settle three lawsuits totaling $175,000 after being accused of failing to accommodate employees with disabilities, including an employee with epilepsy who was terminated for absences due to seizures. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) argued that Walmart did not provide reasonable accommodations, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. As part of the settlement, Walmart will implement ADA training for staff to ensure compliance with federal guidelines. Read more by Olivia Lloyd from Disability Scoop.

Higher Education & Advancement

Higher Education & Inclusion UC Davis Achieves Hispanic-Serving Institution Status

UC Davis has reached the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) threshold, with Latino students now making up over 25% of its undergraduate enrollment. This new designation enables the university to apply for federal funding to support initiatives benefiting Latino students, advancing UC Davis's commitment to inclusion and educational equity.

Read more by Julia Ann Easley from Daily Democrat.

One More on Higher Ed

• Campus Culture & Inclusion Utah State University Opens New Center for Language and Cultural Learning: Utah State University has launched the Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching and Learning Center, offering spaces like multicultural hubs, an international café, and gender-neutral restrooms to foster a welcoming environment for diverse students. This center supports language immersion, interpretation programs, and serves as an inclusive campus resource in a state where DEI programs have been banned. Read more by Clarissa Casper from The Salt Lake Tribune.

Healthcare & Wellness

Healthcare & Accessibility Inclusive Dental Clinic at UIC Serves Patients with Disabilities

The University of Illinois Chicago’s Inclusive Care Clinic provides accessible dental care tailored for patients with disabilities, featuring wheelchair-compatible equipment, wider hallways, and a desensitization room for anxious patients. Open since March, the clinic has treated nearly 900 patients and aims to prepare future dentists with specialized training in inclusive care.

Read more by Shanzeh Ahmad from Chicago Tribune via Disability Scoop.

Healthcare & Wellness Roundup

• Healthcare Access Maryland Health Connection Opens Enrollment for 2025 Health Plans: Maryland residents can now enroll in low-cost health plans for 2025 through Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace. This year’s open enrollment runs from November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Notably, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are now eligible for coverage and financial assistance, broadening access to affordable healthcare. Read more from El Tiempo Latino.

• Advocacy & Healthcare Minnesota Healthcare Workers Rally for Palestinian Support: Healthcare workers in Minnesota gathered at the state capitol, urging local healthcare systems to support Palestinian hospitals, allow employees to speak freely, and advocate for access to healthcare in Gaza. Citing the impact of bombings on Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, the group, Health Care Workers for Palestine, calls for greater solidarity from medical institutions. Some attendees expressed concerns about censorship within Minnesota’s healthcare facilities. Read more by Samie Solina from KARE 11.

Leadership & Politics

Political Influence & Community Filipino American Voters Poised to Impact Nevada's 2024 Election

Filipino American voters, who represent nearly 12% of Nevada's electorate, are emerging as a crucial group in the 2024 elections, with both parties ramping up outreach efforts. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are actively courting this community, leveraging Filipino cultural events and targeted advertising to sway votes in a closely contested state.

Read more from Ryan General on NextShark.

One more Policy

• Politics & Representation Gov. Newsom Endorses Evan Low in Tight Silicon Valley House Race: California Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed Assemblymember Evan Low in a competitive race against former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo for a Silicon Valley House seat. Newsom praised Low for reflecting California’s values and collaborating on issues like reproductive rights and affordability. Low, supported by labor unions, is positioning himself as the progressive candidate in a closely watched race between two Democrats. Read more by Michelle De Pacina from NextShark.

Culture & Media

Asian American Dodgers Propel World Series Victory

Asian American players Shohei Ohtani, Dave Roberts, and Tommy Edman were central to the Dodgers’ World Series win, showcasing the impact of diverse talent in sports. Ohtani fought through injury, while Edman, acquired mid-season, earned National League Championship MVP honors. Manager Dave Roberts celebrated his second championship as he praised the team’s resilience. The victory underscores the growing influence of Asian Americans in professional sports.

 Read more by Randall Yip from AsAmNews.

Culture & Media Roundup

• Reviving Magic Realism: Ana Lorena Pérez Ríos’ Take on ‘Como Agua Para Chocolate’: Mexican director Ana Lorena Pérez Ríos brings a fresh perspective to Como Agua Para Chocolate, infusing Laura Esquivel’s classic with a woman’s gaze. The new adaptation captures the sensory magic of Latin American kitchens and explores feminine identity from a genderless perspective. Pérez Ríos aims to connect audiences to their roots and ignite conversations about family and tradition. Read more by Yamily Habib from Fierce.

• Inclusive Gaming: Dragon Age—The Veilguard Embraces Trans Representation: Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released on October 31, brings groundbreaking character customization options, allowing players to select gender identity and transition-related details for their characters. Players can create trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming characters with features like top surgery scars and in-game dialogue reflecting identity. This move marks a significant step forward for inclusivity in gaming, as developers continue to explore diverse storytelling and representation for LGBTQ+ gamers. Read more by James Factora on Them.

• Honoring Florence Finch: A Filipino American WWII Hero with a Coast Guard Vessel: The U.S. Coast Guard recently commissioned the USCGC Florence Finch, a Sentinel-class fast response cutter named after Filipino American WWII hero Florence Ebersole Smith Finch. Finch, who worked undercover to sabotage Japanese forces in the Philippines, later joined the U.S. Coast Guard Women’s Reserve and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon. The vessel, which began operations on October 24, is currently the only active U.S. military ship named after a Filipino American. Finch’s story of bravery and resilience lives on as the cutter patrols the Pacific. Read more by Bryan Ke on NextShark.

Arts & Entertainment

Wakana Kimura’s ‘Journey to the West’ at Patricia Sweetow Gallery

Japanese artist Wakana Kimura presents "Journey to the West: Alien of Extraordinary Ability" at the Patricia Sweetow Gallery in Los Angeles. Inspired by the classic Chinese tale, Kimura reimagines her own journey to the U.S. with a series of scroll paintings that mix East and West, traditional and modern. The exhibition features intricate scrolls mounted by master scroll-maker Shosaku Yoshimura and a large mural, "L.A. Mandala," capturing her artistic journey. Her work explores themes of migration, identity, and cultural resilience, using iconic symbols from Japanese heritage and Buddhist mythology.

Read more on Rafu Shimpo.

Culture & Media Roundup

Community & Heritage

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Anderson-Lee Library Hosts Speaker Series

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Anderson-Lee Library in Silver Creek, NY, home of the Seneca tribe of the Iroquois Confederacy, is hosting a series of talks and workshops celebrating Indigenous culture, history, and heritage. The free events feature a diverse lineup of Native American speakers and artists, including Seneca filmmaker Caleb G. Abrams, author Darelyn Spruce, and beadwork artist Marcie Kane. Highlights include screenings of Native American films, discussions on historical trauma, and interactive sessions like corn husk doll-making and Seneca language lessons for children. These programs provide a platform for powerful Indigenous voices to share knowledge and engage the community in meaningful cultural appreciation.

Read more on Observer Today.

One More for Community & Heritage