Folasade Sangowawa
(she/her)Founder of Taste of Africa North East
Creation of Taste of Africa has enabled Black people in the Tees Valley and beyond the opportunity to rewrite their story unapologetically, and become changemakers and cultural architects shaping inclusive and hopefully equitable society.
Folasade Sangowawa is the founder of A Taste of Africa Northeast, now in its 22nd year in Tees Valley. A visionary leader renowned for her ground breaking work in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion in Tees Valley. A Taste of Africa leverages culture, arts, and heritage to combat stereotyping, raise awareness, and celebrate diversity and inclusion within the community. The organization’s events include the Taste of Africa Showcase, Black History Youth Awards, an annual carnival, the Black Creative Arts Network, exhibitions and a Creative Youth Leadership Program.
Additionally, Folasade is the founder and director of YFT Consult Ltd, a health and cultural awareness consultancy.
Folasade has created various initiatives for schools and communities to promote social and economic inclusion for new communities. She is a strategic thinker with a passion for enhancing entrepreneurship in disadvantaged communities through collaborative efforts while helping them develop necessary skills for their new environment. Folasade is also the co-founder of the first multicultural enterprise women’s network in Tees Valley, known as Buddy Group.