photo by steed media service

It’s been said that traveling abroad can broaden one’s scope and bring life into sharp focus. After spending some time working in Africa, Rahama Wright was moved to start a nonprofit organization to aid some of the poorer regions of rural West Africa. Founding Shea Yeleen International in 2003, Wright says witnessing the strength of the women she encountered was her great motivation. “My mother’s side of the family is from Ghana, [and] I’ve always been interested in poverty issues and in Africa,” she explains. “I lived in Africa [and] was working on economic issues. I [became] inspired by these women who have these tremendous challenges in terms of the poverty that they deal with, but [they have] so much beauty and joy and inner strength.”

Shea Yeleen works with women in Africa to help them generate income through small business development in order to provide for their families. Wright is working to find ways for natural exports that are produced in the region to fuel economic growth. “[We’re] looking at natural products that people consume globally, like Shea butter — it comes from [this] community,” she shares. “[We’re] figuring out a way to make a connection.”

Wright is especially pleased knowing that a region that she shares such a personal connection to is benefiting from her work. “It’s not just about me — I’ve had the opportunities that I’ve had because of people in my life, and I can do something to help someone else,” she says. “I’m happy knowing that my energy and my actions are helping someone else’s family. One day, my children or grandchildren may need someone to work for their benefit.” –todd williams

For more info, please visit www.sheayeleen.org.

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