We launched!!
Entrepreneurship, Networking, Technology and Transformation:
Anakazi Center Launches!
LOS ANGELES, CA, Saturday, June 9, 2012, at the Four Points Sheraton at LAX, the Anakazi Center for African Women Empowerment and Development (Anakazi Center) celebrated its formal opening with a launch event. AnakaziCenter facilitates economic and social empowerment of African women by creating business development support networks and providing educational and professional resources.
Anakazi Center accomplishes its mission through two core work areas: advocacy and business development. The organization’s advocacy efforts consists of the ‘Voices of Anakazi’ radio program which raises awareness of women’s issues, and also includes partnerships with refugee agencies and other organizations to lead campaigns focused on women. Business development efforts consist of the Anakazi Business Network (ABN) facilitated by the online platform at www.anakazinetwork.org. ABN equips women-owned businesses for success by providing training, networking, mentorship and resource-sharing.
The launch kicked off with an exciting 3-hour business networking session with women entrepreneur delegates from 16 African countries visiting theUSunder the US Department of State, African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP). The session was particularly important as it fulfills one of the core objectives ofAnakaziCenterto create a motivational networking environment for African women entrepreneurs.
To further spotlight African women’s promise and possibility, the launch was graced by a guest appearance from the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honorable Robert Sichinga who is currently in the United Statespromoting investment opportunities available in Zambia. Hon. Sichinga stressed the important role of women in the decision-making process, and highlighted the increasing number of women in Zambia who are entering the rooms of power traditionally dominated by men. A highlight of the event included the ‘Made in Africa’ centerpiece fashion show led by Positive Runway: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread of HIV/AIDS. The launch also featured notable non-profit and business leaders, a vendor fair with art and jewelry crafted by African women artisans and performances by Zambian artists, Kachanana and Crisis.
About
AnakaziCenteris a non-profit organization founded in 2011 by Yareka Mhango, a non-profit and health administration professional who hails from Zambia. Headquartered in Los Angeles with projects in Zambia and upcoming chapters in the US and UK, Anakazi Center supports women’s advancement through its Voices of Anakazi Radio program which highlights important causes and the Anakazi Business Network which promotes professional and entrepreneurial development. To date, AnakaziCenterhas raised awareness with refugee agencies for a Somali relief effort and collaborated with the YWCA-Zambia to promote technology use among women and girls, and connected grassroots women entrepreneurs to new markets. To learn more about AnakaziCenter, please email info@anakazi.org or visit www.anakazi.org.
