Meet OAA’s New Interns
Anulika 'Anuli' Mefor, Program Intern
 Anuli Mefor is a Nigerian-born student who currently studies International Relations and Communications at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Anuli is drawn to the rich diversity of communities in the District of Columbia, especially amongst Africans. Through her internship at OAA, Anuli intends to learn more about the District's African Diaspora and be able to direct her passion for cultural growth and awareness in support of this community.
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Aster Mengesha Gubay, Grant and Research Intern
 Aster Mengesha Gubay holds a degree in International Relations and is a graduate student of Public Policy at George Mason University (GMU) in Arlington, Virginia. As the daughter of Ethiopian immigrants, she is familiar with the plight of newcomers and, as a result, is dedicated to serving the African diaspora. While at the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, she hopes to gain the necessary knowledge and experience to contribute to the development of effective and efficient immigration policies in the United States.
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Faith Fugar, Outreach Intern
 Faith Fugar studies International Affairs at The George Washington University in Washington, DC with a double concentration in International Development and African Affairs. She was born and raised in the DMV area and also takes pride in her Ghanaian heritage. Faith is interested in learning about the unique role that the African diaspora plays in supporting development efforts on the continent. During her time at OAA, she looks forward to serving and learning more about the rich cultures of the District’s diverse African community.
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Fumani Wada, Communications Intern
 Fumani Wada is an undergraduate Geography major at the University of Maryland-College Park. In the future, she plans to combine both her GIS and coding skills with her background in Geography to mitigate environmental issues on the African continent. She believes that her summer at the Office on African Affairs will give her the political insight she needs to push for environmental policies that benefit the African community.
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Hermella ‘Ella’ G. Tekle, Program and Special Assistant Intern
 Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Hermella currently lives in New Hampshire. A rising junior at Colby-Sawyer College, she majors in History and Political Studies with minors in International Studies, Legal Studies and Pre-law track. Ella is dedicated to public service and is particularly interested in using her language skills to broaden access for the African community in the District.
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Mandisa Sibanda, Communications Intern
 Mandisa Sibanda was born in Zimbabwe and lived in Nigeria before moving to the United States. She is currently pursuing a major in Political Science and minors in International Affairs, Gender and Women’s Studies, and French at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Mandisa believes that interning with OAA will expand her knowledge of African immigrants in the United States and she looks forward to gaining new skills while contributing her unique expertise to the team.
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Trinitas Nsabimana, District Leadership Program Fellow, Business Development
 Trinitas Nsabimana is originally from Bujumbura, Burundi. She is currently pursuing a MBA degree at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science and International Business Law from the University of Dakar Bourguiba in Senegal. She has visited, lived, and worked in various locations around the continent. Trinitas is a multilingual speaker (French, Kirundi and Swahili) and an avid traveler. She is excited to join the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs to offer her entrepreneurial and cross-cultural skills to DC's African community.
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OAA Facebook Page Reaches 1000 Likes
Congratulations to Iazalde Francisco Chiquinho Silva on being our 1000th liker on Facebook! Iazalde is a biology student on the premed track at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. Originally from Namibia, Iazalde learnt about OAA from his friend and mentor, Hermella Tekle, OAA summer's program intern. He believes in OAA's vision to promote the development and unity of African constituents in the District.
Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 3,000 likes!
 Interested in being the first to hear about grant opportunities, business development services, DC government resources, networking events, and Africa-related news and events?
OAA’s FACEBOOK PAGE HAS IT ALL!
Like OAA’s Facebook page to help us get to 3,000 likes and we’ll help you stay connected! We have over 1000 likes and we need your help to reach our new goal!
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Mayor
Gray Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Marriott Marquis Hotel
District’s
Newest and Biggest Hotel Opens Across the Street from the Washington Convention
Center
Mayor Gray, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic
Development Victor L. Hoskins and representatives of Marriott International
Inc. celebrated the opening of the company’s 4,000th hotel on Tuesday, June
10th 2014. The new hotel spans almost an entire city block and is connected to
the Walter E. Washington Convention Center through an underground concourse. The
Marriott Marquis jobs training program trained and prepared nearly 600 District
residents for jobs at the hotel. The new hotel, will contribute more than $25
million each year to the District’s tax base. Mayor Gray said, “Through this
project, we have created much needed jobs, provided essential job training for
potential employees, supported our world-class convention center and branded
the hotel with a recognizable name that will draw in conventions and tourists
from around the world. This project is an example of what can happen when
public and private entities unite for the good of the city.”
Read more
District’s
Minimum Wage to Increase on
July 1 to $9.50 per Hour
New
Minimum Wage in the District of Columbia for All Workers, Regardless of Size of
Employer
Beginning July 1, the minimum wage in the District of
Columbia will increase from $8.25 per hour to $9.50 per hour for all workers,
regardless of size of employer. “I am proud of the role we played in bringing
this minimum-wage increase about, because it will enable all District workers
to earn a decent living as well as boost average family incomes,” Mayor Gray
said.
Read more
Mayor
Gray Launches ‘One Congregation. One Family.’ Initiative in Partnership with
the District’s Faith-Based Community
Creative
Initiative Links Families Experiencing Housing Instability with Houses of
Worship
On Wednesday, June 18, 2014, Mayor Gray, along with the Mayor’s
Interfaith Council, the Office of Religious Affairs, and the Department of
Human Services, celebrated the launch of the “One Congregation. One Family.” initiative.
The effort partners District agencies with faith communities to help address
the problem of families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Read more
Mayor
Gray to Break Ground on Memorial Park in Honor of 2009 Metro Crash Victims
Families
and Community to Remember Those Lost on 5th Anniversary of Crash
On Sunday, June 22, 2014, Mayor Gray will join family
representatives to break ground on the long awaited memorial to the nine
victims who perished during the 2009 Metrorail crash. He will be joined by
Greater Saint Paul Baptist Church Pastor Floyd Patterson, Department of General
Services Director Brian Hanlon, DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities
Director Lionel Thomas, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 4B07 Judi Jones,
winning design team sculptor Barbara Liotta, and architects Lucrecia Laudi and
Julian Hunt of Hunt Laudi Studio.
Read more
'ABCs' of Participating in the Power Africa Initiative: Agility, Bankability and Capacity
Power Africa is the U.S. Government’s initiative to help increase access to power on the African continent by encouraging government and private sector partnerships. The initiative is focused on adding more than 10,000 megawatts of clean, efficient electricity generation capacity in six countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania.
Read more
U.S. Raises Healthcare Funding to Cameroon
As part of its growing cooperation with Cameroon, the U.S. will increase its funding to the country's healthcare system next year. The amount will be increased from about US$4 million in 2011 to over $US50 million in 2015. The money is intended for the upgrading of health and laboratory systems, combating polio and enabling Cameroon to become AIDS-free.
Read more
Hyundai
USA Releases its Latest 2014 FIFA World Cup AD
Hyundai USA has released its latest Because Fútbol 2014
FIFA World Cup AD video featuring work by Wondwossen Dikran of Activator Pictures,
one of two Ethiopian artists recruited to work on the project. The video
entitled “Epic Battle” highlights some amazing freestyle soccer by amateur
players from Southern California.
Read more
Walker's Legacy: Women in Business Summer Networking Reception
In collaboration with Accelerate with Google, Walker’s Legacy will be hosting Women in Business Summer Networking Reception. The affair is designed to encourage women in business to network, collaborate and get online. The event is an educational and networking gathering to help connect women owned businesses to business opportunities and technology.
When: Monday |June 23, 2014 |6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: WeWork |641 S St NW |Washington, DC |20001
Learn more
DC is Open for Business! – Select USA
The DC Chamber of Commerce is hosting a program where individuals can learn more about federal programs and incentives available to international and U.S. firms. The event will feature representatives from Select USA who will discuss services to help facilitate, accelerate, and retain business investment in the United States. Discussion topics will include international investment and international trade opportunities.
