VIDEO: Watch Lesson on How to Set Global Goals for Your Business
Key Offerings
of The Digital Diplomat™
For Entrepreneurs
Individuals interested in launching business that crosses country borders and for those pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. Here’s information and tools to get started and scale. This is an opportunity to understand the global marketplace and how you can create your own lane.
For Organizations
Whether virtually or in front of large audiences, book me to teach and speak about digital technology and entrepreneurship, job creation, lowering unemployment rates and more. From local to international speaking engagements, I provide nontraditional and innovative ways to activate all listeners.
For Globalists
Engage in projects and missions that impact people from around the world and make long-lasting changes. From addressing youth mobilization to women entrepreneurship in underserved communities, my business and international experiences bring value to any team.
AS SEEN IN
From the Desk
of The Digital Diplomat™
Going Global!
Going Global with your Problem! Going Global with your Solution! [...]
Transforming Economies Through Digitalization
My work to help launch digital businesses in global markets will create jobs and help lower unemployment rates, especially for the underserved. That’s my commitment.
I thought going to school and getting my degrees would lead me there, but funny enough it was not finding a job and ending up on government support that gave me the conviction I have today to do the work I longed for. This is because for first time, I’d walked in the shoes of the very people I desired to help.
Starting the VGC Group, a global digital tech consultancy, who designs and develops eCommerce platforms and custom mobile apps for entrepreneurs, companies and organizations, was the becoming of The Digital Diplomat. It was not until we had our first African-based business increase sales around the world by 500% did I understand the power of my name.
The vision is to promote economic development through digital technology. And this is what I intend to do. I welcome you to join me along the journey.
Signed ,
Watch Lessons
How to Set A Global Goal to Address
Anytime I speak to someone like yourself or encourage entrepreneurs to think globally, they always ask, “Where do I start? or How do I begin to think globally?” Don’t worry. I recorded a video to help address those questions and get you started right away!
Testimonials
An Inside Look
W.E. is one of those people you know will do incredible things. I worked with her in 2019 through ExporTech, a program designed to accelerate a company’s growth in global markets. From our first interaction, I knew that W.E. was a passionate and driven businesswoman. She was dedicated to the process. I have no doubt she will accomplish anything she sets her mind on!
Natalie Chmiko
Vice President, Int’l Trade at Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Working with W.E for the inaugural African Business Symposium at Michigan State University was fantastic. Her talk centered on supporting African entrepreneurs and it took the audience on a journey that allowed them to imagine themselves using African made products. This simple but powerful image inspired people to think critically about how they engage and support frontier markets.
Gigi Ngcobo
Michigan State University MasterCard Foundation Scholar
Instagram @wedacruz
On behalf of our entire family, we are happy to announce that we welcomed our daughter Jubilee Aba Gyaema Da'Cruz on Thursday, August 19, 2021 full of hair. She was so kind to allow her older sister Autumn Eve to enjoy her birthday just two days prior before putting me in active labor. My daughters now share a birthday week. This is going to be fun.
We're both home and healthy. Thanks for all the warm wishes, messages, gifts, flowers sent to the house, prayers and love.
It's been quite the transition these last few days nursing around the clock while preparing our other two for the start of school this week and pushing out @eatcruzburgers orders, but we wouldn't ask for it to be any other way.
Thank you Lord for entrusting @domdidash and I on this journey together and we pray the life of our child is a blessing onto you as she already is to us.
In a later post, once I muster up some more strength, we will take the time to fully explain the meaning of her name for us.
Until then, do know I will get back to everyone that has messaged me over time. I have unplugged a bit while I care for our newborn and myself. Thanks for understanding.
Waiting on our baby sister like …
#fullterm #praiseGod #baby3 #dacruzpartyof3 #allfiresigns #cruzburgerbaby
Where does time go?
Some weeks feel fast and others feel slow. The month of July is almost over. I can hardly believe it. @domdidash and I celebrated 8 years of marriage on July 20th and 21st.
We spent most of our day completing @eatcruzburgers orders (in between me falling asleep randomly 😅). It's just the season that we are in. No fancy trip or event. Just focused. That's been our journey, always sacrificing and committed to delayed gratification for a greater reward in the future for our legacy.
Here's a new family photo. I actually spent time after consulting with my girl @thelifestylecurator planning a whole photoshoot. I booked a makeup artist, hair for Autumn Eve and I, photographer and found the perfect location Eastern Market Partnership. Then, we had a flood the day of the shoot. It was cancelled.
