Meet

the

Team

Dine Diaspora co-founders Maame Boakye and Nina Oduro lead the company with their core values - focus, proactivity, and grace.  From their roots in Ghana to their culture and impact- driven explorations, they are constantly seeking strategic and innovative solutions for food and hospitality with an equity and people-centered lens.

Focus, Proactivity, & Grace.

  • Co-Founder & President

    Maame Boakye, President and Co-founder of Dine Diaspora, leads the Black Women in Food initiative. Her multicultural upbringing across Ghana, London, and the U.S. fuels her commitment to uniting the African Diaspora and empowering industry professionals. In her role, she shapes business strategy, focusing on initiatives that amplify diverse voices and promote equity in the food system.

    With over 14 years of experience, Maame specializes in crafting strategies that connect industry leaders with their audiences, enhancing brand awareness and fostering valuable partnerships. Her work spans North America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, advocating for policies supporting women, climate action, and entrepreneurship within international institutions and brands. Additionally, she serves as a principal at a boutique consulting firm, offering services to government, civil society, and private industry clients.

    Maame holds a Master's in Development Studies from the University of London, SOAS, and a BA in International Relations and English from the College of William and Mary.

  • Co-founder & CEO

    Nina Oduro is an entrepreneur, cultural curator, and culinary ambassador. As CEO and Co-founder of Dine Diaspora, she is dedicated to establishing a more equitable food system centered on the African diaspora. Nina drives strategy and creative direction through inclusive marketing and event production. She co-authored “The Contemporary African Kitchen” with renowned chef Alexander Smalls, which will be released in October 2024.  

    Nina co-founded Black Women in Food (BWIF) to address the gap in support and opportunities for Black women’s advancement in the food and hospitality industry. Since its inception, BWIF has supported women across the food system around the world through funding, resources, networks, and recognition. She has implemented inclusive trainings, research, learning, and innovation initiatives on three continents for organizations such as the James Beard Foundation, Facebook, Microsoft,  IREX, and the International Organization of Migration. 

    As a champion for equity in the food and beverage industry, she has been featured as a Changemaker in DC’s food system by Washington City Paper and her work has been featured in publications such as Food and Wine, Sweet July, and Washingtonian. She has been recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 honoree by Future of Ghana and DAWNer of the Year by the Diaspora African Women’s Network. Her writing has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine, Cuisine Noir Magazine, and The Africa Report. 

    Nina received a Master's from Columbia University and  a Bachelors’ from University of Virginia and holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from eCornell.

  • Program Coordinator

    Originally from Miami, Florida Safiyah Baxter has a deeply rooted passion for culture, food,and service. Baxter holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Communications, and a minor in Communication Studies from Florida International University. With numerous years of experience in administrative support, communications, program management, and event planning, she has honed her skills in various roles within Non-Profit organizations, Public Relations firms, and Higher Ed institutions .Safiyah is passionate about amplifying the food and culture of the Diaspora and is excited to bring her creative and operational skills to continue the work of Dine Diaspora.