The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award honors women who embody leadership, innovation, and impact in their industries.
This year, we proudly recognize two trailblazers—Florentina Agu and Rewa Udoji—for their groundbreaking contributions to fashion, finance, and the arts. Both women are not only driving change in their respective fields but also amplifying African heritage and fostering global connections.
For Florentina Agu, founder of Hertunba, these words define her journey in creating a sustainable fashion brand that reflects African culture with modern ingenuity. Since its inception in 2020, Hertunba has gained international acclaim for its vibrant designs, which blend traditional African craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends.
The name Hertunba, a combination of “Her” and the Yoruba title “Otunba,” symbolizes strength, honor, and empowerment—values at the heart of Florentina’s vision. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s expertise in textiles, Florentina is committed to preserving indigenous Nigerian weaving techniques and promoting sustainable fashion practices. Hertunba uses recycled materials and upholds ethical labor standards, ensuring fair compensation for artisans while creating eco-friendly fashion that tells the story of African heritage.
Florentina’s designs are not just garments—they’re a celebration of African identity, blending culture and sustainability to craft pieces that are both timeless and environmentally responsible. As Hertunba expands globally, Florentina remains dedicated to elevating African fashion on the world stage while nurturing the next generation of artisans and craftspeople.
While Florentina is revolutionizing fashion, Rewa Udoji is leading a dual revolution in finance and the arts. As the founder of Cranstoun, a Financial Services Commission-regulated fund, Rewa provides African investors with unprecedented access to global capital markets, empowering them to navigate and thrive in the global economy.
With over 15 years of experience in banking, insurance, wealth management, and private equity, Rewa’s expertise spans across Africa and Europe, where she has been instrumental in shaping the financial landscape.
Currently, Rewa serves as Director of Investment Management at Chapel Hill Denham, where her strategic leadership helped spearhead the successful listing of Brainworks Capital (now Arden Capital) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Her extensive experience also includes managing financial initiatives across Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa while working with global institutions to strengthen Africa’s financial infrastructure.
In addition to her financial acumen, Rewa is a globally recognized visual artist, whose heritage-inspired art has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and exhibitions across the globe, including New York, London, Barcelona, and Cape Town. Her art, which draws from African traditions, has been featured in prominent art fairs such as Art Miami and Art Dubai, and she recently became the first African artist commissioned to design the official poster for the Carnaval Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025.
Rewa’s work in finance and art has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of WIMA’s Top 25 Women in Management in 2024 and one of Lagos State’s EKO 100 Women for her remarkable contributions. Whether in the boardroom or the art studio, Rewa continues to inspire through her innovative vision and commitment to promoting African excellence.
Florentina Agu and Rewa Udoji stand as shining examples of bold leadership in fashion, finance, and the arts. Both women are united by a common vision—to elevate African culture while pushing the boundaries of innovation on the global stage. Whether through Florentina’s sustainable fashion designs or Rewa’s financial and artistic achievements, they are empowering a new generation of leaders and creators, ensuring that African heritage remains at the forefront of global conversations.
Their recognition by the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award is a testament to their courage, vision, and enduring impact. As they continue to lead with boldness and determination, they inspire us all to think beyond the present and embrace the future with confidence and grace.
In addition to these dynamic women, Veuve Clicquot also honored the four other remarkable women are making bold strides in their fields:
Founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Dr. DaSilva-Ibru is a leading figure in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
A consultant in obstetrics and gynecology, she combines over 20 years of medical practice with advocacy for survivors of rape and abuse.
Her recognition in Forbes’ 50 Over 50 EMEA list in 2024 highlights her dedication to systemic change and comprehensive support for survivors.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, known as “The Celebrity Shrink,” is a renowned Neuro-Psychiatrist and Mental Health Advocate.
With nearly two decades of experience, she has used innovative treatments and media to bring mental health conversations to the forefront.
As the Medical Director of Pinnacle Medical Services and the producer of award-winning films on mental health, she remains a powerful voice in destigmatizing mental health issues across Africa.
Founder and CEO of the Optimal Greening Foundation (OGF), Osen Iyahen tackles environmental challenges in Africa by providing clean water, sanitation, and renewable energy solutions to underserved communities.
With a career that spans two decades in the global energy sector, Osen’s work focuses on implementing sustainable practices to address Africa’s most pressing environmental issues, making her a finalist for the Bold Future Award.
As the founder of CloveKids International, Queen Uwabuofu has created Africa’s first sustainable toy brand, focusing on eco-friendly African dolls for children.
Her commitment to fostering confidence in African and biracial children has earned her global recognition. With a background in International Studies and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, Queen is dedicated to using her business to empower women and children across Africa while raising awareness on sustainability.
Together, these six women embody the spirit of boldness, not only by achieving personal and professional milestones but by using their platforms to drive positive change in their communities and industries.
At Gazmadu Studios, we are honored to celebrate women through our Winning Woman Series, which showcases women who are making extraordinary strides in their careers and communities. If you’d like to be a part of this movement, connect with us today to learn more about the Gazmadu Experience and how we can help you capture and share your own inspiring journey.
Ready to step into your bold future? We’re here to help you create it, CLICK HERE
If you’d like to be a part of the upcoming Bold Woman Awards, click HERE to join this inspiring movement.
Makeup: Prisca Ohue (isimakeovers), Wuraola (Pharmartist)
Hair: MidunBeaute
Styling: SisiHannah
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