Submission declined on 14 July 2026 by RedShellMomentum (talk).
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Submission declined on 9 February 2026 by OrangeWaylon (talk). This draft's references do not show that the person meets Wikipedia's criteria for inclusion for people. The draft requires multiple published secondary sources that:
Declined by OrangeWaylon 5 months ago.
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Submission declined on 27 January 2026 by Idoghor Melody (talk). This draft is not adequately supported by reliable sources. Wikipedia's verifiability policy requires that all content be supported by reliable sources.
This draft's references do not show that the person meets Wikipedia's criteria for inclusion for people. The draft requires multiple published secondary sources that:
Declined by Idoghor Melody 5 months ago.
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Comment: Please do not resubmit the draft without making any changes to it. Thank you. RedShellMomentum 00:40, 14 July 2026 (UTC)
Salimata Bangoura is a West African born entrepreneur and food business owner based in the United States[1]. She is the founder and chief executive officer of Yamacu[2], a company producing West African inspired ginger beverages and seasonal foods, and she serves as a board member of the nonprofit organization Green America[1]
Early life and background
editSalimata Bangoura was born and raised in West Africa[3], including time spent in the Ivory Coast. She began participating in food vending and small trade activities as a child, selling fried plantains and other snack foods at local markets. At age 14, her family emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City. There, she helped her mother prepare and sell traditional West African ginger juices in the Bronx and Harlem. This early exposure to food entrepreneurship influenced her later career.[4]
Bangoura earned a Bachelor of Science in International Health from Hunter College, a Master of Public Health from Boston University, and a Master of Business Administration from Babson College, where she focused on entrepreneurship.[3]
Career
editYamacu
editIn 2018, Bangoura founded her food business initially under the name Dugu, a West African fusion food and beverage company. The company later evolved its brand and product line into Yamacu[5], known for cold-pressed ginger beverages crafted with fresh ginger root and complementary ingredients such as beet, pineapple, and cranberry, as well as seasonal soups and meals inspired by West African culinary traditions.[5][6]
In the early life of the business, she operated a brick-and-mortar location in Medfield, Massachusetts, which closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Community demand for her ginger drinks remained strong, leading her to partner with CommonWealth Kitchen, a nonprofit food business incubator, which allowed Yamacu to expand production and distribution at local farmers markets and retail settings.[7]
In April 2022, Yamacu opened a location at the Haley House Bakery Café in Boston’s Nubian Square. The business also raised funds through community crowdfunding under the Biz-M-Power Grant Program, successfully securing equipment to support growth and engagement with local markets.[8]
Bangoura emphasizes that Yamacu’s mission includes creating cultural connections through food, promoting West African culinary heritage, and supporting community wellbeing.[9]
Advocacy and board membership
editSalimata Bangoura serves on the board of directors of Green America[10], a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and ethical business. As a board member, she advocates for diverse entrepreneurs, anti-hunger initiatives, and socially responsible business practices.[10]
Personal life
editBangoura is a parent and an advocate for culturally inclusive food entrepreneurship[11]. She has spoken publicly about the role of food as a means of cultural exchange and economic opportunity and continues to use her platform to support emerging entrepreneurs and community development through food and small business networks.[11]
References
edit- 1 2 "Introducing our Newest Board Members | Green America". greenamerica.org. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ↑ Brush, Sarah (2023-03-06). "Biz-M-Power empowering Massachusetts entrepreneurs 💸". North Andover News. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- 1 2 "Introducing Our Newest Board Members". Green America. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- ↑ "Annual Report". GuideStar (Candid). Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- 1 2 "Yamacu". MassDevelopment. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- ↑ "Salimata Bangoura on her ginger drinks, her 'Home Alone' experience, and how customers kept her going through COVID - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ↑ "Yamacu". MassDevelopment. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- ↑ "Success Stories: Salimata Bangoura". Patronicity Resources. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- ↑ "How Entrepreneurs Make Culture Their Business". Green America Magazine. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- 1 2 "Introducing Our Newest Board Members". Green America. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- 1 2 "How Entrepreneurs Make Culture Their Business". Green America Magazine. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
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