Iya Amma Oloriwaa!

Iya Amma Oloriwaa! is the daughter of Mr. Leon Bryan-Iba’ye and Elder Mrs. Mamie Buncamper, descending from a lineage of strong women, including her great-grandmother, Mamie “Mama” Warnock-Iba’ye, who taught Black women to read and write. A native of Brooklyn, NY, she founded and serves as the Alakoso (Director) of Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin * Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin Inc, a Rites of Passage Program for young men and women established in 2002. Iya Oloriwaa! is also a traditional African music singer, trained dancer, and designer of Brooklyn SkaRunch Hats, LLC. She is a founding member of Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc., and Ijo Orisa Yoruba Church, Inc., and serves on the Council of Elders for the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa. A dedicated community activist, she has received numerous awards for her selfless efforts. Iya Oloriwaa! created Egbe Iwa for her three children, Amma, Kofi, and Oludare, who are now mentors and workshop leaders. As a proud Gaga (grandmother) of Nnedi-Abena, Drew Moremi, and Amma Oshun Ayo, she values her role in the Rites of Passage initiative, which fosters community connections across generations. Iya Oloriwaa! is honored to empower youth with tools for success, celebrating their transitions and affirming their place in the broader community.