HERitage House | Opening Session — Building Vision, Courage & Community

This opening session at HERitage House marks the beginning of a shared journey, one rooted in belief, courage, and collective leadership.

Inspired by the bold vision of the 1960s, when African parents and grandparents carried an unshakable hope for building strong and thriving nations, HERitage House was created as a space to revive that spirit for today’s generation. A space grounded in the conviction that Africa’s future will be shaped by young women, their champions, and their allies.

In this session, the conveners reflect on why HERitage House matters: a place where African women leaders can have honest conversations, turn late-night ideas into real action, and carry vision together rather than alone.

The story behind the convening is deeply human. Building this space required persistence, sacrifice, and showing up across time zones, late nights in Lagos, early-morning calls from Europe, and constant movement from New York to bring the “home” to life. The conveners ; Huguette Umutoni (N’Gage Africa), Habibah A. Waziri (BGR), Sally Nnamani, and Sandrine Nzeukou (Playbook), share how leaning on one another made the work possible.

The conversation also opens space for vulnerability. From navigating leadership under intense personal scrutiny, to confronting fear and self-doubt, the speakers speak candidly about what it takes to lead with integrity. The message is simple but powerful: fear may never disappear, but courage grows when you are not standing alone.

The session closes with a reminder of what HERitage Collective is about creating environments where people feel welcome, connected, and supported; where community is intentional; and where leadership is built together.

Welcome to HERitage House.

This is where vision meets people and community becomes strength.

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