Today we’d like to introduce you to Divine Mbaya.
Hi Divine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Divine Elizabeth Mbaya (she/her/hers), I am originally from the DRC, but raised in Ivory Coast from nine months until the age of 13; then I moved to America and have been residing here up until now. As a refugee child, anyone who comes from Africa knows that it means being lower than the lowest class of society. It has always been hard for me to answer this question (who am I?). I had adopted the culture of a country where people did not always recognize my patriotic spirit because my last name was different than theirs. Upon moving to America, I was in one continent at home and another one outside while having to navigate puberty and a new language as well as a new first name because it got mixed up on my documents upon entry in the states. As I reached the age of 17, where I could finally speak fluently English but still with a strong accent, I began the journey of seeking who I was not according to religion, culture, or society. Then I found out who I am through Christ upon starting College.
Once that hit, I began my career in Public Relations while concurrently pursuing my degree in Communications. I first started out as a TV host for a Youtube Based channel called RG TV for a lifestyle show called Inside. Through that, I had my debut as an MC last year for a major business Gala which introduced me to working for an international organization called Hallmark International Youth Club through my mentors Vindra Aduara and Lyzianah Emakoua as a program Assistant which focuses on empowering the youth for leadership roles on the international scene. As a result, I was selected to be a delegate for the UN GES 2023 summit and will be a World Bank Group Delegate for their upcoming youth summit. Then will continue working for a youth Conference with the Awakening magazine for youth inclusion and hosting the red carpet of their gala this summer.
Aside from that, I am also a coach in personal development and leadership. This is dear to me because this is the path that enabled me to offer myself the life that I have today and the one I am building for tomorrow. My testimony is for those who believe in God to do so while contributing into making this world a better place for future generations.
I am looking forward to grow my career in media/comm and public relations, coaching, and international relations for the future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been all roses and violets. I never had an identity I was proud of; I had religious, cultural, and existential conflicts, which often led me to want to commit suicide. On top of that, sometimes you will enter places where you are reminded that you don’t have a degree yet (keeping in mind that I have to pay for everything on my own) or when people aren’t enthusiastic towards you because of your French accent. I also recently overcame self-esteem issues because although black people are now accepted, light-skinned tone are still favored more over medium-deep skin tones individuals like me. But after finding Christ, I realized that there is still hope for a better tomorrow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am my own brand because I’m favored for people to know me based on what I do, and I have the privileged to work with different visionaries. I am proud to have people come up to me today and tell me that I have inspired them to be vocal about their talents. The community where I grew up encourages people to shut themselves off in order to appear humble, but through my community service, I was able to show otherwise to my peers and the upcoming generation. When people see me, I want them to remember me as Coach D; because as a life coach, my goal is to accompany people to their destination and yes, I do offer those services, but even when I give back to the community, it is my earnest desire to accompany people to their promised land.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Podcasts:
– Unbounded Growth
– The Light we carry
Pricing:
- $50/session coaching
- MC: Starting at $500
Contact Info:
- Instagram: divine_mbaya
- Linkedin: Divine Mbaya
Image Credits
Biso Productions
Awakening Magazine
