It didn’t start with fame, funding, or flashy headlines. It started with purpose. In 2015, somewhere between vision and vulnerability, Taneka Sawadogo made a decision, not just to be an entrepreneur, but to be a force for change. “I started my journey as a business mogul and philanthropist in 2015, fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to create sustainable opportunities in both the U.S. and Africa,” she says.
That decision would chart a path across continents, launch global platforms, and touch countless lives. But like every great story, hers came with storms, steep climbs, and hard-earned victories.
Today, she stands as a powerhouse, founder of Fire On The Runway International, Global Hub Network, CausePulse, and TKS Call Center Solutions. She’s also the Global Director of Development and Initiatives for Let’s Lead Africa. Yet beyond the titles and accolades, Taneka is someone who never forgot why she started.
Planting Seeds Across Continents
Taneka’s entrepreneurial fire first ignited in the United States, where she built her foundation in business, eventually launching Fire On The Runway in Dallas, Texas. But something deeper called her, something connected to identity, legacy, and impact.
Her journey into Africa began in 2017, when she started connecting with Ghana through a series of model auditions. In 2018, she touched down on the continent for the very first time. “We saw 150 models come for auditions,” she remembers. It was a moment of affirmation and the beginning of a long-term commitment.
In 2020, she made a life-changing move, relocating from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Accra, Ghana. “That was when the real work began,” she says. After several failed attempts to bring her vision to life, Fire On The Runway finally held its first show in Accra in 2022, welcoming designers from Togo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and the U.S.
True to her creativity, the show broke boundaries: “We were the first brand to have live painting on stage as the models walked out and displayed body art by Tafari of Tema, Ghana, where he painted the former president of Ghana Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.”
She had already brought the Fire On The Runway experience to Nairobi, Kenya in 2021—evidence of her persistent drive to push African fashion onto global runways.
In building her empire, Taneka didn’t just chase profit, she chased impact. Her ventures are deeply rooted in solving real problems and creating opportunities.
“Global Hub Network is a business development and mentorship hub focused on entrepreneurial growth between Africa and the U.S.,” she explains. CausePulse, on the other hand, is her fintech brainchild, a platform simplifying donor engagement and promoting transparency for nonprofits.
And then there’s TKS Call Center Solutions. “Leveraging my two decades of experience in building call centers, I saw a demand for high-quality virtual call centers, particularly in Africa’s growing remote work sector,” she says. Although the company is set to launch later this year.
“These companies are headquartered primarily in Ghana, with global reach,” she notes. “While some projects involve independent contractors, others operate through partnerships with local teams.”
Every idea, every move, every partnership, intentionally crafted to break down borders and rewrite what African-led global entrepreneurship can look like.
Braving the Storms of Business
Taneka’s journey is paved not just with success stories but also with grit. “Navigating business across multiple continents, especially between Ghana and the U.S., required adaptability, resilience, and strategic networking,” she says. Legal nuances, financial regulations, and cultural dynamics became part of her everyday learning curve.
And the path wasn’t always fair.
“Breaking barriers as a Black woman entrepreneur, representation matters, and I’ve had to work twice as hard in certain industries to gain credibility,” she shares. Her response? “Confidence, consistency, and strategic alliances are key.”
Then came the challenge of funding. “I learned to leverage partnerships, grants, and strategic collaborations rather than relying solely on personal investment.” Her solution-oriented mindset turned hurdles into learning grounds, a hallmark of her leadership.
Moments That Matter
Recognition found her, but never defined her. Still, one moment stands tall.
In 2023, she received the Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, a moment that solidified years of service in leadership and community development. But if you ask Taneka about her proudest moments, her answer stretches beyond awards.
“Fire On The Runway’s expansion to Nigeria and New York in 2025 marked a decade of celebrating African fashion,” she says with pride.
And then there’s Let’s Lead Africa’s Young Ladies League, a mentorship initiative for young Ghanaian women that’s changing lives from the ground up. “Let’s Lead Africa’s Young Ladies League, which empowers young women in Ghana through mentorship, confidence-building, and leadership training is another one of my most impactful projects.”
CausePulse, too, stands as a symbol of purpose. “It’s a fintech platform redefining how nonprofits connect with donors and manage financial transparency.”
The Heart Behind the Hustle
If you strip away the suits and strategy, you find Taneka in spaces that speak to her soul. “Beyond my businesses, I’m deeply involved in initiatives like the Women’s Network Mixer in Ghana, a platform for women to network, grow, and share resources.”
She is also set to start a podcast on Intercontinental Marriages, opening real conversations about the beauty and complexity of relationships between American women and Ghanaian men, which she will co-host with her husband. She also leads Vibe Sisters Connect, a WhatsApp group of powerhouse women holding each other up in business and beyond.
Taneka’s ecosystem of impact is not confined to boardrooms, it lives in living rooms, WhatsApp chats, and community centers.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Taneka doesn’t wait for change; she creates it. The business world may be evolving fast, but she’s already riding the wave.
“I embrace technology, integrating AI and digital marketing into my businesses,” she says. “I prioritize networking, engaging with global forums, mentorship programs (such as Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Milestone and Eve International), and industry collaborations.”
From chatbots in customer service to blockchain in fintech, her ventures don’t just adapt to trends—they lead them. “AI is revolutionizing industries,” she notes. “Sustainable fashion and the circular economy are also central to Fire On The Runway’s next phase. CausePulse is tapping into blockchain technology for secure, transparent donations.”
Upcoming milestones include Fire On The Runway’s 10th Anniversary Shows in New York, Nigeria, and Ghana, as well as the Elevated Woman Brunch and the expansion of Let’s Lead Africa’s Young Ladies League.
Wisdom from the Frontlines
Her journey has taught her much, and she’s not one to keep the lessons to herself. For entrepreneurs starting out, her advice is clear:
“Start small, scale smart. You don’t need a massive budget; begin with what you have.”
She encourages smart digital integration: “Leverage digital tools. Social media, AI, and automation can help streamline operations.”
And most of all, she believes in people: “Seek mentorship, Learn from those who’ve walked the path before you. Build strategic partnerships – Collaboration often opens doors that money can’t.”
But the greatest lesson she’s learned?
“You can’t do it alone.”
“Success is built on community, collaboration, and continuous learning. I’ve shaped my leadership approach around empowerment, resilience, and vision, ensuring that every venture I build isn’t just about business, it’s about impact and legacy.”
Taneka Sawadogo didn’t just build businesses. She built bridges. She created spaces where women rise, ideas thrive, and Africa shines on the world stage. She’s proof that power and kindness can co-exist, that success and service can walk hand-in-hand.
And the most beautiful part? She’s just getting started.
