In her early twenties Menaye Donkor won the title Miss Universe Ghana, and spent a few years travelling the world, working as a model. She appeared on the covers of many magazines in Ghana, South Africa and Italy such as New African Woman, Pompey Life, SportsWeek , Canoe Magazine and Maxim Italy. She represented Chopard at The Cannes Films Festival in 2012 and 2013 respectively. She co-managed and marketed her then boyfriend Sulley Muntari brand from 2006 until 2009. In 2012, she became the face of , a fabric and textiles company in Ghana. Menaye was the ambassador of Africa Fashion Week London in both 2012 and 2013. She also owns and manages a real estate company in Ghana.
SHE-Y by Menaye
Menaye developed and founded the luxury Italian brand SHE-Y. The brand launched its first all-natural products early in 2016 using ethically-sourced Shea butter from Ghana. Her brand plays a part in her charity work by creating more job opportunities in Shea Butter production. A percentage of sales profit of SHE-Y is donated towards Menaye Charity Organization to help educate less fortunate children.
Philanthropist
Menaye founded the Menaye Charity Organization in 2004 contributing towards the welfare of underprivileged children through providing free quality education in Ghana. Donkor has worked tirelessly for over a decade to improve the lives of women and children in her home country Ghana through the Menaye Charity Organization. The Organisation provides free quality basic education and scholarships to rural underprivileged children in Ghana, health care and the developmental of young girls. She is solely responsible for raising funds to support the organization.
The Menaye School of Hope
The school was founded on 7 September 2000 in the central region of Ghana. Menaye Donkor adopted the school in 2004 after winning Miss Universe Ghana to help build a better environment for the children as the original school lacked in basic necessities. The school is located in Agona Asafo, which is considered one of the most deprived regions of the country, with high poverty and extreme illiteracy rates. Having started with 78 pupils sharing one school block, the school now has over 400 children and three blocks, helping students achieve excellent results in their BECE examinations. The Menaye Charity Organisation funds everything for the school, from the buildings and equipment to the teachers’ salaries, as well as uniforms, books and stationery.
Awards
In September 2012, Menaye was honored and chosen by the Chief and elders, of Agona Asafo in the Central Region of Ghana, to be the ‘Nkosuohemaa’ or ‘Development Queen’ of Agona Asafo. Her official title is Nanahemaa Menaye Afumade Afrakoma I. It signifies her global responsibility to her people and as well as her contributions to society. In 2013 she made the list of the 15 Most Influential Africans in Canada, which celebrated individuals who continuously inspire others through great achievements. In 2015, Menaye was honored with the "Woman of The Year" award by the Infant Charity Award in Milan. The Infant Charity Award is an organization that recognizes the work of different individuals and associations who support improving the lives of sick children.
