NOËLLA COURSARIS MASUNKA

I am an international model and founder and CEO of the Malaika Foundation, a grassroots non-profit that empowers girls and communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo through a school, a community centre, technical classes, agriculture, and a clean water program. I am an Advisor at Concordia. I sit on the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network and the L'Oréal Fund for Women Endowment Fund Advisory Committee. Malaika has lots of exciting projects on the go at the moment. I think I am most excited about planning our second ever graduation for this summer. Graduations represent a culmination of many years of growth, personal accomplishments and empowerment for our students. It’s magical seeing them achieve and take the next step in their journey towards their dreams. 

I think I am most passionate about projects that empower and those that promote gender equality, especially in education. I am really proud of our technical classes at Malaika, which we launched in 2022. We are teaching adults in the community skills like mechanics and electrical engineering, as well as offering catering and housekeeping programs. Equipping people with the skills to work and provide for their families is the best way to help those who are disadvantaged. They have so much potential and with education they can take themselves far. On a recent visit to DRC I spoke with students from the first ever cohort on this program and it was emotional hearing about how it has impacted their lives and they were able to find jobs.

My kids inspire me - they join me in DRC every summer and get involved, even donating their birthdays to Malaika. The community also inspires me in the DRC and the staff team. Everyone is strong, resilient, and positive despite the challenges they face. They all share duties to help tidy the village and maintain the facilities, constantly working hard. That inspires me.

I love fashion and though I don’t always have time to spend ages thinking about what to wear, I love putting outfits together. I tend to vary my style according to my schedule that day. I love soft and feminine tailored dresses and suits for when I have meetings or am doing a talk. But I also love bold colours, and bright African prints for an evening out or event. When I’m at home with my kids I like to wear loungewear or jeans and a T-shirt!

I’m wearing the Renya vest and Beverly trousers in lavender tweed. I love how feminine and subtle the outfit is. It has a beautiful texture and the lines cut a lovely figure. I felt strong and dynamic wearing it as well as gentle and graceful.