Astou Ka

ROOTS & HORIZONS

A memoir

BY Astou Ka

About The Author

Astou Ka

Astou Ka was living the American Dream. A Senegalese-born executive who climbed the ranks of corporate America to become a Senior Director, she was a role model of resilience and success. But behind the title, she was paying a price she never agreed to: the slow suffocation of her own voice.

When systemic discrimination pushed her to her limit, Astou made a choice that would redefine her life: she fought back. Her victorious legal battle against a Fortune 500 giant transformed personal pain into a public stand for justice.

A memoir

From the vibrant heart of Senegal to the uncharted challenges of a new world, ROOTS & HORIZONS is a luminous testament to courage, womanhood, and the unbreakable power of hope.

Astou Ka’s story begins in the red earth of her childhood - a place where silence could be mistaken for submission and true strength was often cloaked in gentleness. But within her burned a quiet defiance, one that refused to bend under the weight of expectation, the sting of injustice, or the profound loneliness of exile. When life demanded surrender, she learned instead to stand taller.

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Testimonials

Astou Ka’s memoir is more than a book—it’s a gut-wrenching, empowering manifesto for anyone who has ever felt invisible in the workplace. As a Black woman in corporate America, I saw my own struggles mirrored on every page—the microaggressions, the gaslighting from HR, the soul-crushing realization that the game is rigged. But Astou doesn’t just name the pain; she provides a blueprint for fighting back with unapologetic authenticity. Her journey from a silenced Senior Director to a victorious plaintiff and successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of reclaiming your voice. This book didn’t just resonate with me; it gave me the language to articulate my own experiences and the courage to demand better. A must-read for every professional, leader, and ally.

Aida Lalla Fall A master class in courage and resilience

A Story of Many Homes, Many Battles This book beautifully weaves together the threads of identity, belonging, and sacrifice. As an immigrant and a mother, I was deeply moved by Astou’s honest portrayal of the “double pull”—the constant negotiation between the culture you come from and the one you’re trying to navigate. Her descriptions of longing for Dakar’s symphony while fighting for a seat at the American table are poetic and painfully accurate. The chapters on motherhood, loss, and faith added layers of profound humanity to her story. It’s a powerful reminder that our roots are our strength, not a weakness to be shed. This is a story for anyone who has ever built a life between two worlds.

Amazon Customer From an immigrant and mother !

I picked up this book expecting a corporate whistleblower story, but it is so much more. It’s a deeply personal narrative about grief, faith, betrayal, and triumphant resilience. Astou writes with such raw vulnerability and sharp clarity that you feel you are right there with her—in her parked car summoning courage, in the courtroom fighting Goliath, and in her kitchen cooking a meal that tastes like home. Her legal battle is gripping, but the real victory is in her spiritual and emotional journey. This book didn’t just inspire me; it changed my perspective on what it means to live a life of integrity and purpose. I haven’t stopped thinking about it or recommending it to friends.

Fatima Unputdownable and transformative!

A Literary and Emotional Tour de Force Beyond the important subject matter, this is simply a beautifully written book. Astou Ka has a gift for metaphor—the “symphony of Dakar,” the “weight of a dream,” the “glass ceiling” that becomes a prison. Each chapter is crafted like a mini-novel, balancing poignant childhood memories with the tense, real-time drama of her legal battle. The pacing is perfect, and her voice is so distinct and compelling that you feel a personal connection by the end. This is what memoir should be: literate, compelling, and utterly human. A stunning debut.

Soda Thiam Focus on the Writing and Structure

Powerful. Riveting. Necessary. Astou Ka’s story is a stunning blend of personal memoir and social critique. She takes on corporate discrimination, systemic racism, and the immigrant experience with unmatched bravery and lyrical prose. You’ll cry, you’ll rage, and you’ll ultimately feel empowered. An absolute Triumph.

Masserigne Sow If You Read One Book This Year, Make It This One

ROOTS & HORIZONS

About The Author

Astou Ka

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