| Nancy Sumari | |
| Birth Name: | Nancy Abraham Sumari |
| Birth Place: | Arusha, Tanzania |
| Birth Date: | 1986 8, df=yes |
| Occupation: |
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| Years Active: | 2005-present |
| Spouse: | Luca Neghesti |
| Children: | Zuri Neghesti |
| Alma Mater: |
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| Miss Tanzania 2005 | |
| Competitions: | Miss Tanzania |
| Website: | nancysumari.com |
Nancy Abraham Sumari is a Tanzanian author, business woman, social entrepreneur and beauty pageant titleholder. She is the Managing Director of Bongo5 Media Group (T) Ltd, The Executive Director of The Neghesti Sumari Foundation[1] and The Jenga Hub,[2] as well as a published author of the children's book series, Nyota Yako.[3] In 2017 Africa Youth Awards[4] named her among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.[5] [6]
Sumari was born in Arusha.[7] She had her primary and secondary education in Kenya,[8] and later graduated with a bachelor of business administration from the University of Dar Es Salaam and a Future Leaders of Business and Industry from Lehigh University, PA.[9]
Nancy won the Miss Tanzania title in 2005[10] and later competed at Miss World 2005 where she was placed in the top 6, and won the title Continental Queen of Africa for 2005.This is the first time and highest placement for Tanzania at Miss World pageant to date . [11]
Nancy is the founder and executive director of the Neghesti Sumari Foundation whose programs and initiatives leverage the use of literature, technology and agriculture to create value. She has engaged in projects of society from women empowerment to mentoring youth and championing for quality education.[12]
Nancy is a published author of three books, two children's books and one in honour of Samia Suluhu.[13] Her first, 'Nyota Yako' (Your Star) is a book that is set in the form of poem and sings the songs of the great women in the Tanzanian society who are successful in the roles they play. It is meant to inspire the African girl child to be in pursuit of their dreams.[14]
Sumari's second book, titled HAKI, is a book set on the backbone of the Law Of The Child Act of 2009, that encourages children to know the rights that protect them.[15]
Her foundations initiatives have been transforming learning outcomes among youth and children through digital literacy programs and applying design thinking methodologies to create value; for which she won the 'Tigo Digital Change Maker' award for in Tanzania[16]
Nancy is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community, a Global Village Fellow, Mandela Washington Fellow 2017, and an Obama Leaders Africa 2019 fellow.[17] [9]
She is married to a media personality and Msasani ward councilor politician Luca Neghesti and they have one daughter called Zuri. She also a younger sister to singer Nakaaya Sumari in their family of five children. [19]
| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Miss Tanzania | Miss Tanzania 2005 | Herself | ||
| 2005 | Miss World | Continental Queen of Africa | Herself | ||
| 2012 | Swahili Fashion Week Awards | Female Stylish Personality | Herself | ||
| 2017 | Tigo Tanzania Awards | Tigo Digital Change Maker | Jenga Hub | ||
| 2017 | Africa youth Awards | The 100 Most Influential Young Africans | Herself | Won | |
| 2021 | Msichana Initiative: Anti-Child Marriage Champions | Anti-Child Marriage Champion | Herself | Nominated |