We were lucky to catch up with Amma Gatty recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amma, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In 2002, I migrated to the United States, fresh out of college, to experience “the American dream.” That dream quickly became a challenge when I realized to fit into the American culture; I had to become “Americanized”- tweak the way I said my name, my accent, and the way I know to spell( I grew up learning British English) and the way I spoke. I soon realized that this pressure to assimilate wasn’t unique to me, but to other immigrants as well. I personally know people who came into this country as doctors and engineers with big dreams but got intimidated by society and didn’t live to their full potential. In America, immigrants are forced to assimilate instead of integrate. The pressure is subtle but it exists. My non-profit, Cultural Encounters, seeks to ignite cultural curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding areas with hopes to grow to other states. We offer programming for both youth and adults. Culture Encounters is the realization of my dream to forge a community where every individual feels welcomed and included. We provide opportunities for individuals to immerse themselves in the vibrance of diverse cultures, contribute to our local economy and foster meaningful connections that transcend cultural boundaries.
Everyone is invited to celebrate the rich tapestry of our region – from curated dining experiences at immigrant-owned restaurants where people from all backgrounds are introduced to the foods, the preparations and the tastes of Afghan, Ethiopian, Pakistan, to name a few to “Conversations That Connect” where panelists share their perspectives on an array of topics central to diverse communities. We are bridging cultural gaps one experience at a time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Ghanaian immigrant who has made a significant impact in Richmond, Virginia. Coming from a background rich in cultural heritage, I’ve dedicated myself to being a catalyst for positive change, particularly in communities affected by historical injustices like redlining and racial tension. I see myself as a “bridge builder,” actively working to bridge cultural gaps and create a platform where immigrants and diverse voices can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

My journey into entrepreneurship and community building began in 2007 with a passion project: a Ghanaian restaurant aimed at showcasing my culture. While this venture didn’t flourish as I had hoped, the invaluable lessons learned paved the way for future endeavors. Over the years, I explored different sectors, always with the desire to create something meaningful for myself and my community.

In 2015, I founded The Next Star Arts Program, a performing and visual arts organization focused on empowering youth with leadership and life skills through creative expression. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, I transitioned the program into a nonprofit in 2016 to ensure that all children, regardless of financial means, could participate.

As our organization evolved, so did our mission. In 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened racial tensions, I realized the urgent need to address cultural divides within our community. This led to a rebranding and renaming of our organization to Culture Encounters, reflecting our commitment to fostering multicultural understanding and appreciation.

Today, Culture Encounters offers a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting cultural diversity and belonging. From educational workshops and cultural exchanges to community events and advocacy, we strive to create spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can come together to learn, connect, and celebrate diversity.

One of our proudest accomplishments is the transformation of a small nonprofit serving underserved youth into a broad-based organization that impacts individuals of all ages. We take pride in our ability to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our community, all while staying true to our core values of inclusivity and empowerment.

What sets Culture Encounters apart is our genuine commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change. We believe in the power of dialogue, empathy, and collaboration to break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

In 2015, when I embarked on the journey to launch The Next Star Arts Program, funding was scarce, and resources were even scarcer. With only a small team and limited financial means, we relied on sheer determination and a passion for our mission to propel us forward.

I took on additional work outside our nonprofit to keep the organization afloat, sacrificing personal time and comfort to ensure the lights stayed on and our programs could continue. We scraped by on meager stipends, presenting new challenges and obstacles to overcome each day.

Our impact on the community grew exponentially as our nonprofit evolved into Culture Encounters. However, securing funding remained a persistent challenge. Rejections from potential donors constantly reminded us of our outsider status in the competitive nonprofit landscape.

Despite these setbacks, I refused to let financial constraints deter our progress. Instead, I chose collaboration as our “secret sauce” for success. Collaboration wasn’t just about working together but leveraging our collective resources to achieve something greater than ourselves.

Through strategic partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations and individuals, we found innovative ways to stretch every dollar and maximize the impact of our programs. Whether pooling resources for joint events or sharing expertise and knowledge, collaboration became the cornerstone of our approach to sustainability.

While the journey hasn’t been easy, our unwavering commitment to our mission has propelled us forward. We may not have the financial resources of larger nonprofits, but we’ve discovered that we’re stronger than any budget constraint when we work together towards a common goal.

As we continue to push forward, we remain hopeful that our collaborative efforts will eventually catch the attention of funders who recognize the value and impact of our work. Until then, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, fueled by our passion for promoting cultural curiosity, knowledge, and appreciation in our community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One defining moment that epitomizes my resilience on this journey occurred after the closure of my Ghanaian restaurant. Despite the disappointment and setbacks of shutting down the restaurant after just eight months, I found a newfound clarity and determination to pursue entrepreneurship.

Rather than allowing this setback to deter me, I used it as a springboard to explore my true passion for making a difference through my own ventures. Although I temporarily returned to working for others to support myself and my initiatives, the draw to create something meaningful and impactful never waned.

Taking on outside jobs not only provided the financial support I needed but also validated my abilities and aspirations. It reaffirmed my belief in my potential to create positive change and inspired me to forge ahead with my entrepreneurial endeavors.

My understanding of resilience evolved through the ups and downs of business failures and setbacks. I came to realize that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about staying true to your goals while also knowing when to make necessary endings and pivot towards new opportunities.

This journey taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and self-awareness. It reinforced my commitment to creating a platform where I could make a meaningful difference in my community. It ultimately led to the birth of The Next Star Arts Program and later its evolution into Culture Encounters—a testament to my resilience and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and pursue my passion for positive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cultureencounters.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureencounters/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CultureEncounters
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultureencounters/

Image Credits
Culture Encounters