EPISODE · Feb 10, 2026 · 58 MIN
25: How One Author Is Changing the Way Children See Themselves | Anna Nyakana
from grownwoman · host Shannon Allen
Anna Nyakana, creator of the Niyah Zuri series, joins Shannon Allen on this episode grownwoman for an empowering conversation about identity, resilience, and rewriting your story through purpose. Born in Germany to Ugandan and Moldovan parents, Anna shares how her family came to America with two suitcases and a dream… and how struggle shaped her calling. From classical music to publishing rejection letters to building a children’s media empire, Anna reveals how she turned pain into power. She unpacks the meaning of “Niyah Zuri” (“beautiful purpose” in Swahili), the fight for authentic representation in children’s books, and why she walked away from major publishers who wanted to whitewash her characters. Anna speaks candidly about racism, colorism, immigrant identity, and the mindset that helped her build a best-selling book series, animated film, curriculum, and global impact from scratch. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, your worth, or whether your story matters, this segment is for you. Anna is the walking proof that nothing is impossible when you live for your purpose. KEY POINTS [0:00] Meet Anna Nyakana, the powerhouse behind the Niyah Zuri books and animated series. [4:37] How Anna’s family traded comfort for opportunity. [9:32] Systemic inequality: At 13, she wrote 13 life goals. She’s now achieved them all. [12:33] Anna on purpose over profit: “I’m not driven by money, I’m driven by impact.” [17:18] Anna’s mantra for persistence and creative problem-solving. [23:17] Niyah Zuri: Turning pain into purpose through storytelling that uplifts children of color. [31:30] After publishers asked her to whitewash her characters, Anna built her own empire. [50:32] Anna teaches kids their purpose matters – and that knowledge is power. QUOTES “I birthed Niyah Zuri from my pain and created her from my purpose. These kids need to know they matter.” – Anna Nyakana “I became the potential of my environment, not the product of it.” – Anna Nyakana “Don’t chase your dreams, walk in them.” – Anna Nyakana “I’m here to save the youth by showing them how to save themselves.” – Anna Nyakana GUEST RESOURCES Anna Nyakana Website | annanyakana.com RESOURCES Shannon Allen Grown Website | https://www.grown.org/ IG | @shannonwalkerallen 🌱 Stay Connected & Explore More 🔗 Visit the Grown Website Grown.org 📲 Follow Shannon on Instagram@shannonwalkerallen 🎧 Like, Share & Subscribe If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, don’t keep it to yourself! Like, share, and subscribe to grownwoman on your favorite podcast platform. grownwoman is produced by EPYC Media Network
What this episode covers
Anna Nyakana, creator of the Niyah Zuri series, joins Shannon Allen on this episode grownwoman for an empowering conversation about identity, resilience, and rewriting your story through purpose. Born in Germany to Ugandan and Moldovan parents, Anna shares how her family came to America with two suitcases and a dream… and how struggle shaped her calling. From classical music to publishing rejection letters to building a children’s media empire, Anna reveals how she turned pain into power. She unpacks the meaning of “Niyah Zuri” (“beautiful purpose” in Swahili), the fight for authentic representation in children’s books, and why she walked away from major publishers who wanted to whitewash her characters. Anna speaks candidly about racism, colorism, immigrant identity, and the mindset that helped her build a best-selling book series, animated film, curriculum, and global impact from scratch. If you’ve ever questioned your voice, your worth, or whether your story matters, this segment is for you. Anna is the walking proof that nothing is impossible when you live for your purpose. KEY POINTS [0:00] Meet Anna Nyakana, the powerhouse behind the Niyah Zuri books and animated series. [4:37] How Anna’s family traded comfort for opportunity. [9:32] Systemic inequality: At 13, she wrote 13 life goals. She’s now achieved them all. [12:33] Anna on purpose over profit: “I’m not driven by money, I’m driven by impact.” [17:18] Anna’s mantra for persistence and creative problem-solving. [23:17] Niyah Zuri: Turning pain into purpose through storytelling that uplifts children of color. [31:30] After publishers asked her to whitewash her characters, Anna built her own empire. [50:32] Anna teaches kids their purpose matters – and that knowledge is power. QUOTES “I birthed Niyah Zuri from my pain and created her from my purpose. These kids need to know they matter.” – Anna Nyakana “I became the potential of my environment, not the product of it.” – Anna Nyakana “Don’t chase your dreams, walk in them.” – Anna Nyakana “I’m here to save the youth by showing them how to save themselves.” – Anna Nyakana GUEST RESOURCES Anna Nyakana Website | annanyakana.com RESOURCES Shannon Allen Grown Website | https://www.grown.org/ IG | @shannonwalkerallen 🌱 Stay Connected & Explore More 🔗 Visit the Grown Website Grown.org 📲 Follow Shannon on Instagram@shannonwalkerallen 🎧 Like, Share & Subscribe If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, don’t keep it to yourself! Like, share, and subscribe to grownwoman on your favorite podcast platform. grownwoman is produced by EPYC Media Network
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25: How One Author Is Changing the Way Children See Themselves | Anna Nyakana
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