Black Inspiration Talks

LISBON * october 3 * 2024

União das Cidades Capitais de Língua Portuguesa
2pm - 7pm

BIT celebrates and amplifies the real success stories from within Black and other minority communities. We aim to foster an environment where these powerful narratives ignite inspiration, drive collaboration, and pave the way for brighter, more vibrant futures.

In partnership with:

SPEAKER

Mónica Soares

Co-founder of Soares & Daia, with over 19 years in Customer Relationship Management and partner in the Luxury Business Inspiration & Mentorship program. Founder of Chumeco, a luxury footwear and accessories brand. Founder of Black Talks Portugal, supporting the professional growth of the Black and non-white communities in Portugal and Europe.

SPEAKER

Paula Cardoso

Founder of the Afrolink digital community, which highlights the work of Afro-descendant people in Portuguese society and beyond. She is also the author of the children's book series Força Africana, both projects developed to promote greater Black representation in Portuguese society.

SPEAKER

Cátia Semedo Ramos

Dedicated Habits and Routines Coach. She specializes in helping women transform their lives by developing new habits and routines that enhance productivity and improve overall quality of life.

SPEAKER

Nelma Fernandes

Entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Win Value Negócios & Investimentos. She serves as the President o the CPLP Business Confederation.

SPEAKER

Matthew Harris

Jewelry designer from Montego Bay, Jamaica, who founded his brand, MATEO, in 2009. MATEO's creations are now sold globally and worn by celebrities, earning recognition from prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian and the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

SPEAKER

Hannah Reid

An accomplished HR leader with over 20 years of experience, she is the EMEIA People Director at Apple, where she also champions diversity as the executive sponsor of Black@Apple UK and serves as the Site Leader for Battersea. She is a board member, speaker, and recognized global role model, known for her expertise in managing international teams and driving impactful HR strategies.

SPEAKER

Marisa Ferreira

Currently the Store Director of MaxMara Portugal, she has a background in retail business management from the London College of Fashion and the University of the Arts. She is Lisbon-born, a dedicated mother, and inspired by her remarkable mother.

SPEAKER

Sofia Rodrigues

Organizational Facilitator and Entrepreneur with extensive experience in managing capacity-building and intercultural mediation projects. As a project manager for Afrolink, a consultant for TapRoot USA, and an advisor for Lisbon City Council, she focuses on strategic change and leadership.

SPEAKER

Graziele Neves

Accomplished retail leader with a Master's in Anthropology and an MBA. With over 20 years of experience, she has led operations for major companies, including Sephora, and now works as a mentor, coach, and specialist in leadership and cultural transformation.

SPEAKER

Monica Lafayette

Angolan fashion professional, she is known for her impactful career in fashion design, styling, and visual storytelling. Trained at Central Saint Martin’s and the Marangoni Institute, she has collaborated with prestigious brands and artists globally. Her creativity and versatility continue to make her a key figure in the industry.

SPEAKER

Sheila Khan

Sociologist, professor, and researcher with a PhD in Ethnic and Cultural Studies. Her work, featured in multiple publications, centers on post-colonial studies, racial identity, and cultural memory. She is particularly known for her contributions to understanding the legacies of colonialism and advancing Afro-descendant narratives.

SPEAKER

Carlos M Dias

A former professional basketball player, has won national championships and the Portuguese Cup during his sports career. He is a trained psychologist with international certification in coaching. In addition to his academic background, he is a therapist and a motivational speaker.

HOST

Eliana Medeiros

Experienced luxury executive with over 20 years in the industry, working with top clients like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. She has successfully led teams across sales and human resources, and her passion for community development brought her to serve as Vice President of the CPLP Business Confederation.

HOST

Luís Soares

Associate Researcher at the University of Edinburgh and King's College London, as well as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Portugal. His research focuses on systemic inequality, social exclusion, and migration, guided by humanism and solidarity.

LISBON * october 3 * 2024

ABOUT - SPEAKERS

BLACK INSPIRATION TALKS

Be
Inspired.

According to ancient African myths, the brightest star in the constellation is named Andulela, which many Western languages translates to mean MESSENGER. It is in this spirit of being a message-bearer, a harbinger of new ideas, that the Black Inspiration Talks are founded.BIT provides an atmosphere where our Andulelas can express themselves and, through their unique brilliance, inspire those who venture to walk courageously into the unknown, taking advantage of opportunities that arise when they dare to see with eyes closed.

