The Dine Diaspora Story: From Supper Clubs to Systems Change w/ Nina Oduro & Maame Boakye

Everything weve done has been unconventional and thats exactly why it works.If youve only got one idea, stay home.Food is the thread but community, culture, and change are what were really building.Summary:In this episode of BLKGirl Ambition, Niya Baxter sits down with Nina Oduro and Maame Boakye, co-founders of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food, to trace how a series of intimate supper clubs evolved into a global platform redefining community, culture, and equity within the food industry.The conversation moves beyond food as product to food as power. Nina and Maame unpack what it means to build with intention in a predominantly white industry, why collaborationnot competitionis their north star, and how centering Black joy and abundance is both a values choice and a strategy. They also share how research, data, and long-term thinking have become critical tools for amplifying Black women in food, shaping brand partnerships, and building systems that last.This episode is a masterclass in community-led growth, visionary leadership, and whats possible when you don't just build for visibility, but you also build for impact.*IMPORTANT* The 2026 Black Women in Food Summit will take place from April 23-26 in Washington, DC! Experience 3 days of transformative experiences with 40+ speakers, learning and networking. Get your tickets HERE (https://www.blackwomeninfood.org/summit).Keywords:BLKGirl Ambition, Dine Diaspora, Black Women in Food, Nina Oduro, Maame Boakye, Black food culture, Black food creators, Black women founders, food and culture, food justice, community, joyTakeaways:Community is built by design. Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food center belonging, trust, and intentionFood is a lever for cultural storytelling, economic equity, and systems change.Building in a mew space requires vision, clarity and conviction. Growth comes from values-led decision-making, not compromise.Academic frameworks and data matter. Research and rigor give credibility, protection, and staying power to Dine Diaspora and Black women in food.Collaboration creates abundance. Building togetheris how movements last.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to Black Girl Ambition00:53 The Birth of Dine Diaspora05:39 Building Community Through Food11:11 Collaboration and Partnership Dynamics16:38 Navigating the Food Industry21:47 Brand Collaborations and Impact27:12 Empowering Black Women in Food32:44 Data-Driven Approaches in Food Culture37:58 Strategic Planning for Founders43:33 The Evolution of Roles in Partnership48:50 Advice for Aspiring Founders54:20 Vision for the Future59:18 Personal Reflections and AmbitionsThanks for all your love and support. Tag me while listening @blkgirlambition and @glamourgirlniyaIf you have episode ideas or would like to be featured as a guest send me an email, [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.