Darine

My Journey

I still remember the day I landed in Canada—filled with hope, ambition, and uncertainty. I didn’t know where to start, but I was determined to build my Canadian dream. Very quickly, I realized success wasn’t only about working harder—it was about building relationships, amplifying my voice, and showing up with visibility.

That mindset led me to remarkable opportunities. Within a few years, I was hired by one of President Barack Obama’s advisors to help shape strategic initiatives and strengthen the public presence of global leaders. Those experiences ignited my mission: to transform leadership and systems from the inside out.

Global Impact

As the Founder of The Smart Woman Consulting, I partner with governments, parliaments, and international organizations across Africa and Canada to design inclusive policies and drive systems change. My work sits at the intersection of gender equality, GBA Plus, and leadership development, helping institutions build environments where diverse voices are not just included—but influential.

Supporting Women Leaders

But my story also carries the lessons of resilience. For years, I was often the only woman in the room—working harder, proving more, and burning out three times. Those experiences shaped the STANDOUT Experience: a space to support ambitious women leaders thrive without exhaustion.

Through the STANDOUT Series, Newsletter, and Podcast, I share frameworks, strategies, and personal insights to help women grow visibility, confidence, and resilience—so they can stand out authentically in leadership.

Wellness as Leadership

I believe leadership and wellness cannot be separated. That’s why I created AFROA, a luxury skincare and wellness brand for distinctive women 30+. Built for busy leaders who don’t have time for complicated routines, AFROA delivers effectiveness, elegance, and well-being in every product—because true influence starts with how you feel in your own skin.

My Philosophy

I refuse to be boxed in. Instead, I’ve designed a 360° framework that combines global impact advisory, women’s leadership empowerment, and wellness entrepreneurship. My work challenges the status quo while reminding ambitious women that leadership isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing it differently.

Biography

Darine BenAmara is the Founder and Lead Consultant at The Smart Woman Consulting, renowned for her expertise in Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), leading the charge for gender equality and gender-sensitive parliaments.

With over 10 years of experience and a global footprint spanning across 10 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and North America, Darine's work transcends borders, fostering environments where individuals can thrive. Plus, she's fluent in both French and English.

Recognized by the White House as one of the "100 Global Leaders & Entrepreneurs," Darine has been instrumental in facilitating women's access to leadership roles.

Darine's multifaceted contributions continue to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and transparent future in governance and beyond.

In 2024, Darine launched AFROA Beauty, Canada's leading eco-luxury skincare brand, revolutionizing the concept of luxury by prioritizing sustainability, empowering women from local communities, embracing natural ingredients, and offering holistic solutions.