The absence of light can be seen in a variety of ways. In basic terms, we might simply refer to the phenomenon as darkness. When viewed from a more nuanced, hopeful, or imaginative perspective, however, darkness can be seen as a catalyst, the canvas on which we can project transformative visions and aspirations for the future.Being able to “see with your eyes closed” is a powerful metaphor illustrating that the lack of light is not the same as the absence of brilliance. Rather, seeing what others cannot—or will not—is an act within the reach of only those who dare to dream and who are guided by the light of change (or entrepreneurial spirit).

Mónica Soares, Founder

SPEAKER

Eliana Medeiros

Eliana Medeiros is an internationally recognized luxury executive with over 20 years of experience transforming businesses through exceptional customer experiences. Throughout her career, she has led multidisciplinary teams on projects for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) such as Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Cindy Crawford, Roger Federer, and others.With a successful track record in leading diverse areas such as sales and human resources, her passion for developing people and communities led her to take on the role of Vice President at the Business Confederation of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CE-CPLP).In addition to her corporate role, Eliana is a tireless entrepreneur, mentor, and author, aiming to inspire people to achieve their professional and personal goals through a focus on mental health and well-being.

HOST

Luís Soares

Luis Soares (PhD) is a distinguished Social Scientist, born in Cape Verde, whose academic and professional journey has led him to hold prominent roles at leading European academic institutions. He is currently an Associate Researcher at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Additionally, he is a respected Associate Researcher at King's College London and serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Portugal.Luis Soares' work is deeply rooted in the principles of humanism and solidarity, which he views as essential tools for understanding and addressing complex social issues, especially those related to social exclusion. His research is driven by a passion for uncovering the underlying mechanisms of social problems, focusing particularly on systemic inequalities.As an academic, he has made significant contributions to social sciences through innovative research and publications. He is a leading advocate of Relationalism, a theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of social relations and connections in understanding and resolving social issues. He has also developed innovative concepts such as the Participatory Base Process, a methodology designed to empower individuals marginalized or subjected to social injustice. This process aims to give these individuals the agency and platform to express their experiences and take action, thus promoting more inclusive and effective social change.His work goes beyond understanding social problems, focusing on creating pathways to real and impactful responses. His commitment to humanism and solidarity, combined with academic rigor, positions him as a thought leader in social sciences, particularly in studies of social exclusion and migration. Through his research, teaching, and public engagement, Luis Soares continues to inspire and influence the next generation of students, academics, and professionals dedicated to social justice and equity.

University of Edinburgh

SPEAKER

Mónica Soares

Mócia Soares is the Co-founder of Soares & Daia, a company dedicated to researching, hiring, and managing international brands of distinction. With over 19 years of experience in Customer Relationship Management, she is also a partner and host of the Luxury Business Inspiration & Mentorship program, a professional development course led by Carlos Ferreirinha, a renowned expert in luxury management in Brazil.In addition, she is the Founder of Chumeco, a brand specializing in luxury footwear and accessories.She is also the Founder of Black Talks Portugal, a platform committed to highlighting and advancing the professional journey and prominence of Black and non-white individuals from the PALOP community in Portugal and across Europe.

chumeco.com

SPEAKER

Paula Cardoso

Paula Cardoso is the Founder of the digital community Afrolink, which highlights African and Afro-descendant professionals residing in Portugal or with ties to the country, she is also the author of the children's book series Força Africana, both projects developed to promote greater Black representation in Portuguese society. With the same purpose, she is the co-host of O Tal Podcast, a program created in partnership with educator Georgina Angélica to humanize Black experiences and normalize mental health care.Since October 2023, she has been presenting the cultural magazine Rumos, broadcast on RTP África, where she hosted several episodes of the second season of the Black Excellence Talk Series.In March 2023, she was named by the business magazine Success Pitchers as one of the “10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders in Social Entrepreneurship,” following her nomination in 2022 by Euclid Network as one of the “Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise in Europe 2022.”

paulacardoso.pt

SPEAKER

Cátia Semedo Ramos

Cátia Semedo Ramos, the daughter of Cape Verdean parents, is a dedicated Habits and Routines Coach. She specializes in helping women transform their lives by developing new habits and routines that enhance productivity and improve overall quality of life.Having visited Cape Verde for the first time in 2021, Cátia deeply embraces and proudly embodies Cape Verdean culture, which she passionately showcases in her work and daily life. Her pride in her Cape Verdean heritage has even taken her to Hollywood.Cátia Ramos also gained recognition as one of Madonna's batukadeiras, performing as part of the singer's celebration of Cape Verdean music and dance.

