Daily Inspiration: Meet Oumou Fofana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oumou Fofana.

Ms. Fofana is the eldest daughter born to a Guinean couple who values family, tradition and hard work over everything else as if it’s law. With the values she learned at home and the knowledge she attained at school (she’s an alumna of the prestigious Midwood High School and St. John’s University), Oumou spent most of her younger days crafting a persona. She’s not just Oumou Fofana, she’s the Oumou Fofana. There’s no wonder why she plays the role of big sister so well or why that role and type of upbringing translated into her attributes in her professional life. Instinctual yet meticulous, highly informative with a comforting delivery, sassy and sweet, and fluent in a little bit of everything; these are the markings of a great sister, and an even better journalist. After leaving SJU, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in International Studies earned by studying abroad in Rome, Seville and Paris, Oumou aimed her focus on two things; continuing her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and creating a brand out of herself. She is now a production assistant at MSNBC, with an established talk show, “OUMOU MEDIA” and a thriving fashion e-boutique “OUMOU” that she launched in January 2020. With former experience in radio, work in the New York Post, AM New York, and NY Daily News, her fashion influence and countless other endeavors, it’s safe to say that it’s the world that isn’t ready for Oumou – never the other way around.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Looking out for myself and trying to stay positive was the hardest thing for me because I tend to deal with depression and anxiety. Also, learning how to accept rejection was a big accomplishment for me. It’s always a bit harder for me to get where I want to be in the newsroom because of the skin I’m in. I had to learn to accept rejection and just work twice as hard.

So let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I work for MSNBC as a producer. I eventually want to be a TV anchor. That’s been a dream of mine since I was in high school. As I try to peruse that, I am also the CEO of two businesses. I have a fashion brand called “OUMOU.” The website is SHOPOUMOU.COM. This brand was named after myself. I used to get bullied growing up for my looks, being Muslim, being African and EVERYONE made fun of my name! Now everyone loves it and calls it “unique.” I just had a pop up shop that included other black owned businesses to celebrate one year of OUMOU. My other business is “OUMOU MEDIA” previously “What’s Relevant TV.” It’s a media company where I discover visionaries while giving you coverage that you can count on. As the host, I do exclusive interviews and give the latest news in pop culture. I’ve had this going for about six years now. You can find it on YouTube or my personal website: OUMOUFOFANA.COM.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

Honestly, I don’t even remember a lot of things from my childhood.

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