ABOUT US
CULTURE. CONNECTION. OPPORTUNITY.
OUR VISION
AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE FOR A PROSPEROUS FUTURE
Klaman & Co. envisions a world where culture connects people across communities and borders, creates belonging, inspires collaboration, and opens pathways to shared opportunity and prosperity.
OUR MISSION
CONNECTION. CONVERSATION. COLLABORATION. CONTRIBUTION.
Klaman & Co. uses culture as infrastructure to amplify African and diaspora perspectives, strengthen connections across communities and cultures, and create pathways for leadership, belonging, collaboration, and economic opportunity.
THE STORY BEHIND KLAMAN & CO
Klaman & Co. was born from a lifelong experience of navigating cultures, communities, and perspectives.
Born in Montreal and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, Johanne Gnagne grew up with an understanding that identity is rarely defined by one place. Her experiences across Canada, Africa, and the United States shaped the way she sees culture—not as a boundary between people, but as a bridge.
Over the course of her career, Johanne built her work around bringing people, systems, and organizations together. Through international healthcare and education initiatives, she managed complex programs, partnerships, and resources across communities and institutions.
Those experiences taught her something that would later become central to Klaman: meaningful progress rarely happens in isolation. It happens when people connect, understand one another, and find ways to work together.
At the same time, Johanne began to see an opportunity in the way African and diaspora cultures were being represented and experienced.
Culture was being celebrated through food, music, fashion, festivals, and heritage—and those expressions matter. But she saw the potential for culture to do more: to bring people into deeper conversation, amplify perspectives, build understanding, strengthen belonging, and create pathways to opportunity.
She began asking a different question:
What if culture could be more than something we celebrate?
What if it could be something we use?
Something we use to build relationships.
To create understanding.
To strengthen belonging.
To develop leaders.
To create partnerships.
To open pathways to opportunity.
That question became the foundation for Klaman & Co.
Today, Klaman brings people, communities, organizations, and perspectives together through programs, experiences, and partnerships. We amplify African and diaspora perspectives while creating spaces where cultural exchange can lead to greater understanding, stronger relationships, leadership, collaboration, and economic opportunity.
OUR VALUES
Cultural Integrity
We believe cultural representation should be grounded in truth, context, and lived experience. We honor the complexity and diversity of African and diaspora perspectives, approaching every story, expression, and collaboration with integrity.
Empowerment
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to shape their own path. We create spaces and pathways that equip people with the confidence, connections, and resources to develop as leaders, pursue opportunity, and contribute to their communities.
Respect
We approach cultural exchange with care, humility, and respect. We honor the histories, identities, and perspectives that shape African and diaspora communities while creating space for meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding.
Excellence
We believe excellence is reflected in the details. We approach our work with intention, rigor, and care—holding ourselves to a high standard in how we create, collaborate, and contribute.
GET INVOLVED
Klaman is powered by people who believe culture can create connection, open doors, and shape opportunity.
Whether you want to share your skills, support an event, contribute your perspective, or help bring an idea to life, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteer with Klaman
Join a growing community of volunteers contributing their time, talents, and perspectives to help create meaningful experiences and opportunities across communities.
