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
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.
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.
Build professional networks and connections to foster partnerships between and with African leaders and organizations across the country.
Forge and deepen cultural understanding to better engage, serve and impact African communities nationwide.
Experience African food, art, and entertainment by Twin Cities African chefs, artists, and performers.
The event will feature and indoor market with African cultural retail vendors.
Businesses, corporations, public agencies and community organizations can connect to diverse and growing populations of Africans across the US.
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 of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank
- Jote Tadesse, Co-Founder of DiaspoCare
- Dr. Ola Tolulope, Founder and Executive Director of Restoration for All, Inc.
- Lolla Nur, Writer and Editor, The Uptake
- Dr. Bruce Corrie, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations, Concordia University and Founder, Empower Strategies;
- Mark Ritchie, President, Global Minnesota