MARCH 2006: Kali-Ahset Amen
	Age: 30 Location: Washington, DC Occupation: Doctoral Student Status: Married Children: 1 daughter, Xiomara Fidel Kali-Ahset Amen is the real deal. While some African-Americans adopt African dress or dreadlocks as a fashion statement, Kali-Ahset exemplifies a woman who wears her African heritage as strongly on the inside as she does the outside. She’s the rare woman who lets her actions speak louder than her words. Kali is committed to studying and improving lives of Africans across the Diaspora. She studied African politics and development for a year in Zimbabwe and continued her studies at the Universities of Natal and Capetown both in South Africa. Currently, Kali is about to embark on her doctorate in Sociology at Emory University. Aftwerwards, she will put her considerable efforts into developing a social research institute in Africa which will encourage intellectual exchange among scholars as well as coordinate research programs and advocate for social justice.
1. What is your biggest accomplishment? Overcoming a self-deprecating mindset and learning to honor myself at all times. 2. Name your favorite movie. Oddly enough, it’s probably a tie between Yentl and The Matrix Trilogy. 3. Describe your personal diva style. A little African nostalgia, with a dash of vintage and a pinch of hip-hop glam. 4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? Do it right the first time! 5. You look mah-valous! What is your secret?? First I must give praises to the Most High and to my parents for the blessing of general good health. But as for my personal responsibility in maintaining the blessing, I live by a vegetarian diet – I love to shake my groove thang – and I try to keep my thoughts positive (…for that extra special glow). 6. What's one dream you look forward to having come true? I’m looking forward to the opening day of the Global Africa Institute for Social Transformation. With every breath of life in me I am working toward my dream of establishing an institute for social research and the arts in West Africa. 7. If a movie were made about your life, what actress would play you and who would be your leading man? Sanaa Lathan probably shares some of the Kali spirit, and Mos Def would be my ace (well at least for the scenes about life in my adventurous 20s). 8. What 3 adjectives would your best friend use to describe you? Intellectual. Sensual. Flaky. 9. What makeup/beauty essential can you absolutely positively not live without? Lotion. 10. What’s playing on your CD or MP3 player right now? A beautiful CD of lullabys from all over the African continent. I got it for my daughter, but the songs are so beautiful and soothing that I listen to it all the time. 11. What is one thing you wish more people knew about you? That I don’t care too much for small talk and pleasantries. I really do have a genuine interest in connecting with people deeply, honestly and soulfully 12. What, in your opinion, is the formula for success? I think that whenever you set your sights on something, you must first step back and do some introspection. Evaluate your goal in terms of its alignment with your own life’s purpose. Will it make you happy and whole? And then you can put in the labor with full intention and clarity. We can all create a reality of success when we are honest with ourselves about the source of our motives and the readiness of our means. Is it the right time? Have we prepared ourselves adequately? After all that work is done, all we must do is claim it! 13. What motivates you? The assurance that the Universe is operating in my favor. Whatever I work to achieve, I will achieve. 14. Complete this sentence: "One year from now I would like to... Be doing field research and community work with African youth as a Fulbright Fellow 15. Sum up your personal philosophy. Live life abundantly! Want to find out how to become DivaSoulSista of the Month? Click here.

Previous DivaSoulSista of the Month
Lisa Moten: DivaSoulSista (January 2006)
Shelia Chadwick: DivaSoulSista (February 2006)