In the heart of Dakar, Senegal, one of Tyrone Havnar Foundation’s ambassadors, Mariama Diallo, is rewriting the narrative of what leadership looks like for young women in the digital age.
On October 5, 2025, Mariama led the “Data Fem Entrepreneur” Workshop, a one-day intensive program designed to strengthen the capacity of young women in digital entrepreneurship and data utilization for business development. The workshop brought together 15 young women from Dakar and surrounding areas, all eager to use digital tools and data for growth and innovation.
Building Confidence Through Knowledge
Mariama’s vision is to equip women with digital skills and confidence to lead. The workshop featured women leaders from the tech and agrobusiness sectors who shared their experiences, inspiring participants to see themselves as capable innovators and community builders.
To ensure sustainability beyond the event, Mariama created the “Data Fem Community”, a mentorship and collaboration network that continues to foster learning, growth, and peer support among participants.
Aligned with Tyrone Havnar Foundation’s Mission
The Data Fem Entrepreneur initiative embodies Tyrone Havnar Foundation’s values of leadership, inclusion, innovation, and service. It promotes women’s empowerment, narrows gender gaps in technology, and equips young women with the tools to become ethical, visionary leaders within their communities.
Through her initiative, Mariama championed:
- Leadership Development: Empowering women to take initiative and lead projects that drive community transformation.
- Inclusion and Empowerment: Ensuring women have equal access to digital knowledge and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Innovation and Digital Transformation: Encouraging creativity and data-driven decision-making.
- Community Service: Building a sustainable network for mentorship and collaboration through the Data Fem Community.
- Visibility: Highlighting young African women who are actively transforming their societies through storytelling and digital platforms.
Challenges and Resilience
Mariama faced challenges limited funding, connectivity issues, and outreach difficulties but she found creative solutions. By partnering with a local youth hub, she secured free space and technical support. She formed a WhatsApp group to sustain engagement and used social media storytelling to amplify participant experiences and attract future interest.
Looking Ahead
Mariama’s goals for the coming months reflect her commitment to lasting impact. She plans to:
- Organize a follow-up workshop to track progress and address participant challenges.
- Develop digital learning materials such as guides and tutorials.
- Expand the project’s reach through a digital awareness campaign.
- Host a mentorship and networking webinar with experts in business and technology.
She also seeks support in mentorship, funding, and visibility to strengthen the project’s reach and sustainability. Her vision is to make Data Fem Entrepreneur a long-term platform for women’s empowerment in Senegal and beyond.
A Movement of Possibility
What began as a one-day workshop has grown into a movement. Mariama Diallo’s Data Fem Entrepreneur project reflects a belief that leadership is about service, courage, and innovation. Through her work, Mariama continues to inspire a generation of young African women to rise, lead, and build communities that thrive through inclusion and digital transformation.
http://www.tyronehavnarfoundation.co.za
