Amplifying voices …With Maukeni Ribeiro

Following the release of the 2024 Top 100 Career Women in Africa List, 9to5Chick partners with Guardian Woman to launch the Amplifying the Corporate African Woman’s Voice’s series. Featuring select honourees, the series showcases the story of Maukeni Ribeiro, a communications and marketing executive with nine years of extensive experience in brand and content development across several sectors. Maukeni shares her insights as a Top 100 Career Woman in an exclusive interview with 9to5Chick, offering invaluable experiences and inspiration to women across Africa.

How do you feel about being recognised as one of the Top 100 Career Women in Africa by 9to5Chick?
IT was thrilling. To be chosen as one of the top 100 women across Africa out of over 1400 submissions gave an additional level of validation to my accomplishments. We have the tendency to downplay the work we have put in, and this recognition was a welcome reminder to acknowledge how far I had come over the years.

As a Top 100 Career Woman, what challenges have you encountered on your career path and how did you overcome them?
I have almost always been the youngest, least experienced or the only female in most of the places I have worked, which typically results in most people making limiting assumptions about my capabilities. I tapped into that unique perspective of being the only female, or the youngest executive to bring value to the organisations I worked for.

What key ingredients or tools have played a significant role in your journey to success?
I have found that my faith in God has been a pillar in some of the most difficult phases of my career. Another key ingredient has been owning my narrative. I always tell my story – wins, hiccups, lessons, name it. It gives me the ability to take stock of my life and glean the learnings.
One other key ingredient is to always build a community. Wherever I work, I cultivate a sense of community, which makes even the difficult days easier.

How do you think more African corporate women can break through the glass ceiling and receive recognition for their outstanding contributions?
African corporate women are outstanding: determined, hardworking and resourceful. We take challenges head on and brave through so many barriers to excel. However, many of us are not intentional about documenting our wins and telling the stories of the value we bring. Once more and more African corporate women start telling their stories, the world will become aware of just how amazing we are.