Founded in 2023 by Esther Ngemba, the Furahi Foundation is rooted in a mission of empowerment and advocacy. Esther was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and relocated with her family to Cleveland, Ohio, in 2011, seeking refuge from the ravages of war. Nine years later, she established Furahi: A Taste of Home, a food company that celebrates her Congolese heritage and culinary traditions. Through this venture, she aimed to share her passion for Congolese culture while raising awareness about the social justice issues facing women in the Congo.
In 2021, Esther began allocating a portion of the profits from her cooking classes to support education for girls and assist women entrepreneurs in the Congo. Throughout her work with these women, she observed the significant needs within the community, which inspired her to create the Furahi Foundation. Today, Furahi: A Taste of Home donates 10% of its sales to support the foundation's initiatives. Additionally, Esther established Unapendeza by Furahi to create job opportunities for the women she collaborates with in the Congo.
The ultimate goal of the Furahi Foundation is to nurture the next generation of women leaders by equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to thrive and make a lasting impact on society.
Esther's commitment to social, economic, and racial justice is a driving force behind her professional journey. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about critical issues, including refugee education and mental health, through her advocacy efforts and impactful speaking engagements—one of which took place at the United Nations General Assembly. Esther’s exceptional diplomacy, communication skills, and fundraising abilities have positively transformed the lives of countless refugee children.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Esther enjoys running, expressing her creativity through art, and spending time with her seven nieces and nephews, who bring joy to her life.
Join us at the Furahi Foundation as we strive to empower women and create meaningful change together.
