Shakira Akabusi

Shakira Akabusi is a passionate racial equality speaker, author, social media influencer, and pre and postnatal exercise specialist, widely recognised for her work in empowering women through the journey of motherhood. She is the founder of StrongLikeMum, a thriving online community dedicated to reshaping perceptions of pregnancy and motherhood. Drawing deeply on her lived experiences as a Black British woman and a mother, Shakira is driven by a mission to dismantle stereotypes—not just around motherhood, but also racial and gendered biases that persist in media, healthcare, and fitness. Her key speaking topics include representation in maternal healthcare, racial identity and motherhood, mental health, and inclusive wellness. Shakira’s personal journey informs her authentic, compelling delivery, and enables her to speak with empathy, honesty, and impact.

Shakira began her career as a musical theatre performer in London’s West End, where she honed her confidence and presence on stage over five years. In 2013, after stepping away from theatre, she retrained as a pregnancy and postnatal exercise expert, inspired by her own experiences navigating motherhood. Starting with one-on-one coaching, she built a trusted platform through social media, steadily gaining recognition for her evidence-based, supportive approach. Through StrongLikeMum, Shakira educates and uplifts thousands, particularly women of colour, by challenging outdated narratives and encouraging holistic maternal wellness. Her work bridges physical, emotional, and cultural dimensions of the motherhood experience.

Among her recent achievements, Shakira published her first book, The StrongLikeMum Method, in 2022, which explores pregnancy, postpartum health, and mental wellbeing. She also hosts The StrongLikeMum Podcast, expanding conversations around motherhood and identity. Shakira has partnered with top-tier brands such as Adidas, Virgin, and COS to lead workshops, and has appeared on major media platforms including Vogue, BBC, Women’s Health, and GB TV. As an ambassador for ReThink Mental Illness, she openly shares her personal mental health journey, further underlining her commitment to inclusive and honest advocacy.

Shakira’s speaking work centres on how race, gender, and motherhood intersect—she addresses the lack of representation in maternal care, challenges systemic inequalities, and provides practical, compassionate guidance for parents and practitioners alike. Her talks are especially valuable to organisations aiming to promote diversity, equality, and inclusive wellbeing. Through dynamic storytelling and professional expertise, she engages audiences with warmth, clarity, and purpose—making her an outstanding choice for events that prioritise racial equity and women’s empowerment.