But, I was fine with it. You girl is honestly super tired 😭🤷🏾♀. However, I am big on capturing memories and couldn't imagine not having a maternity shoot for our princess. I quickly pivoted and my sister @l_biney gave me a contact who came to our house. I decided instead to do a lifestyle shoot at the house. Simple and authentic to our season. Just an ordinary family from the East Coast living in a midwest city with extraordinary dreams. I did my own makeup, found all the outfits for the family and wholaa, a beautiful family photo.
It's finally settling in that we are expanding and we will soon be a family of 5. Our baby girl will be born next month as well, almost to the date of our first born Autumn Eve. That means, it's been exactly 7 years since we entered into parenthood.
The number 7 often symbolizes completion or perfection. Genesis tells us that God created the heavens and the Earth in six days, and, upon completion, God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 1; 2:1-2).
We've completed one season and entering into our next level. Thank you for supporting our journey. You know who you are and we love you deeply. 📸 @jlaurenh32
Repost from @eatcruzburgers
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We're currently in the kitchen cooking up some patties to grill outside this weekend. But, we can hardly help ourselves. @Domdidash wanted to eat one right now so we’re using our oven grill.
What you think about the sizzling?? 😋
Pre-orders won’t be out until mid June which means you’ll have it in time for July 4th grilling! Yay!!
Make sure to place your order now. We’ll be fulfilling all pre-orders first before we fill orders after the pre-order period. Visit cruzburgers.com to place pre-order!
What are you doing this weekend? We wanna know! Tell us below.
#cruzburgers #memorialdayweekend #plantbased #meatless #beefless #mushrooms #madeindetroit #grillseason #healthiswealth
Repost from @shesoffscript
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What does it take to go from a recipe to a fully-fledged food product business? In the midst of a pandemic, @wedacruz and her husband launched a plant-based burger patty called @eatcruzburgers. In this episode, she shares her journey with growing the business so far.
We talk about the steps she took to start the business; how to find trusted partners; how to market and more.
In episode 137, you will learn about:
💡Where to start with a food-based business
💡How to brand, market, and sell your product from scratch
💡The two-pronged marketing strategy she uses for Cruz Burgers
💡How they are making Cruz Burgers a household name
💡How much money it takes to bring a product to market
⠀
Full episode *link in bio* Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or say "Alexa, play the She's Off Script podcast" 🙂
Repost from @eatcruzburgers
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We’re officially OPEN for pre-orders!
Use PREORDER5 shipping code to get $5 OFF shipping valid until May 31st or code CURBSIDE for Free Local Pickup at Eastern Market (Michigan Residents Only).
A big thank you to everyone who’s been supporting this new venture.
We have limited stock this time around so be sure to place your order ASAP! 🙌🏾🙏🏾
#meatless #cruzburgers #madeindetroit #plantbased #mushrooms #healthiswealth #flexitarian #meatalternative
L E G A C Y
#cruzburgers #madeindetroit #generationalimpact #parenthood #motherhood #mushroompatties #plantbased #meatless #impossiblefoods #beyondburger #beefless #healthiswealth
I I am Mother because they are Mother to me first.
Thank you to my birth mom Dr. Baaba Forson for choosing me to be your daughter. There is so much to say, but I’ll let my life and life’s work honor your life and the many sacrifices you’ve made for my sisters and I.
To my bonus mom Mrs. Ann-Marie Quansah. You’ve been with me for more than half of my life and have loved my sisters and I as yours from the start. We honor you for that.
To my amazing mother-in-love Ms. Elise DaCruz. What can a girl ask for in a mother-in-love? You’ve taught me so much about my prophetic gift and have lead with such grace and anointing. The best is yet to come and I am here to help you manifest all your hearts desires.
To my bonus mother-in-love Ms. Giselle (not pictured), thank you for always thinking of me and the family. And for always welcoming us with open arms.
I love you all so much. Thank you for helping me to rise and shine. Blessed Mother’s Day!
The love I get to receive daily from my Heavenly Father and manifested through my earthly King and Prince. ♥️
It’s the same love we’ve put into our @eatcruzburgers. Not a shameful plug. Honestly. As you mature in life and this faith walk, today and on all holidays (daily), I use it as a time to reflect on how far God has brought us and all the many ways He’s manifested His love in our lives by entrusting us with visions like Cruz Burger.
