Menaye Donkor
Menaye Donkor is a Ghanaian businesswoman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former beauty queen. She is the founder of the Menaye Charity Organization, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing free quality education, health care and girl child development in deprived communities of Ghana with the hope of breaking the cycle of poverty.
The organization provides free quality basic education and scholarships to rural underprivileged children in Ghana, health care for the development of indigent young girls.
Winner of the Miss Universe Ghana pageant in 2004, Menaye pursued a modeling career, covering numerous magazines, and building a strong network of social and professional contacts who helped with her charity ambitions.
The foundation established the Menaye School of Hope, which has grown to accommodate over 400 pupils. Menaye is personally responsible for raising funds for the Menaye School of Hope, and she is pursuing the long term goal of building a Menaye School of Hope in each of the sixteen regions into which Ghana is divided.
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Menaye completed a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Marketing from York University, Toronto.She also completed several film courses at The Studio (formerly Sally Johnson Studio) in New York City and the London Academy of Film, Media and Television.
Menaye is also the founder of the SHE-Y brand, an Italian luxury brand made with unique natural components from around the globe.
The brand launched its first all-natural products early in 2016 using ethically-sourced Shea butter from Ghana, and plays a part in her charity work by creating more job opportunities in Shea Butter production. A percentage of sales profit of SHE-Y is donated towards Menaye Charity Organization which helps to educate less fortunate children.
In 2012, Menaye became the face of Printex, a fabric and textiles company in Ghana, and she was the ambassador of Africa Fashion Week London in both 2012 and 2013.
In September 2012, Menaye was honored and chosen by the Chief and elders, of Agona Asafo in the Central Region of Ghana, to be the ‘Nkosuohemaa’ or ‘Development Queen’ of Agona Asafo.Her official title is Nanahemaa Menaye Afumade Afrakoma I. It signifies her global responsibility to her people and as well as her contributions to society.
In 2013 she made the list of the 15 Most Influential Africans in Canada, which celebrated individuals who continuously inspire others through great achievements. In 2015, Menaye was honored with the “Woman of The Year” award by the Infant Charity Award in Milan.