WHY OYA IN OYANOVA MATTERS
WE ARE A CATALYST FOR CHANGE.
What are Communities of Transformation?
They are groups of people, like Oyanova, who work together to create, foster, and innovate positive and dynamic shifts in their own lives and the lives of the community around them and beyond — all through the power of community. These proactive groups are deeply ingrained within their own communities — and are forces for good aimed at leading their communities through positive and impactful transformations toward a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable socio and environmental ecosystem for all.
Our name Oyanova draws inspiration from Oya, the fierce protector of women, a goddess of change and transformation in Yoruban mythology. Oya embodies the power of rebirth, justice, and disruption — qualities that are integral to our mission.
Just as the ring of our logo symbolizes the cycle of endings and new beginnings, Oya represents the unstoppable force of change that Oyanova seeks to bring to our communities and the world. She is a warrior, a nurturer, and a boundary-breaker, guiding us in our commitment to transformation.
Oya’s power brings about necessary change, often through fierce and rapid means, Oyanova is committed to catalyzing the seismic shifts needed to break down systemic barriers and create new opportunities for Black and Brown communities. We channel Oya’s energy to protect, uplift, and empower, ensuring that our work resonates with the same strength and purpose.
OUR PURPOSE
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES, BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH
We are committed to the generational wealth-building, financial stability, and improved mental health and overall well-being of Black and Brown communities. Driven by our belief in the theory of change, our community of transformation will achieve our mission through the development of infrastructures that foster, celebrate, and amplify community capacity to thrive. Our purpose is to create seismic cultural shifts that empower our communities from within, challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change.
OYANOVA: CULTIVATING JUSTICE, INSPIRING CHANGE
Oyanova stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for Black and Brown communities. We are a dynamic force committed to forging innovative social initiatives through the power of community, and our mission is to cultivate a holistic ecosystem that addresses the multifaceted needs of our communities. By emphasizing competent care, culture, education, growth, and liberation, we envision a future where Black and Brown individuals lead transformative shifts in systemic power dynamics, guiding society toward intersectional justice and equity.