Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmine Aouad.
Hi Yasmine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yasmine Melissa Aouad is a Ghanaian/British Radio and Television Host, Producer, and Media Consultant, who upon relocating from the Diaspora resides and works in Ghana. Passionate about Media and the Arts, Aouad found her passion in her teenage years and believes that every young person should have access to employable skills and opportunities that can better support their future, personal development, and total well-being.
While living and studying in both the United Kingdom and the United States of America, she has had opportunities to be part of community projects and organizations, volunteering her time to the youth, which helped equip her for her own adult life.
Before completing her university education, Aouad taught dance classes voluntarily and professionally for youth and young adults. Noticing this art form was a great way to support and engage the youth. Aouad advanced to a professional level and taught choreography and fitness exercise classes at the university’s state of the art fitness facility that served a population of over 10,000 students and local community members.
One of Aouad’s most memorable youth-engaging projects was when she accepted the opportunity of an internship in New York City working with inner-city youth of African heritage. There at a Camp meeting in Connecticut, she taught the youth the basics of media; employing fun activities and group-centered projects.
Aouad schooled in both the United Kingdom and the United States gaining an Associate of Arts degree in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication, Radio and Television in Texas, USA.
Over the years, she has worked for Citi TV as a TV Presenter, Producer, and events campaign support as well as Dominion TV and various Media companies in roles such as television producer, online writer, news and sports radio manager, social media assistant, voice-over artist and client services advertising.
Aouad has presently launched as an independent Television Host and Media Consultant and is currently an Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh Award/ Head of State Award Scheme for Ghana.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road but I’ve been blessed with opportunities to serve under strong leaders. I’ve had my fair share of career heartbreaks, I worked for a very popular television station that was rampant with sexual harassment allegations.
This has inspired me to be a voice for young women in Ghana who have faced such challenges. Being a woman in the media industry in Ghana has come with its challenges but I’m blessed that I have wise mentors to guide me along the way.
I lived in Texas for about 11 years and enjoyed my media training there. My career choice allows me to meet and engage with people from various communities and hear some of their stories.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work in Media as a Television Host and Media Consultant. I recently became an independent media practitioner. I’m an Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh/ Head of State Award Scheme in Ghana. I work with young people as a mentor, currently serving as Head of Production for this particular organization, training those who want to learn more about journalism and production.
My career as a TV Host has its fun elements, however, there are sensitive issues that come up in my line of work. I’m an investigative journalist and I try and partner with leaders who want to help tackle certain issues affecting young people in Ghana, especially the girls.
I may be best known for my time at Citi TV as a TV Host where I also co-produced the shows I presented. Currently, as an independent media practitioner, this has allowed me to explore other opportunities that are in line with my current focus.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, that adult education is very important. Not all communities operate the same in terms of hygiene practices. Working from home has its benefits even though I did not stay home during Ghana’s lockdown as I was considered an “essential worker”.
Allowing our body to relax and rest when it needs to. Prioritizing our health and well-being is necessary.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Melissa Aouad GH
- Youtube: Melissa Aouad TV
Image Credits
Taxi 233 and Dominion TV
