Apply for ALC Scholarship Ticket
If you would like to request a scholarship ticket, please let us know.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
“At U.S. Bank, we believe in the power of possibility and creating opportunities for anyone and everyone to achieve their dreams. The National African Leadership Conference opens up doors to possibilities by supporting African immigrant leadership and the African community and we are so grateful to partner with AEDS to bring this event to life.” – Sofia M. Terzic, Assistant Vice President Corporate Social Responsibility | Community Affairs Manager, US Bank
“Entrepreneurs help make the American economy, and immigrant entrepreneurs need unique support to help their businesses thrive. AEDS provides support from start to finish – from technical assistance to loan support to education. LISC Twin Cities is proud to be a continued supporter of AEDS, as well as the National African Leadership Conference.” – Jamie Schumacher, Assistant Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Twin Cities
LIFTING AS WE CLIMB
Greetings!
The African Economic Development Solutions invites you and your institution to support and participate in Lifting As We Climb: Unleashing the Potential of African Leaders, 2021 National African Leadership Conference.
Hosted virtually, the inaugural 2020 event was a tremendous success with African leaders from across Minnesota and the country going their allies in critical discussions on issues of most concern and opportunities for African communities. Back by popular demand, we are excited to produce the 2021 event virtually to engage leaders nationwide on Thursday, December 9 and Friday, December, 10, 2021.
We hope you and your institution will seize upon this tremendous occasion to connect to Africans across the country. We look forward to your support and participation.
Thank you very much!
Gene Gelgelu, MBA
President and CEO
African Economic Development Solutions
2021 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
CONFERENCE OFFERINGS
Last year’s conference speakers included Her Excellency Ambassador, Dr. Arikana Chimobori Quao, who kicked off the event; Gary Cunningham, President and CEO of Prosperity Now; and Alfa Demmellash, CEO of Rising Tide Capital.
Knowledge Sharing Break-out Sessions
Develop greater understanding and engage in meaningful dialogue with African Leaders and allies to learning about Africans’ assets, challenges, and opportunities in the U.S.
Professional Networking
Build professional networks and connections to foster partnerships between and with African leaders and organizations across the country.
Leadership and Professional Development
Forge and deepen cultural understanding to better engage, serve and impact African communities nationwide.
Cultural Experiences by African Cultural Entrepreneurs
Experience African food, art, and entertainment by Twin Cities African chefs, artists, and performers.
Little Africa Village
The event will feature and indoor market with African cultural retail vendors.
Marketing, Community Outreach and Engagement Opportunities
Businesses, corporations, public agencies and community organizations can connect to diverse and growing populations of Africans across the US.
Apply for ALC Scholarship Ticket
If you would like to request a scholarship ticket, please let us know.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The 2021 African Leadership Conference planning is supported by the following individuals, all members of our Advisory Committee.
- Hanna Getachew-Kreusser, MA; Executive Director of Face to Face Health and Counseling
- Watchen Harris Bruce, President & CEO, Baltimore Community Lending
- Michou Kokodoko, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
- Jote Tadesse, Co-Founder of DiaspoCare
- Dr. Ola Tolulope, Founder and Executive Director of Restoration for All, Inc.
- Lolla Nur, Journalist with The UpTake, Artist, and Cultural Entrepreneur
- Dr. Bruce Corrie, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations, Concordia University and Founder, Empower Strategies;
- Mark Ritchie, President, Global Minnesota
African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) of Minnesota
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Our mission is to build wealth within African immigrant communities.
We’re ending 2021 with a bang at #AEDS. Through our Entrepreneurship and Business Development Training Program, we were able to train and graduate 55 aspiring entrepreneurs with dreams to open restaurants, grocery stores, transportation services and much more. ![]()
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New year, new opportunities. If you’re interested in being a business owner, we can help you achieve your dream. Register for upcoming training dates here > aeds-mn.org/apply-for-business-development-training![]()
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#HappyNewYear #BuildingWealth #AfricansInMinnesota #AfricanImmigrants #BusinessDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment