Koshie Mills is redefining power, heritage and connection
On a particularly contemplative day in Los Angeles, Koshie Mills had what she calls a “spirit drop” – that lightning-bolt moment when clarity strikes with such force it feels divinely ordained. “We are the Heirs,” she recalls thinking, her voice carrying the weight of this epiphany. She’s perched elegantly in her office, where African art pieces serve as silent witnesses to our conversation. This revelation would eventually birth the International Women of Power Luncheon, now in its magnificent seventh year.
A celebration that transcends continents
“When you’re doing a project that’s independent and passion-driven … ” Mills begins, then pauses, choosing her words with the precision of a poet. The luncheon, which transforms the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles into a sanctuary of Black female excellence each year, wasn’t just another diversity initiative. It was, and remains, a profound act of cultural reconciliation.
The architecture of unity
There’s something almost mythological about Mills’ journey to this point. Born in Ghana, educated in England, and now a force in American entertainment, she embodies the very bridges she seeks to build. “I’ve experienced the cultural divide that immigrant Blacks have with foundational Blacks,” she shares, her eyes reflecting years of careful observation. “I’ve experienced the cultural divide in England when I was there going to high school with Caribbean Blacks against African Blacks. There’s always been this tug and pull.”
A constellation of stars aligning
This year’s gathering reads like a who’s who of Black excellence. Wendy Raquel Robinson, whose presence Mills describes as “energy, energy, energy,” returns as host. Meagan Good, whose trajectory from child actor to leading lady has been nothing short of masterful, will receive the Entertainment Award. Caroline Wanga, Essence’s powerhouse CEO, takes home the Warrior Award. And in a poetic touch that Mills clearly relishes, British songstress Estelle returns to perform, six years after gracing the inaugural event.
Mills taps into healing power of communion
In an age where political disappointments can feel like personal wounds, Mills has created something rare: a space where healing happens through celebration. “It’s that giant hug that we all need right now,” she says, leaning forward with intensity. “When we say, ‘Girl, I see you. Got you.’ ” The room, she explains, becomes a living, breathing entity of its own.
The mother behind the movement
Perhaps the most fascinating layer of Mills’ story is her role as mother to Kofi Siriboe, the “Queen Sugar” and Girls Trip actor whose smoldering presence has made him a Hollywood heartthrob. When discussing her son’s success, Mills radiates a different kind of pride. “You plant these seeds into your children, you water them, you fertilize them,” she muses, painting a picture of nurturing that extends beyond her own family to the broader community she serves.
The future of power
The International Women of Power Luncheon, which took place Nov. 24, isn’t just an event – it’s a declaration. When attendees arrive, dressed in their finest African garb (though Mills is quick to assure that all forms of dress are welcome), they’re greeted with “Welcome, queen.” It’s more than mere pleasantry; it’s an acknowledgment of an inheritance that transcends geography.
“We may have taken a little nick in the knee, a little bruise on the arm,” Mills reflects on recent setbacks in the broader fight for representation, “but it’s a bigger picture than one election. The fight goes on.” In her world, every setback is merely a setup for a greater comeback.
As our conversation winds down, Mills shares one final thought that encapsulates her mission: “We were born in different places, but we are one and the same people. We all originate from the African motherland and soil.” In an era of division, Mills has created something revolutionary: a space where unity isn’t just preached but practiced.
