We might know Paloma Ford as a renowned R&B singer who has collaborated with Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Tory Lanez. She first made waves with her 2016 EP Nearly Civilized, and has since chart-topping hits like W.E.T., Jada, and Hit of You.

She is also a passionate advocate for social justice, continuing to use her platform to bring attention to issues that matter. Ford is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Project Peace,  which works to combat the lack of human essentials like clean water, education and sanitation globally.

Visiting the Cape Coast school in Ghana inspired her to help girls and young women who suffer from Period Poverty, a much-overlooked cause. Millions of girls don't have access to menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities worldwide, and because of this, they can't manage their periods safely, due to lack of education, fear and shame. As a neglected public health issue, over 500 million women and girls suffer from this issue worldwide and are at a higher risk of infection and missing out on work or school.

Ford is inspired by her mother, who worked at Red Cross, and grew up volunteering for various organizations and foundations. This is just another step in her journey. She speaks to Flaunt about her recent event in Los Angeles, traveling to Ghana and what’s next for her.

What led you to create your own non-profit, Project Peace?

Paloma Ford: My mother used to work for the Red Cross, so I have always been involved in community work. As an adult, I have volunteered my time with various non-profits for many years. I always knew I wanted to take it a step further and do more.

What is the most important part of Project Peace in helping these young women?

The most important part is being able to create a space where young women feel supported. In 2024, Period Poverty should not be the epidemic that it is. Our cycle is a natural part of our human feminine experience. This shouldn’t be something that prevents young women from having confidence or good hygiene. Feminine products should be free to be honest. We take for granted how accessible these things are here in the United States. Yet, there are many women around the world who have none. I just want to do my part to change that narrative. 

How did you decide on Ghana, does it hold personal meaning to you?

I was invited to Ghana in summer of 2022 to experience the country and visit a school in Cape Coast for the deaf and blind. It's somewhere I’ve longed to go because I have West African roots. I brought a picture of my grandparents with me because I felt like they would have been proud I made it to Africa.

What did you see when you visited Cape Coast school?

I saw so much beauty when I visited the school in Cape Coast. I saw children who had nothing yet were so happy and full of life. I also saw how much we take for granted in the United States. The kids showed us the path they walk uphill just for water. It puts so much into perspective.

Can you talk about your recent event at Tea at Shiloh in Los Angeles on December 1?

I am excited that the time has finally come to celebrate and share the efforts put into The Peace Project. Two years have passed since I initiated this new journey. I felt like it was finally time for me to share with my community what I have been working on in hopes of inspiring others to get involved and at the very least hold space for like-minded individuals. I decided to team up with Tea at Shiloh, an enchanting traditional tea house in Los Angeles to have the event. I loved how serene the space is as well as how much knowledge and mindfulness the women who work there shared. It was the perfect fit.

How did your father influence your musical tastes growing up? 

My dad is a true music lover. I can’t think of a time in my whole life he wasn’t playing something! Be it jazz, hip hop, R&B or soul he always had music playing – loud.

Who is your favorite musical collaborator and why?

My favorite musical collaborator is someone I have on an unreleased record which I can’t discuss much (yet).

What is your favorite part of Los Angeles?

My favorite part of Los Angeles is my home because my son is there. 

What is next for you in 2025?

I am doing several projects in the works for 2025 that I have been working feverishly on this year. I am really excited to see how much Project Peace grows next year because the intention has been set. You will see me in some new spaces in 2025. We are all multidimensional beings and it’s super important to me that I flourish in all aspects.

Photos of Paloma Ford in red by Bryan’s Archive/@BryansArchive. 

Photos of Paloma Ford with children in Ghana courtesy of the Peace Project.

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