E04: Thriving in Denmark: The Keys to Successful Integration with Marise Larsen

We had the privilege of speaking with ProWoc member Marise Larsen, a resilient and inspiring voice within Denmark’s immigrant community. In this heartfelt episode, Marise reflects on her powerful journey of integration — from learning Danish alongside her children, to rebuilding her career in People & Culture, and finding belonging through faith and community. She speaks to our podcast host Nehar, about identifying herself as an immigrant rather than an expat, and how that perspective has shaped her life as a mother, woman of color, and professional.

Marise’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and the quiet strength it takes to start over — all while staying true to herself and embracing change.
If you’re navigating a new culture, raising a family abroad, or simply seeking inspiration from someone who has walked the path of reinvention with grace and purpose — this conversation is for you.

Here are some of the highlights from this episode:
🌟 Integration means feeling at home, not just fitting in
🌟 Language is a gateway to opportunity
🌟 Career rebuilding takes persistence and support
🌟 Motherhood and identity evolve together
🌟 Community and faith build strong roots
🌟 Loneliness is real — so are deep, new friendships
🌟 My favourite ‘Be a chameleon: grow, adapt, and thrive’

📣 Call to Action:
If you like this episode and want to hear more please subscribe, follow us on ⁠Linkedin⁠, ⁠insta⁠ or our ⁠webpage ⁠ and sign up to upcoming events. You may find the ProWoc podcast, now available in any of your favourite platform.

E03: An Expat Experience: Finding Community & Belonging with Ambre James-Brown
29th Sept 2025

In this Episode our podcast host Nehar has a conversation with Ambre James-Brown, a global communications leader, an American expat based in Denmark. In this powerful conversation on belonging, identity, and a building community abroad, is an absolute must listen for anyone who has experienced living in the space in between.

Ambre shared her personal journey of navigating life across continents — from cracking cultural codes to creating meaningful connections outside of work and reclaiming her identity after motherhood. We discussed emotional intelligence, staying grounded as a woman of color in leadership and how “home” can be something we carry with us.

This episode is packed with honesty, insight, and inspiration for anyone navigating change or seeking connection in a global world.

Here are some of the highlights from this episode:
✅ Redefining home across continents
✅ Building community beyond the workplace
✅ Cultural adaptation without losing yourself
✅ Identity, emotional intelligence & visibility
✅ Reclaiming self after motherhood

Ambre’s story is honest, inspiring, and deeply relevant — whether you’re an expat, a global leader, or someone passionate about belonging and connection in a complex world.

📣 Call to Action:
If you like this episode and want to hear more please subscribe, follow us on ⁠Linkedin⁠, ⁠insta⁠ or our ⁠webpage ⁠ and sign up to upcoming events. You may find the ProWoc podcast, now available on any of your favourite platform.

September 15, 2025

E02: State of the Nation: Shaping the Future & Workplace Influence with Ify – President of ProWoc

We excited to share the second podcast episode in the pilot series featuring Ifeoma “Ify” Okpala Aina, President of ProWoc and Head of Procurement Academy at Maersk. Our host Nehar talks with Ify, who shares her inspiring journey of building ProWoc into a powerful platform that amplifies the voices and impact of women of color in Denmark. We discussed how to overcome internal barriers like imposter syndrome, what authentic allyship looks like in action, and why diversity, equity, and inclusion must move beyond buzzwords to create real organizational change. Iffy also talks about ProWoc’s vision for growth—through career development, national expansion, and deeper community engagement. Her insights on leadership, vulnerability, and purpose are both practical and empowering. Tune in, be inspired, and join the conversation.

Here are some of the highlights from this episode:
✅ Her journey leading ProWoc and building a purpose-driven community
✅ The mission to amplify the visibility and impact of women of color in Denmark
✅ Practical leadership advice for overcoming limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome
✅ How to build intentional allyship inside and outside the workplace
✅ The importance of corporate responsibility and creating positive environments
✅ ProWoc’s vision for career development and national expansion
✅ Why vulnerability is not a weakness but a leadership strength

One of my favorite takeaways: “Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”

This episode is packed with wisdom for professionals, allies, and organizations committed to meaningful change.

September 01, 2025

E01: Building ProWoc: Vision, Mission & Legacy with co-founders Selim & Phaedria

In this first ProWoc Podcast episode, our host Nehar Mortuza sits with Selim Ablo-Neilsen and Phaedria St.Hiliare, Co-founders of ProWoc (Professional Women of Color in Denmark), to explore what it means to build true community as a woman of color living and working in Denmark. This heartfelt episode captures their personal journeys of overcoming isolation, underrepresentation, and cultural challenges after moving to Denmark.

What began as a small support circle quickly evolved into a powerful platform for mentorship, networking, and advocacy. ProWoc now empowers professional women of color by creating safe spaces where they feel seen, heard, and valued. Through tailored programs and events, it addresses the unique challenges faced by women navigating workplaces that often lack diversity and inclusion.

Together, we discuss the importance of visibility, allyship, and collective action. Phaedria and Selim also share their vision of expanding ProWoc’s impact globally — creating a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

Here are some of the highlights from this episode:
🌟 How the idea for ProWoc was born out of shared frustration and lack of visibility
🌟 Creating safe spaces for women of color in the workplace
🌟 Mentorship, advocacy, and career empowerment through ProWoc
🌟 Navigating job markets as immigrants and professionals
🌟 The joy and connection found through shared experiences
🌟 Fun rapid-fire insights into Phaedria and Selim’s personalities.

ProWoc is Recipient of the Blaze Inclusion Award in Denmark and the Nordics

August, 30, 2022

We are so very thrilled that ProWoc is the winner of the Blaze Inclusion Award in Denmark and the Nordics. The award in the Catalyst category is given by the Diversify Collective from Norway and recognizes work done by an organisation or individual within DEIB. It is awarded to “an organisation that works to externally advance equality and equity on gender, race, ethnicity, disability inclusion, sexual orientation, and/or religion within society. A catalyst for change.” The organizations or individuals are nominated and then selected by voting across the Nordic region. The National Award was received in June 2022 and the Regional/Nordic award in August 2022.

We would like to thank all those who voted for us and have supported us along the way. Looking back, we can see the impact that we have had.

We catalyzed an increased focus on intersectional and ethnic diversity in Denmark 

• Djøfbladet: “Hey vi er lige her”
• Børsen:  “Vi skal simpelthen tale hojere og vaere bedre end vores kollegaer for bare at blive anset som ligevaerdige”
• Børsen: “Toppen hos de storste virksomheder er hvid”
• Berlingske: “Det danske mangfoldigheden-dilemma “