Whether your out on a fancy date or home cleaning up, so much love to reflect on. Make sure to click link in bio and join our mailing list to find out when we hit the stores!
Blessed birthday to the only man I’m hungry for @domdidash. 🎉
I hope you’re still hungry; it’s going to be a FULL year. Let’s get it babe!
#therealbonnieandcycle #dinningwiththedacruz #cruzburgers #12yearsandcounting #marriagestory
Where do I begin.
It started around this time last year. The Lord called our family into a 21 days Daniel's Fast. Dominique Da'Cruz and I decided to continue the fast for an extended 9 months eating no meat.
During the fast, Naomi Cook and I took a trip to Kampala, Uganda and Lilongwe, Malawi on a 5-figure grant we received from MSU Alliance for African Partnership to teach digital tech and eCommerce to African-based entrepreneurs for Virtual Global Consultant Group. I began to struggle a bit on the fast while away from home but Naomi nudged that I sticked to it.
While in Malawi, I stumbled upon a chickpea meatball dish that I loved. I befriended the chef during our stay and made an unreasonable request for him to turn the dish into a chickpea burger patty and I loved it.
When I got home from the trip, I was excited to recreate the dish and share it with the family. While making it one day, I ran out of chickpea and decided to use mushrooms. Dominique Da'Cruz loved it so much he said, we should take it to market. And so the journey began at that moment. Just months into the pandemic, we had to make a lot of pivots concerning the future of our family ie. homeschooling our children, work life, etc.
In just a few short months, we've developed the concept for a 100% meat-free burger patty that's almost ready to hit the market. From totally renovating our kitchen this summer to branding to building the wireframes of the forthcoming site to securing initial grocery stores, we're just waiting on our MI inspection approval.
We invite you to join our journey to healthier eating as a family. Visit www.cruzburgers.com to learn of the official launch coming soon! #plantbased #detroitmade #blackowned #dacruzfamily #cruzburgers
Cruz Burger package designs have been sent to the printers! 🙏🏾🙌🏾
For those who’ve been following the whole journey @eatcruzburgers, thanks so much for all the support and love!
We 👀 you!
@domdidash and I have been tag teaming! He’s been working on the backend operational requirements to get us approved by the state to start selling, while I’ve been building out our user experience and digital infrastructure.
Now that we have the brand design completed with packaging, @thevgcgroup is working with one of my favorite web designers to develop our online eCommerce experience. Of course, everything happens in phases and things evolve but we believe in progress over perfection.
I’m also situating the logistics of our first marketing shoot with an amazing photographer @pointesofview! I just need to ensure our packages are mailed in time. Whew 😅.
This is all while securing grocery stores to place purchase orders. Happy to say we have 3 locally who have given us their commitment!
If we can launch a food product in the middle of quarantine, you can do anything too!
Put a 🚀 below if you ready for the LAUNCH!
💯 TRANSPARENCY POST:
The other day I woke up and I thought to myself: "Does any of what I do really matter? Like, if I just stopped today and went into hiding, would anyone even notice? Is The Digital Diplomat a figment of my imagination?"
That's the voice of someone who feels burnt out. Every real business owner knows the feeling.
But, as God always does, He sends an angel in the knick of time. Just a few moments later, I get a phone call from a contact in South Africa. He begins to share with me that they are in need of someone who equally understands policy and digital technology to work on a few projects across the continent.
He began to explain that there are countries landlocked and because of the pandemic it's made intra-regional trade across Africa much harder. They need someone who is innovative to think of ways to foster trade digitally to facilitate economic development across the region, lowering unemployment and underemployment.
I literally, chuckled and thought to myself, "Yes, W.E. - You are The Digital Diplomat. Of course you got the call." I told the contact that I'm all ears and open to explore the conversation.
Then today, @thevgcgroup got an email confirming a contract to teach entrepreneurs in the U.S. how to build online to sell their products and services internationally. (Swipe left👈🏾)
I got my act together and set up a Clubhouse meeting for tomorrow 6 PM EST. I told myself, I'll continue to share and educate and all those willing to listen, will elevate. Is that you? Join me. Clubhouse content is 100% open and freely available to you. (Swipe left 👈🏾)
You too can enter into global markets. Let us @thevgcgroup show you how.
The picture is blurry. But the vision is clear: God’s love.
I applaud all the families that were organized enough to choose outfits in advance and schedule professional shots.
