The featured image used in this blog, featuring Marianna Tanagia and me, was taken at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Zambia after the first day of the DCN Africa Launch. Marianna Tanagia serves as the Communications Director at DCN Global.
Upon my arrival a few months ago from a trip to Zambia for the DCN Africa launch, I made a commitment to write blogs sharing my experiences about all the amazing people I have met while in Zambia. A few weeks later, I wrote about several individuals, including Cameron Evers, a Senior Analyst for Sub-Saharan Africa at Emergent Risk International (ERI) from the USA; Gifty Tracy Aminu, a journalist from Ghana; and Dimitris Dimitriadis, a renowned Greek keynote speaker, futurist, and expert in designing companies for the future, Rehobot Ayalew, renowned Fact-Checker from Ethiopia and Judith Ogutu, a seasoned Kenyan strategic communications professional
The truth is, every day of my life involves checking my emails and messages on social media. I receive tons of emails and messages from people I know, as well as from those I do not know—some of whom turn out to be scammers. As a friend once told me, “Technology and social media have exposed us to more dangers than they have brought us together.” While I agree with her assessment, I also recognize that technology and social media offer us choices. It’s akin to navigating between heaven and hell—the decision is always ours to make. Fortunately, there are plenty of guides and materials available online that can help us verify information before clicking on links, signing up for platforms, or making payments using our cards. Technology and social media are all about possibilities, and that’s something I’ve always believed in.
On September 12, 2023, I received an email from Marianna Tanagia, the Communications Director at DCN Global, extending an invitation to participate in the launch of DCN Africa in Zambia. Her email stated, “I’m writing to invite you to speak and/or run a workshop at our upcoming event entitled ‘Harnessing the Digital Revolution: Fostering Resilience and Development’ in Lusaka, Zambia, on November 7-9, 2023.” Initially, I hesitated, wondering if it might be a scam. However, my gut feeling urged me to express interest and explore further. Simultaneously, I conducted background checks on DCN Global.
Interestingly, this wasn’t my first encounter with DCN Global. Back on May 12, 2021, I participated as a guest in an online interview discussing “Citizen Journalism in Africa”, alongside renowned journalists from Kenya and the Zimbabwe Democratic Republic of Congo. During that engaging conversation, we explored how African citizens could contribute to raising awareness. My involvement in that interview was facilitated by a friend—the Co-founder and Communications Director at Mobile Journalism Africa.
Given the numerous online publications and their successful launches in Asia, America, and other parts of the world, I felt confident about engaging further with DCN Global to arrange my travel.
However, due to the considerable distance I needed to cover—from Sierra Leone to Zambia (a flight lasting over 20 hours)—I had to be among the first speakers to depart. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control caused me to be part of the last batch of arrivals. The Asky Airlines flight from Sierra Leone, which was supposed to connect me to Emirates via Ghana to Dubai, encountered delays due to technical issues, resulting in a late departure.
Marianna Tanagia and the rest of the team were with me every step of the way—concerned, checking on me, and making sure that another booking would be arranged. They remained by my side until I arrived in Zambia.
Upon reaching Zambia, a car picked me up from the airport and took me to the Radisson Blu hotel. There, I had the pleasure of meeting Marianna Tanagia, the Communications Director for DCN Africa. My presence in Zambia for the launch of DCN Africa was largely due to her exceptional work.
Maria-Anna Tanagia is a journalist, working as a communication and content specialist as well as head of communication for the last 20 years. She holds a degree in Journalism and a Master’s in Journalism and New Media from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. As part of her master’s thesis, she created the online magazine “Publishit”, inspired by citizen journalism, which was awarded by Regional Media Greece (Bronze Award “Best Column”, 2017). She is the Communications Director of the Digital Communication Network Global, a vibrant community of digital professionals and emerging leaders from around the world dedicated to addressing the challenges to democracy through innovative solutions.
She also works as an adult educator and facilitator of journalism and social media workshops (with a focus on digital campaigns for social good). She was included in the list of 50 young (under forty) disruptors of Northern Greece.
After checking in at the hotel, there was already a session going on at the hall. I rushed to the hall and as I entered, I could see beautiful faces seated. People from over 40 countries, 25 of which are African countries represented at the event.