“Everything we’ve done has been unconventional — and that’s exactly why it works.”
“If you’ve only got one idea, stay home.”
“Food is the thread — but community, culture, and change are what we’re really building.”
Summary:
In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter sits down with Nina Oduro and Maame Boakye, co-founders of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food, to trace how a series of intimate supper clubs evolved into a global platform redefining community, culture, and equity within the food industry.
The conversation moves beyond food as product to food as power. Nina and Maame unpack what it means to build with intention in a predominantly white industry, why collaboration—not competition—is their north star, and how centering Black joy and abundance is both a values choice and a strategy. They also share how research, data, and long-term thinking have become critical tools for amplifying Black women in food, shaping brand partnerships, and building systems that last.
This episode is a masterclass in community-led growth, visionary leadership, and what’s possible when you don't just build for visibility, but you also build for impact.
*IMPORTANT* The 2026 Black Women in Food Summit will take place from April 23-26 in Washington, DC! Experience 3 days of transformative experiences with 40+ speakers, learning and networking. Get your tickets HERE (https://www.blackwomeninfood.org/summit).
Keywords:
BLKGirl Ambition, Dine Diaspora, Black Women in Food, Nina Oduro, Maame Boakye, Black food culture, Black food creators, Black women founders, food and culture, food justice, community, joy
Takeaways:
Community is built by design. Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food center belonging, trust, and intention
Food is a lever for cultural storytelling, economic equity, and systems change.
Building in a mew space requires vision, clarity and conviction. Growth comes from values-led decision-making, not compromise.
Academic frameworks and data matter. Research and rigor give credibility, protection, and staying power to Dine Diaspora and Black women in food.
Collaboration creates abundance. Building together—is how movements last.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Black Girl Ambition
00:53 The Birth of Dine Diaspora
05:39 Building Community Through Food
11:11 Collaboration and Partnership Dynamics
16:38 Navigating the Food Industry
21:47 Brand Collaborations and Impact
27:12 Empowering Black Women in Food
32:44 Data-Driven Approaches in Food Culture
37:58 Strategic Planning for Founders
43:33 The Evolution of Roles in Partnership
48:50 Advice for Aspiring Founders
54:20 Vision for the Future
59:18 Personal Reflections and Ambitions
Thanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniya
If you have episode ideas or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, niya@blkgirlambition.com
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