Yaa Birago

Yaa Priscilla Birago is a social entrepreneur, tech consultant, environmentalist, philanthropist, and mentor, renowned for her impact-driven work as the founder and executive director of Soko Bags Ltd., the leading reusable bag manufacturing company in Ghana. With a mission to address the plastic waste crisis, Soko Bags produces biodegradable, eco-friendly bags crafted from discarded cocoa jute sacks. In addition, Yaa is the co-founder of FemmeBnB Inc., an AI-driven travel solution that prioritizes women’s safety by facilitating secure, short-term rentals for female travelers.

Yaa holds a B.A. in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Windsor. Her passion for technology, environmental sustainability, and women’s advancement has led her to work extensively across the IT and non-profit sectors for over 13 years. Her broad expertise encompasses green manufacturing, sustainable packaging, travel tech, software development, project management, business systems analysis, leadership development, program development, risk management, and tourism.

In 2010, Yaa co-founded the Hands of a Hero Foundation (HOHF), a non-profit organization that empowers youth in the Greater Toronto Area through mentorship, leadership, STEAM, and career development programs. HOHF also supports underprivileged children in rural Ghana. Under Yaa’s leadership, HOHF has carried out numerous impactful initiatives and, in 2017, received the Global Impact Award from JIC Awards of Excellence.

Yaa’s commitment to social impact has earned her widespread recognition. In 2014, she received the Women’s Courage International Award, becoming its youngest recipient. She was named a Black Canadian Role Model in 2014 and received The Black Canadian Role Model Award in 2015. She was also a TEDx Accra speaker. Her accolades include being recognized among the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada by CIBWE in 2016, one of the Top 30 under 30 Pioneers by Future of Ghana UK in 2017, and a WOCStar Woman to Watch in 2020 by WOCStar Venture Fund.

Yaa’s achievements in the travel industry have also been celebrated. In 2021, she was listed among the Top 20 Women CEOs in Vacation Rental Tech by VR Tech and named a Top 20 Woman in Travel by TravelPulse. She has been acknowledged as a Top 4 Woman Leader in the Rental Industry and honored as one of the Top Women in Travel & Hospitality in 2022, receiving the Young Achiever Award at the Women’s Choice Awards Africa.

Her work has gained substantial media attention, with features on prominent networks such as DW TV, CTV, CBC, CP24, Rogers TV, Joy TV, TV Africa, and Afro-Global. Additionally, her contributions have been highlighted by leading publications including WIRED, The Telegraph UK, Blavity News, TravelPulse, Travel Noire, Unearth Women, and The Story Exchange.

Throughout her career, Yaa has made a meaningful impact on hundreds of girls and women through various initiatives. She is deeply passionate about advancing women and girls, promoting environmental sustainability, and leveraging technology for social change. Her dedication to creating impactful solutions continues to drive her toward transformative achievements in her field.