Us on the other hand, my mother bought the children’s outfits on Christmas Eve. The parentals found matching pieces on Christmas Day in our closets.🤷🏾♀️😅
I told my mother to take a photo and this is what we got. 🤦🏾♀️🤣
We just Keep Calm and DaCruz on ...
Blessed Christmas!
If you can relate, just put a ❤️ below. I probably won’t have this post up for long but I just wanted to let someone know that it’s okay.
Beauty, gratefulness, love and joy is in the eyes of the beholder. To me, this photo is picture perfect because I know what we’ve been through and out as a family and still smile because of God’s love.
A professional photo can’t capture that, only our hearts.
Cruz Burgers is our conscious.
It was birthed out of a global pandemic. Just like you, we were forced to pivot. What better way to adjust than to start a family endeavor and eat healthier. So the journey began.
The English word for Cruz is the cross. Our mission is to be the point of intersection where family and healthy eating collide. Whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan, and the likes, you can gather around the table for a Cruz Burger.
We’re on this journey with you @eatcruzburgers.
Prior to this, we’d never developed or launched a food product. This is new for @domdidash and I. But for us, we didn’t see pandemic, we saw possibility and acted upon it.
A lot has transpired. Much of which has caused great anxiety, stress but also joy and peace because of a renewed standard of purpose.
Spending the next few days left in the year auditing my life and re aligning myself with God’s voice and what’s next for us.
In the meantime, #Clubhouse accepted one of my two rooms so far.
Follow Conscious vs. Circumstantial Living. We’ll be discussing the kind of principles one needs to acquire and active to rise above challenges like a pandemic. See you in the room!
It’s the hands for me. What you think? Swipe left to see 👀 what I mean.
Consciousness starts young.
I practice what I preach. It starts with how I teach.
My daughter was my first student, but she’s not my last.
More videos coming weekly 🙏🏾.
Turn on notifications.
This is the new look of education because of #homeschooling.
@vashtiharrison we can’t get enough of your work. God bless you for this work of art.
I never imagined myself really homeschooling in this fashion. In fact, I was very ignorant about homeschooling.
You know, I always imagined traveling the world with my children as hubby and I built businesses, but I don’t think I ever wrapped my head around what that would entail as it pertained to the education of my children. I think at some level, I just assumed they would learn on their own by watching. 🤦🏾♀️
True to some extent, but extremely ignorant. It’s been a learning curve to say the least, but it’s a curve toward consciousness I wouldn’t change for the world.
After morning circle today, we learned about Benjamin Banneker. Scroll left to hear what the children have to say about him.
Once I got really committed to elevating the consciousness of my children, homeschooling became more of a lifestyle for me. And a lot of the anxiety I’ve dealt with during this pandemic, because truth be told, they’ve been home all day, every day for the last 265 days (but who’s counting right🤷🏾♀️?), has slowly been disappearing.
What are some of the books that you’re reading to your children?
How’s schooling been for you thus far?
I’ve also been the kind of mother who pays in advance for early drop off and late pick up at school. Don’t judge. 😩 I’m sharing this to give you context as to why it’s been really a lifestyle shift over these past few months.
Nonetheless, I’m grateful because we are all elevating, together. Thanks @miguel.j.dacruz for the book!
What gets you the most?
The missing teeth or hand gestures? 🤣🤣
Someone said it was the neck roll. How could I forget that?
This is the kind of conviction I’m bringing to my #IGTV. 🙅🏾♀️ But, even better. This is the kind of conviction that all of our black and brown children need concerning their history. The source of their power.
We’re elevating everyone’s consciousness in this household.
Every day, morning and night, we read biographies of bold black women and exceptional black men.
Autumn Eve is referring to Matthew Henson in this video. He’s the first African American and possibly American, to reach the North Pole. But of course, it took many years after his achievements before he was acknowledged for his work.
We’re winning in this area of our #homeschooling. The children can’t go to bed without reading. In fact, @domdidash and I use it to get them to listen because if they don’t, they don’t get to read.
Can you believe they cry when I threaten to put them to bed without reading? I cry a lot because of the pressure of building family, building businesses while homeschooling full time in the midst of a global pandemic. But, I promise you, my tears dry up really quickly when we see these kind of results.
Excuse the laundry mess behind Autumn Eve; I have about 5 baskets of laundry to fold. 😭😭 Again, this is why I cry.
What are some books that you are reading to elevating your #consciousness?
#homeschooling #conciousliving #conciousparenting
