Next Up Columbus 2025: Teresa Temu

Name: Teresa Temu
Age: 36
Profession: Founder, Principal Consultant at Dunia Consulting
Neighborhood: West Columbus
Education: Master of Political Science
Community Involvement: Us Together, Inc. – Outreach and Victim Services Coordinator; New American Leadership Academy (2025 Cohort); New African Immigrants Commission (NAIC) – Volunteer & Leadership Academy Alumna; ABA Gallery (African Beauty & Art) – PR and Community Outreach Partner; Columbus Council on World Affairs – Volunteer Global Educator (2023); Zora’s House – Leadership Fellow, 2025 Cohort (Accepted); African Chamber of Commerce – Ohio – Community Supporter and Keynote Speaker (2025 Launch)
Motto: I don’t just bridge cultures—I build new paths for those who were never invited across.
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Teresa Temu’s journey began in Belarus, born to a Tanzanian father and a Russian-Belarusian mother. It was a multicultural foundation that sparked a lifelong passion for language, belonging, and justice. With a Master’s in Linguistics from Lomonosov Moscow State University, she has lived and worked across borders, dedicating her career to education, refugee support, and cultural advocacy.

Now rooted in Columbus, Teresa is a dynamic force for equity and inclusion. She leads outreach and victim services at a refugee resettlement agency while also serving as the Founder and Principal Consultant of Dunia Consulting, where she helps organizations navigate cultural competency and community engagement. Her work weaves together storytelling, policy, and bridge-building to foster more inclusive communities.

In 2023, Teresa became a mother. It was a life event that further crystallized her mission. Her vision is clear: to help create a world where equity, empathy, and dignity aren’t ideals, but expectations — for her daughter and for us all.

What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
What gets me up in the morning is knowing that my work creates visibility and belonging for those too often left out of the conversation — immigrants, refugees, women of color. I wake up with the belief that systems can change when we show up with courage and community.

What gets me through the workweek is a mix of purpose, playlists, and my daughter’s laughter. Even on the hardest days, I remind myself that every connection I build is part of a larger legacy — one rooted in justice, joy, and the cultures that raised me.

What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I’ve been guided by women who lead with both power and tenderness — mentors who taught me that advocacy is not just about speaking up, but about listening deeply and creating space for others. One piece of advice that stays with me: “Protect your peace, but don’t hoard your power.”

I also owe so much to the immigrant women I serve — their resilience, humor, and wisdom remind me every day why this work matters. They’ve taught me that leadership isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s in showing up, again and again, with love and consistency.

What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
To unwind, I love long walks through farmers’ markets or bookstores, where I can lose myself in color, texture, and conversation. I’m also a café enthusiast — give me a good matcha latte, a window seat, and some people-watching, and I’m at peace.

At home, I find calm in cooking something nostalgic, dancing to old Swahili songs with my daughter, or simply stepping away from my phone to feel grounded in the moment.

What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
A few of my go-to spots in Columbus: Parable Café for intentional vibes and great coffee, Northstar and Brassica for delicious, reliable meals, and Goodale Park for fresh air and toddler adventures. I love exploring ethnic restaurants across the city — they remind me of home in all its flavors. And while I wish I could say I’m a minimalist, online shopping at H&M and weekend strolls through Easton still spark a little too much joy!

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
As a kid, I definitely didn’t want to be a singer — I was terrified I’d forget the lyrics mid-performance! Instead, I dreamed of becoming a linguist and traveling to Tibet to study ancient languages. I was fascinated by the mystery and music of unfamiliar words. That early curiosity never left me — it shaped everything I do today.

What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Right now, I’m diving into books and podcasts about world cultures, languages, and identity — anything that helps me understand how people express who they are through words, rituals, and stories. I’m especially drawn to content that explores linguistic diversity, migration, and the ways culture is preserved across generations. My bookshelf is basically a global village!

What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
Being chosen for the Next Up Columbus award is a deep honor — not just for me, but for the communities I represent. As a Black immigrant woman, a mother, and a cultural connector, I’ve often had to build my own doors when none were open. This recognition affirms that the work I do — across language, advocacy, and community — matters. It tells me that Columbus sees the value in inclusive leadership and that my voice belongs in the room.

If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
If CityPulse is where Columbus tells its story, then the real pulse is in the people who show up every day to build something bigger than themselves — across languages, neighborhoods, and causes. The pulse is in our markets, murals, festivals, and food. It’s in the way Columbus is quietly becoming a capital of culture, innovation, and care.

The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »