startup guru
& fitness enthusiast

Awara Adeagbo

Awara Adeagbo lives and works in Silicon Valley where people of color are often underrepresented. She aims to connect people of color, particularly womxn of color, and to create a sense of community.

How does your identity translate through the way you dress?

Life is way too short to not live colorfully! I would describe my sense of style as trendy/classic with a love of color, cool patterns, and chunky necklaces. As womxn, particularly in the business world, there are a lot of different assumptions on what it means to dress “appropriately." I’ve always questioned the assumption that if a womxn wants to succeed she needs to dress and act like a man. I say - no. Own your femininity, work hard, and encourage others to let your work speak for itself. What you’re wearing shouldn’t matter. You’ll rarely find me in a Black pantsuit. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, but they’re really not my style. I’ve found that it is possible to dress “appropriately” and conservatively but still have my fun personality and style show through.

If there is one thing you could change about the world, what would it be and why?

Inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor in the U.S. and around the world is growing larger and larger every day and it’s heartbreaking. There are kids today that don’t have access to basic human rights like clean water, food, education, and a roof over their heads. There’s something very wrong with this system where some have so much more than they could ever need/want and others have nothing.

What is one thing you would like to share with others about your culture?

I’m Cape Verdean, and outside of the Boston area I find that a lot of people don’t know what/where that is. We are a small island nation off the coast of West Africa and I’d love for more people to know about us! Hospitality and food are a big deal in our culture - all of my relatives show their love via food so don’t even think about going to a Cape Verdeans house and not eating! :)

How would you introduce yourself in the context of We, Ceremony's mission?

I’m super proud of being a Black womxn and find a lot of strength in that. I have a lot of strong Black womxn in my life who inspire, motivate, and support me, so I try to do that for others I meet along the way.

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Photographs courtesy of Awara Adeagbo.