Victoria Lara Olani

Victoria Lara Olani’ is the founder and principal of AfroGist Media Inc, a social enterprise ethnic and community media platform that works to engage and strengthen the voices of afro diaspora community.

At first, she was reluctant to travel. “Why are you going to throw away the opportunity of a lifetime to become a citizen of a land growing money on its streets?” Her family and friends lashed. Her response was simple: success can be anywhere, “I don’t have to travel to America to succeed.” Arriving in the US, Victoria went to obtain her Bachelor’s degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

She graduated Magna cum Laude, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at graduation. Victoria interned at the offices of three New York State lawmakers, and she passionately led student groups and represented her communities on key issues of interest. She then went on to obtain a Masters’ degree at the NYU Robert F.Wagner School of Public Service where she also received the NYU Africa House Thoyer Fellowship.

Leadership

Project Management, System Design, Cross-Functioning Team Management, Community Advocacy, Case Management.

Management

Organizational, Communication, Negotiation, Analytical, Interpersonal and Creative skills.

Media Production

Sony z150, Cannon 100, and Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe AE, Sony z150, Cannon 100, Field and Studio Production.

Victoria showed a deep commitment to helping me realize my full potential. She supported me in my career choice and always offered valuable and pertinent counsel regarding it. Victoria did not all allow me to feel sorry for myself. Her approach all times was “This is where you are. Let’s overcome these obstacles.” Victoria is […]

Rita J~Client

Victoria was very open to my ideas as well as understanding on the things I wanted to do. ..She was so awesome and worked beautifully with me. I’m honored to recommend her to anyone who has the same privilege I had with working with her. She’s opened minded, understanding, encouraging, and excellent at her job

Tiona, D.~Client

Victoria is a powerhouse, a force, and an amazing thought leader. Your energy in this dark space of working for the formerly incarcerated is so needed. Formerly Incarcerated people need you! Keep going!

Frankie, A.~Colleague

Thank you for always asking the most useful questions, working so hard, and landing the plane for us. It has been great working alongside you .