Bonny M | June 11, 2024
Gracia Nsana whom is Irish/ Congolese was born and raised in Ireland. Her origin tribe from Congo is Mukungo Dad and Muluba Mom. She is the eldest in a family of 3 siblings and is a born -again Christian. I was diagnosed with psychosis and depression which are both forms of mental illnesses, I was suicidal during my teenage years and I thank God for the support I had during that time.
I graduated with 2:2 Honours Bachelor Degree in Health and Physical Activity in Dundalk Institute of Technology on October 2021. I’m not perfect but I strive to be the best version of myself and hope to make a positive change in my community and advocate for mental health awareness ,well-being and spread awareness in what’s happening in Congo.
What inspired me to join the pageant world in Ireland? Well, when I was young my favourite show to watch was Americas Next Top Model hosted by Tyra Banks, she was and still is one of the people I aspire to be like one day, not the fame part in particular. Also, there was nothing to do in Ireland at the time hence I decided to participate in the pageant, to do something that would get me out of my comfort zone and build my confidence.
It was initially around 2019 that Miss Congo Eireann was meant to kick start then COVID happened, and in 2022 Miss Congo Eireann took place. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the workshops I attended especially, the catwalk sessions, and learning the history of Congo and African Women in Modern Society Reality Vs Expectations.
What I took away from the whole experience was that even though I wasn’t the winner, I was able to be involved within my community and had proven to myself that I could do anything I set my mind on, so I am proud and happy that I got to share my experience with the people who were genuinely supportive, inspiring and helpful through my journey.
Your journey in the corporate world, how did that come about and how has it been thus far?
Really, my journey was based on my education, which is key! I was actively applying and I wasn’t sure what career to pursue but with the help, advice and encouragement of a few close family and friends in Congolese Community in Ireland, I was able to keep applying and wasn’t discouraged by getting the famous word rejection word” unfortunately…” through emails.
I am currently working in the Insurance brokers industry for a company called Dolmen Insurance Brokers LTD, in my department we sell private motor insurance/ house insurance/commercial van/travel insurance, caravan, mobile home and Dolmen offers other forms of insurance too in Ireland, and I recently sat my first APA insurance exam. Which was pretty hard to study for since I left studying in 2021 lol
Some of my accomplishment include:
*Graduating from university in 2021 during Covid 19. We all can admit it was a hard time, the classes were physical and went on an online bases with doing my dissertation given that before I was in two different PLC colleges.
*Being a part of Miss Congo Eireann in 2022 and currently being an active volunteer team member in Congolese Community in Ireland.
*Working in corporate job in Dolmen Insurance Brokers LTD. Also not giving up and continuing live my purpose and my best life.
Tell us about the Congolese Community in Ireland ,what it’s about and why and how did you join the team?
Congolese Community in Ireland is a non-profit organisation for the Congolese community in Ireland. The current President Giresse has a vision to promote, share, help and support, with the help of his volunteer team members to represent a positive light in the Congolese community. Our main vision is representation, recognition, awareness, education, enablement, integration, security and transparency. Our original trademark and saying is “For Üs by Üs”.
How I joined the new C.C.I. team was that the current President Giresse messaged me in January 2023 for a proposal on if I would be interested to join the new C.C.I. team. He shared with me his vision and the different volunteering opportunities within the team roles.
So I joined the new C.C.I team because I believed in President Giresses vision to make a difference and to change the very negative stereotype narrative of Congolese communities, also to show that we are also capable to do it. Despite the trials and tribulations. We won’t give up!
My message to women/girls who look up to me is, to be patient! It’s easy said than done but honestly, I am not perfect but striving to be the best version of myself. If you have ever felt like an outsider, well I was once that girl, feeling ugly and unwanted but just remember that it get better with time and hold your head high with confidence.
Do not copy and paste, find what makes you different from the others, believe in yourself, and put God first at the center of everything you do and you will see how God will work in his mysterious ways. Be patient, stay strong and speak up. Do not take shortcuts in life but focus on the goal and block out unnecessary noise.
What’s next for me? Well, I just submitted my application to be involved in The Next African Queen in Ireland. I am still actively volunteering in CCI and I am still working my 9 to 5 in Dolmen Insurance Brokers. I am not going to say too much but just watch the space, there’s still something interesting I am working behind the scene!
Your audience can follow me through my social media platforms and also where I am participating in and volunteering too. Please see below:
Instagram: Grgagrape
Instagram: congolese_ community_in_ireland
TikTok: Grgagrapes
Snapchat:Grgagrapes
X: Grgagrapes
LinkedIn : Gracia Nsana The Next African Queen in Ireland Instagram : thenextafricanqueeninireland