Rahama Wright is a social entrepreneur driving change at the intersection of beauty, policy, and international development. After serving as a Peace Corps, she founded Shea Yeleen, a social impact beauty brand that creates living-wage jobs for women in Ghana through the production of shea butter based skincare products. Her brand has secured distribution with Whole Foods Market, MGM Resorts, and Macy’s and has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Washington Business Journal, MSNBC, and BET.
Recognizing the manufacturing and supply chain challenges faced by BIPOC beauty founders, Wright launched Yeleen Beauty Makerspace, the first shared manufacturing facility in the U.S. beauty industry. This pioneering space provides early-stage entrepreneurs—particularly women of color—with the resources and infrastructure needed to scale their businesses.
Beyond the beauty industry, Wright is a champion for economic empowerment and inclusive entrepreneurship. She co-chairs the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa and serves on the U.S. Trade Representative Trade Advisory Committee on Africa, advocating for policies that foster equitable business opportunities. With expertise spanning supply chain management, retail distribution, and sustainable development, she is a leader in bridging international markets to support women entrepreneurs worldwide.
In Washington, DC, Wright founded the DC Pop-Up, a retail collective showcasing women- and minority-owned businesses across diverse categories, including art, jewelry, apparel, home goods, and specialty foods. The initiative creates inclusive economic opportunities while addressing gender and racial disparities in business.
A sought-after speaker on African women’s economic development, Wright has delivered over 200 speeches and panels globally, including at the United Nations, World Bank, and Global Entrepreneurship Summit. An avid traveler, she has visited and worked in 38 countries. She earned a BA in International Relations and Political Science from SUNY Geneseo.
