ELEANOR DOUGLAS-MEYERS
Inside Out Pop-up Picnics, supported by 041online magazine, is proud to announce Elmare Hendricks as the keynote speaker for their upcoming Women’s Day event in Kariega.
Hendricks, a dynamic community leader with a rich history of activism and creative endeavours, brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to the celebration.
Born and raised in the industrial town of Uitenhage, now known as Kariega, Elmare Hendricks grew up in an environment that straddled two rural areas, providing her with a unique perspective and the “best of both worlds.” Her journey of leadership and creativity began early at Jubilee Park Primary School, where the motto “MIK HOOG EN VOLHARD” (Aim High and Persevere) shaped her aspirations.
Elmare’s first foray into the artistic world came in Standard 3, when she wrote her first play for a school competition, impressing the Department of Education’s inspectors and igniting a lifelong passion for the arts. Her leadership skills shone through in high school at Gamble Street Secondary School, where she captained the debate team and produced successful stage plays, such as “Die Tragiese Lewe van Rosemarie” and “The Coloured Concert.”
Her commitment to community service began early, volunteering at New Life Pregnancy Centre as a youth counsellor and at Cosmos Rape Crisis Centre. Elmare’s involvement in these organizations highlighted her dedication to supporting and uplifting others, a theme that has continued throughout her career.
Elmare pursued higher education in Human Resources and Project Management while engaging in various community initiatives. Her roles have ranged from secretary of the SAPS Youth Desk to working as a clerk of the court for the Department of Justice and CD. Each position allowed her to develop a comprehensive skill set and deep understanding of governmental and community systems.
In 2017, Elmare enrolled in a BA Psychology course through Unisa, intending to build a counselling business. This led to the founding of Diamond Lineage PTY LTD in 2018, a company focused on empowering vulnerable youth and women through workshops on business registration, branding, financial wellness, and scriptwriting.
By 2020, Elmare had fully transitioned into entrepreneurship, creating impactful workshops and community campaigns, such as anti-bullying initiatives and financial psychology sessions with actors from Suidooster. The pandemic prompted her to pivot digitally, launching her Facebook talk show, “Real Talk with Elle,” and later moving it to Soulstream Radio, where it gained a substantial following.
Elmare’s versatility and passion for learning saw her venturing into the insurance industry and later returning to her business roots, becoming the Secretary of the Nelson Mandela Film Forum and partnering with Boldmove, a company with over 30 years of experience in the film and television industry. Her company now focuses on screenwriting and administrative services, filling a critical need in the industry.
As a speaker at the Women’s Day event, Elmare Hendricks embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community service. Her story of growing up in Kariega, navigating challenges, and achieving remarkable success in various fields serves as an inspiration to all. Attendees can look forward to an empowering and enlightening session with this extraordinary leader.
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