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BY Omoy Lungange, 5:33pm April 01, 2014,

F2F Africa Hosts Professional Networking Mixer During African Conference at Harvard

by Omoy Lungange, 5:33pm April 01, 2014,

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During the torrential downpours in Cambridge, Mass., a coalition of African student groups from various Harvard University schools pulled together for the 5th annual African Development Conference (ADC).

SEE ALSO: Face2face Africa to Host the Spring Edition of IAAPA Mixer

On March 28-29, the ADC brought together a rich range of global policy makers, visionary trailblazers, philanthropists, business leaders, civil society organizations, accomplished academics, and proactive students (just to name a few) who are all extremely passionate about re-branding the image of Africa and enhancing the development of the continent.

With the theme “An Agenda for Africa’s Development: What Do We Want?” as the main focus, this year’s conference was organized in two parts: the “I Am A Professional African” (IAAPA) Networking Mixer and the full-day panel discussions.

The IAAPA Networking Mixer, organized in collaboration with Face2Face Africa on the evening of Friday, March 28, at the Sheraton Commander Hotel served as the official kick-off to the ADC, integrating African professionals of the diaspora and friends of Africa to share progressive ideas and practices for a better future for the continent.

While this was an evening of serious matters related to Africa, the IAAPA Networking Mixer completed the occasion with great music and dancing by DJ Afrik who did not disappoint. He provided excellent African tunes, such as “Limpopo” by KCee and “Skelewu” by Davido — just to mention two artists.

On Saturday, dozens of professionals, conference attendees, panelists, and business leaders filled out the hallways on the first and second floor of Harvard Law School, seizing the opportunity to socialize and network with their counterparts.

The air within the school was filled with the aroma of traditional African cuisines: jollof rice tickled the nostrils as beef and African stew titillated the very souls of all gathered. The food was of the highest standard and would have easily sat on the menu of New York City’s finest restaurants.

Following food, drink, and more networking, the full-day panel discussions took place, with many attendees and participants engaged in meaningful discussions with leaders in the fields of law, government, technology, health, education, design, and media.

Participants addressed topics, such as “Africa and the Media: The Danger of a Single Story,” “African Future Cities: Discourse on Models of Urban Development,” and “Investing in Human Capital Capabilities: The Role of the Diaspora.”

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Speakers included:

– Raila Odinga, Prime Minister of Kenya

– HE Amb. Erika Bennet, Head of Mission of the African Union Diaspora African Forum

Lee Gaither, General Manager of the Africa Channel

Kalidou Gadio, Head of Mission, African and General Counsel of African Development Bank

Aloysius Ordu, Director of Operation Policy and Country Services

Mzilikazi wa Afrika, Board Chairperson of Forum for African Investigate Reporters

Amb. Charles Stith, Director of African Presidential Archives Research Center

Aje-Ori Agbese, Professor of Communication, University of Texas-Pan American

David Adjaye, Architect and Founder of Adjaye Associates

Amini Kajunju, President of Africa-America Institute

Allasane Ba, Managing Director of Shelter Afrique

Raul Pantaleo, Architect and Founder of Studio Tamassociati

Regis Immongault, Minister of Mines, Republic of Gabon

Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Clare Akamanzi, Chief Operating Officer, Rwanda Development Board

Ikenna Emehelu, Partner, Chadbourne & Parke LLP

Tas Anvaripour, Director of Business Development, African Development Bank

Olatunde John Ayeni, D.Sc – Chairman of the Board, Skye Bank,

Iyabo Obasanjo, MD – Former Commissioner for Health

Peter Williams – Architect, ARCHIVE (Architecture for Health in Vulnerable Environment

Muhammad Ali Pate – Former Minister of State for Health, Nigeria

Joseph Boateng, MD – Physician Specialist, Ntyaho Medical Center

Mwiza Munthali – Director of Public Outreach, TransAfrica

Sheila Ssozi – USA Representative, Homecoming Revolution

Semhar Araia – Executive Director, Diaspora African’s Women’s Network (DAWN)

HE Amb. Erieka Bennett – Head of Mission, African Union Diaspora Africa Forum

Lorna Solis – Founder and CEO, Blue Rose Compass

Cream Wright, PHD – President and CEO, REDI4Change

Shirley Burchfield, PHD – Vice President, Africa Division, World Education, INC

SEE ALSO: F2F Africa Selfies: Get Your Photos Featured on Face2Face Africa!

 

 

 

 

Last Edited by:iboateng Updated: June 19, 2018

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