Instagram

SPEAKER

Nelma Fernandes

Nelma Fernandes is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Win Value Negócios & Investimentos, Lda. She serves as the President of both the CPLP Business Confederation and Win Value Negócios & Investimentos, Lda.Nelma Fernandes believes that successful companies are built on the foundation of a highly effective team. What distinguishes her approach is the passion and discipline brought to every project and challenge. She holds that in life, our success is determined by the choices we make regarding our actions.

SPEAKER

Matthew Harris

Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the son of a seamstress, Matthew Harris (a.k.a. Mateo) discovered his true passion — the art of jewelry making — while living in New York City. As a self-taught designer, Mateo spent his days in the notoriously complex Jewelry District soaking up an education while honing and perfecting his craft. When his eponymous brand formally launched in 2009, the focus was men's jewelry, the first collection taking inspiration from the concept of a working man's toolbox. After a successful debut, a women's capsule was
introduced shortly thereafter. After five years of defining a clear design direction, MATEO refocused solely as a women's fine jewelry collection in 2014, converging on an aesthetic of simplicity and minimalism and always
aiming to create modern art for the modern woman at affordable prices. Each piece is made from
14-karat gold with diamond and precious gemstone accents. Today the brand is sold in some of the most discerning retailers worldwide, consistently featured in renowned fashion publications, and worn by today's biggest names including Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Zendaya and Anne Hathaway. Notably, MATEO was selected by the Smithsonian Museum to be featured and sold at the African American Museum of Art and
Culture in Washington D.C. in 2016, and the Hirshhorn Museum of Contemporary Art in 2017.
The brand was a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist in 2017.

Instagram

SPEAKER

Lígia Dias Fonseca

Lígia Dias Fonseca has worked as a Legal Advisor at the Legal Affairs Office in Macau (1989) and at the Legal Modernization Office in Macau (1991), she has been a practicing lawyer in Cabo Verde since 1991. She served as the first President of the Cabo Verde Bar Association from 2001 to 2004 and has acted as a legal advisor to several companies in Cabo Verde. She has also contributed to the drafting of numerous legislative projects and is the former First Lady of Cabo Verde.

SPEAKER

Marisa Ferreira

Marisa Ferreira is Store Director of MaxMara Portugal. She is a mother to an 11-year-old boy and has studied retail business management at the London College of Fashion and the University of the Arts. Born in Lisbon, she is the proud daughter of an incredible mother.

SPEAKER

Hannah Reid

Hannah Reid is the EMEIA People Director at Apple and an Executive Advisory Board member for Southbank Centre Reframe, The Edge Hub, and Tech Week Humber, she also serves on the Editorial Board for HRD and is a recognized speaker and Empower 2024 Global Role Model.An executive HR professional with over 20 years of experience in global organizations, she excels in managing international teams and is skilled in employee relations, policy development, change management, senior business partnering, and fostering inclusion and diversity. She has a proven track record of driving results across various sectors, including improving engagement and attrition metrics and successfully managing mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and large-scale redundancies and restructures.She is the EMEIA HR leader at Apple, the executive sponsor of Black@Apple UK, and the Site Leader for Battersea.

SPEAKER

Graziele Neves

Graziele Neves holds a Master’s degree in Anthropology from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, where she researched and compared the challenges faced by women in leadership positions in the Brazilian and Portuguese labor markets. She also holds an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, is a Marketing Specialist from Unijorge, and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Communication from Universidade Católica do Salvador. Additionally, she is a certified board advisor by Fundação Dom Cabral.With over 20 years of experience in the retail sector, Graziele has led and developed high-performance teams. She has extensive experience in multicultural environments and has been responsible for the strategy, operations, and expansion of large companies in Brazil and Portugal, including Sephora, Cinemark, Lojas Renner, Centauro, Nike, and Claro Telecom. Most recently, she led Sephora’s operations in Portugal as Country Manager (CEO), overseeing the company’s strategic growth in the region. Embracing an entrepreneurial journey, she later founded The Lighthouse Consultoria.Currently, Graziele Neves works as an Executive Mentor, Coach, Speaker, Corporate Board Advisor, Researcher on Female Leadership, and Specialist in Humanized Leadership, Cultural Transformation, Retail Operations, and Management.

