In sports, just as in business and in life in general, opportunities and visibility often remain scarce for women. In Cape Verde, these challenges are even greater, with few platforms available for girls to showcase their talent, leadership, and voice.
Determined to change this narrative, Altheah Ramos-Almeida founded Kriola Star. More than a basketball initiative, it is a platform of empowerment designed to highlight Cape Verdean women’s contributions both on and off the court.
A second-generation Cape Verdean who grew up in Massachusetts, Altheah has always carried a deep passion for basketball and storytelling. With Kriola Star, she brings these two worlds together to create a lasting impact for the next generation of Cape Verdean women.
Interview with Altheah Ramos-Almeida
1. Can you share a little about your story—where you were born, where you grew up, and what you’ve always been passionate about?
I was born and raised in Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Both of my parents are from Brava, Cabo Verde, and I’m the second youngest of ten siblings. Growing up in a big family taught me teamwork and resilience early on. Basketball was my passion from a young age. I played all the way through varsity in high school, but I’ve also always had a love for storytelling and building platforms where others can shine.
2. Who were some of the people that influenced you the most or inspired you along the way?
My parents influenced me the most with their work ethic and sacrifices. And my husband, Joel Almeida, has been a huge inspiration. Seeing him balance his career as a professional basketball player while also being the CEO and founder of Kriol Star motivated me to step into my own lane and create something equally impactful for women.
3. How did Kriol Star come to life as a team? What’s your role in it?
Basketball has always been in my life, both as a player and later as a storyteller. With Kriol Star, I wore many hats behind the scenes: I was the Team Manager and Head of Media/Communications. I filmed the entire “Road to BAL” season, conducted one-on-one interviews, and basically built the media side that helped put Kriol Star on platforms like BAL, ESPN Africa, and Forbes Africa.
4. When did it really hit you that you wanted to dedicate yourself to creating opportunities for others?
It hit me when I saw how many players — especially women — had talent but no platform. Covering games, managing a team, and seeing it all up close made me realize I could use my skills and experiences to create real opportunities that didn’t exist before.
5. How did the idea for Kriola Star first come about?
It came from watching Kriol Star’s success and knowing women deserved the same chance. I wanted to create a team and a movement where Cape Verdean women could compete, be represented, and have their own story told.
6. When did you officially start Kriola Star, and what was the very first step you took to make it real?
I officially launched Kriola Star May 5, 2025. The first step was giving it structure — creating the brand identity, the crest, and the mission statement. From there, I started campaigns like “Keep the Dream Alive” and “EmpowHer” to raise funds and awareness.
7. The name “Kriola Star” is the female version of Kriol Star. When did you feel it was important to create something for women too? And what does the name mean to you personally?
From day one of being involved with the men’s team, I knew women needed their own platform. “Kriola Star” represents visibility, pride, and empowerment for Cape Verdean women. Personally, it’s about carrying forward our culture and showing that women deserve equal space to shine.
8. What would you say is the core mission of Kriola Star, and how does it go beyond just basketball?
Our mission is empowerment through opportunity. Basketball is the entry point, but it’s about more than the game. We’re building confidence, leadership, and creating a system where women in Cape Verde feel like their dreams are possible.
9. You often call it “a platform for empowerment.” What does empowerment mean specifically in the Cape Verdean context?
Here, empowHer means breaking barriers. It’s about creating visibility, access, and respect for women who’ve been overlooked for too long. It’s giving them the tools and stage to prove they belong.
10. When young girls in Cape Verde look at Kriola Star, how do you want them to see themselves?
I want them to see themselves as stars — capable of competing, leading, and excelling at the highest levels. Kriola Star should be a mirror that reflects their potential back to them.
11. What milestones or results are you most proud of so far?
I’m proud that Kriola Star is already gaining recognition at home and abroad. With Kriol Star, I was able to capture a whole Road to BAL journey that made it onto BAL, ESPN Africa, and Forbes Africa. Now, with Kriola Star, the milestone is simply making women visible — and the fact that young girls already feel inspired to reach out is a win in itself.
12. What have been some of the biggest challenges in creating and launching this initiative? Do you feel it’s much tougher for women to get support compared to men?
The biggest challenge has been resources — financial and institutional. And yes, it’s harder for women to get support. With men, investment comes easier because people already see the value. With women, you have to prove it first.
13. What short-term goals are you aiming for with Kriola Star this year and next?
This year, the goal is to compete in the AWBL qualifiers and make a strong debut. Next year, I want to expand into youth programs, secure more consistent training, and build stronger international partnerships.
14. And looking long-term—10 years from now—what would true success look like for you?
Success would be Kriola Star becoming fully sustainable, with our own facilities and academies, and Cape Verdean women playing professionally worldwide. I want to see us leave behind a legacy where girls never question if opportunities exist for them.
15. How do you see Kriola Star impacting Cape Verdean society as a whole, beyond the sport itself?
Beyond sports, I see it empowering women to lead in all spaces, creating jobs, and shifting culture. It’s about national pride and showing the world Cape Verde can produce excellence.
16. Right now, what kind of support do you need the most—financial, institutional, media visibility, or something else?
We need all of it, but financial support is the foundation. It allows us to run programs, travel, compete, and get the visibility that changes everything. Most importantly, I want to be able to pay our players for their hard work. The women’s National Team didn’t get paid to play, and I want to change that. These women deserve to be valued for the time and dedication they put in.
17. How can Cape Verdeans at home and abroad get involved or contribute to the project?
They can donate, sponsor, share our story, and connect us with opportunities. The diaspora especially can help by spreading our voice internationally and building bridges.
18. Are you hoping to build partnerships with international organizations or other basketball programs in Africa and beyond?
Yes. Partnerships are key to growth. We’re looking to connect with other programs, leagues, and organizations across Africa and internationally so our players get the exposure and resources they deserve.
19. On a personal level, emotionally, what does this project mean to you?
It means everything. As someone who has worked in basketball as a journalist, team manager, and now founder, this is my way of giving back. It’s my heart, my passion, and my legacy for Cape Verdean women.
20. If a 10-year-old Cape Verdean girl was reading this interview, what message would you want her to take from you today?
I’d tell her: Your dreams are valid, and you don’t need permission to chase them. You come from strength and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
21. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Yes. I want people to understand that Kriola Star is about more than just basketball. It’s about rewriting the story for women in Cape Verde — making sure their sacrifices, talent, and hard work are recognized and rewarded. My dream is to build something sustainable so that the next generation doesn’t have to fight for basic opportunities. I also want to thank everyone who has believed in this vision so far — from my family to the players to our supporters in USA, Cape Verde and the diaspora. This isn’t just my project; it’s ours. Together, we’re keeping the dream alive. #empowHer
Through persistence, creativity, and passion, Altheah Ramos-Almeida is building a platform where young girls can see themselves as leaders and athletes with a rightful place in the global conversation.
As Kriola Star grows, so does the dream of a future where Cape Verdean women not only play the game but change it, inspiring generations to come.
