Please introduce yourself and share with us your journey into consultancy and media leadership
My name is Marina Modi. I am the Executive Director of Crevens Ltd, an events and media enterprise, and Chairperson of the Media Mentors Network. My journey began with curiosity and passion for communication. From radio to classrooms, I was always fascinated by how stories shape people’s perceptions. Over time, I realized that media and events are powerful tools, not just for entertainment, but for building communities and amplifying voices.
What inspired you to establish Crevens Ltd, and how did you identify the need for an enterprise that combines events and media services?
The inspiration came from observing gaps in how organizations and communities communicate. Many had great ideas but lacked platforms to share them effectively. I wanted to create a space where media and events could work hand in hand, consultancy to shape the message, and events to bring it to life. Crevens Ltd was born out of that vision: to provide professional services while empowering women and youth through storytelling and visibility.
What milestones or achievements in your consultancy career make you most proud, and why do they matter not just to you, but to other women watching?
I am proud of seeing more women enter the media space. When we started, female journalists and camera operators were rare. Today, we can look at lists from the Media Authority and see women represented. That progress matters because it shows young women that they belong here. Personally, I am proud of building skills in areas like motion graphics and design, skills that were once seen as “too technical” for women. By mastering them, I’ve helped demystify technology and shown that women can excel in creative and technical fields.
Marina speaks during a training workshop for Journalists organized by AMDISS at Crown Hotel.
How has your work at Crevens Ltd contributed to your community, especially for women and youth?
Through Crevens Ltd, I’ve created platforms to share ideas, build confidence, and connect with opportunities. We’ve trained young graduates, mentored aspiring media professionals, and supported women-led enterprises. My work is not just about consultancy, it’s about research, analysis, and building strategies that ensure women’s voices are represented in media and events.
As Chairperson of the Media Mentors Network, how have you used mentorship to shape the next generation of media professionals?
Mentorship is at the heart of my work. Even before becoming Chairperson of the Network, I was mentoring young women in media. Today, through the Media Mentors Network, I ensure that every project involves youth and women. I believe mentorship is not just about teaching skills, it’s about presence. Sometimes, just seeing someone like you in leadership is enough to inspire confidence.
What unique challenges do women face in consultancy and media management in South Sudan, and how do you believe they can be overcome?
Women face stereotypes, limited resources. There are moments when clients undervalue women’s work or expect kickbacks. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience, transparency, and strong values. We must also push for policies that protect women in media and business, while building networks that support each other.
How do you see consultancy empowering women, not just professionally, but socially and politically?
Consultancy is about problem-solving and strategy. When women lead in consultancy, they influence decisions, shape narratives, and create opportunities. Professionally, it opens doors to leadership. Socially, it builds networks and solidarity. Politically, it amplifies women’s voices in decision-making spaces. Consultancy is not just business, it’s empowerment.
Marina presents at a training workshop for Journalists organised by AMDISS at Crown hotel.
How would you describe your leadership style as a consultant and event manager, and how do you use it to empower others?
My leadership style is collaborative and values-driven. I believe in bringing people together, listening, and ensuring that gender is represented in every project. I balance strategy with empathy, making sure that activities are not just completed but done in ways that empower women and youth.
What values guide you in your work, whether in designing media strategies, managing events, or mentoring?
Transparency, integrity, and curiosity. I don’t consult outside my areas of expertise, I focus on topical areas like media and gender, media and law, or media and technology. For me, every project is a learning moment. Curiosity keeps me growing, and integrity ensures that my work builds trust.
What message do you have for South Sudanese women about the power of consultancy and media to build confidence, resilience, and unity?
My message is simple: consultancy and media are not just industries, they are tools for empowerment. Use them to tell your stories, build your confidence, and unite communities. Do not shy away from technical skills or leadership roles. If you have the passion, invest in it.
What gives you hope for the future of women in consultancy and media leadership in South Sudan?
I see hope in the growing number of women entering the field, in the mentorship networks we’ve built, and in the resilience of young graduates who refuse to be silent. Every new woman in media is a step forward for all of us.
How do you envision your role in the next five years, both as a professional and as a mentor for the next generation of women leaders?
In the next five years, I see myself expanding mentorship beyond individuals to entire communities. I want to build structures that train women not just in technical skills, but in leadership and resilience. My vision is to mentor the next generation of mentors, so that even when I step back, the movement continues.
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“I see hope in the growing number of women entering the field, in the mentorship networks we’ve built, and in the resilience of young graduates who refuse to be silent.”- Marina Modi, Executive Director of Crevens Ltd, an events and media enterprise.