SPEAKER

Monica Lafayette

Monica Lafayette is a prominent Angolan fashion professional, recognized for her diverse and impactful career in the industry. Hailing from Luanda, Angola, she pursued her passion for fashion by studying at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design in London, one of the most prestigious institutions in the field. This solid foundation allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant London fashion scene, where her talent quickly gained attention.Her early career was marked by an enriching internship with the celebrated designer JeanCharles de Castelbajac, which broadened her creative horizons. She then worked as a PR Assistant for designer Nicole Farhi, and later ventured into the world of e-commerce with the luxury brand Gucci, gaining invaluable experience across various facets of the industry.In her pursuit of continued growth, Monica enhanced her expertise by studying Fashion Styling at the Marangoni Institute. This additional training expanded her skill set beyond fashion design, allowing her to take on roles such as Creative Director, Fashion Editor, Stylist, and Consultant. In 2010, Monica reached a significant milestone when she was selected by Nike as the face of one of their campaigns, which catapulted her into international recognition. This achievement solidified her reputation as a key figure in fashion.Throughout her career, Monica has collaborated with numerous prestigious publications and companies. She has worked with a diverse array of Portuguese and international artists, including Ana Moura, Mariza, Amor Electro, Carolina Deslandes, David Fonseca, and Nenny, among others. Her exceptional ability to translate creative concepts into powerful visuals has made her a sought-after professional in fashion, advertising campaigns, artist development, and image branding.Today, Monica Lafayette continues to be a reference in the fashion industry, celebrated for her creativity, versatility, and influential work that bridges fashion with visual storytelling.

Instagram

SPEAKER

Sofia Rodrigues

Organisational Facilitator and Entrepreneur with a passion for strategic change towards success.With extensive experience in managing and coordinating capacity-building, intercultural mediation and education projects, she has stood out for the degree of responsibility she has assumed over the last four years, as project manager for Afro-descendant businesses (Afrolink), Consultant and Event Planner (TapRoot USA), Advisor for Human and Social Rights to Lisbon City Council.Degree in Social Work
Pedagogical Skills Certificate
Postgraduate - Internal Communication and Well-being in Organisations
Master's student in Municipal Management

SPEAKER

Sheila Khan

Sheila Khan is a sociologist, researcher at the CICANT - Research Center for Applied Communications and New Technologies, Lusophone University; assistant professor at the Lusophone University and commentator on the panel of the African Debate program at RDP Africa. She holds a PhD in Ethnic and Cultural Studies from the University of Warwick.Her most recent publications are: Portugal a Lápis de Cor. A Sul de uma Pós-Colonialidade (Almedina, 2015); Visitas a João Paulo Borges Coelho. Leituras, Diálogos e Futuros (eds. with Nazir Can, Sandra Sousa, Leonor Simas-Almeida e Isabel Ferreira Gould, Colibri, 2017); O Mundo na Europa: Crises e Identidade (eds. with Rita Ribeiro e Vítor Sousa, Húmus, 2020); Racism and Racial Surveillance. Modernity Matters (eds. com Nazir Can e Helena Machado, Routledge, 2021); HISTORICAL REPARATIONS: DESTABILISING CONSTRUCTIONS FROM THE COLONIAL PAST’, Revista Comunicação e Sociedade, vol.41 (eds., with Vítor Sousa e Pedro Schacht Pereira); ‘Feminine Post-memories: Voices and Experiences in the Grammar of the World’ (eds. with Sandra Sousa and Susana Pimenta); Djaimilia Pereira de Almeida: Tecelã de Mundos Passados e Presentes (eds. with Sandra Sousa, 2023), and, recently, ‘Emerging Perspectives on Afro-Descendant Production: Memory, Identity and Global Diaspora’, Portuguese Literary & Cultural Studies (2024, in preparation; eds. with Sandra Sousa).

Profile

SPEAKER

Carlos M Dias

Carlos M Dias is is a former professional basketball player and national champion in Portugal. He holds a degree in psychology, along with international coaching certification, and now works as a therapist and motivational speaker, combining his sports experience with his psychological expertise to help others achieve personal and professional growth.

Instagram