When: Wednesday |June 25, 2014 |9:00 am to 10:30 am
Where: DC Chamber of Commerce |506 9th Street Northwest |Washington, DC |20004
Learn more
Women's Business Walk & Talk
An easy, breezy morning walk where individuals will have the opportunity to meet other business professionals and chat as they stroll around gorgeous DC. Strollers, children, family, friends, and business colleagues are welcome. All you have to do is put on your walking shoes and come join the talk. Don’t forget to bring your business cards.
When: Saturday |June 21, 2014 |9:00 am - 10:30 am
Where: The National Mall|Washington, DC |
Learn more
Community-Based Organizations Grants Management Conference
Attendees will gain insight into grants management and learn program specific updates affecting organizations across the District of Columbia. In addition, attendees will be able to engage a panel of experts and discover effective grant management strategies. Organizational leaders and grant managers are welcome to attend as well as anyone who manages and oversees grants and funding.
When: Wednesday |June 25, 2014 |8:00 am - 5:00pm
Where: Gallaudet University |Main Auditorium |800 Florida Avenue NE |Washington, DC |20002
Learn more
Peter F. Drucker Nonprofit Innovation Award
Philanthropy and Voluntarism. Drucker Institute Invites Applications for 2014 Award for Nonprofit Innovation Award. The award, which includes an unrestricted cash prize of $100,000, recognizes an existing program that has made a difference in the lives of the people it serves.
Deadline: July 2, 2014
Learn more
Proposal Writing Basics
Learn the key components of a proposal to a foundation. For those new to proposal writing, this class will cover: how the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process, what to include a standard proposal to a foundation, tips for making each section of your proposal stronger, what funders expect to see in your proposal and attachments, and more.
When: Monday |June 30, 2014 |
Where: The Foundation Center | 1627 K Street NW | Washington, DC | 20006
Learn more
Consumer Health Foundation Grant
CHF seeks to fund community-based organizations and nonprofits in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia that use advocacy strategies at the local, state, and regional levels to create positive social change in these two areas: advocacy for health reform and advocacy for economic justice.
Deadline: July 7, 2014
Learn more
Department of Education: Scale-up Grants -
Investing in Innovation (DOE)
The Department of Education announces funds to support expansion
of projects supported by strong evidence of effectiveness at the national
level. In addition to improving outcomes for an increasing number of high-need
students.
Eligibility: Nonprofit
organizations and Local Educational Agencies
Deadline:
June 24, 2014
Funds: $19,000,000 available
for two awards and a match is required
Contact: Joyce Mays at joyce.mays@ed.gov
Website: www.grants.gov
Grant ID: GD5480
Effective Organizational Practices to Manage Your Nonprofit
This course explores trends and benchmarks in organizational effectiveness for high impact and growing non-profits. Topics include the evaluation of operations, sustainability, resource allocation, building organizational capacity and performance management (including operational dashboards). Prerequisite: Participants will be asked to complete operational diagnostic assessment prior to the start of the session.
When: Friday |June 27, 2014 |9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Center for Nonprofit Advancement| 1666 K Street NW, Suite 440 | Washington, DC |20006
Learn more
Non-Profit 2.0 Unconference
Are you working in the nonprofit community? Are
you an online advocacy guru, a fundraiser, or grassroots organizer? Perhaps you
manage a communications team and want to take a deeper dive into social media
but you're a little old school. We invite nonprofit staff and do-gooder
consultants from a diverse array of fields to come join us at NonProfit 2.0. NonProfit
2.0 is more than just a conference on the next generation web. It’s a next
generation conference in format that focuses on disrupting social change.
When: Thursday, June 26th, 2014|8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: 1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW |Washington, DC|20036
Learn More
2014 Health Care Symposium
The DC Department of Health and DC Primary Care Association invite you to save the date for their inaugural Health Care Symposium “MOVING UPSTREAM: Bridging the Gap between Innovation and Practice.”
When: September 23 – 24, 2014
Where: Almas Conference Center |1315 K Street NW |Washington, DC |20005
Registration: Opens June 23rd
Learn more
National Capital Area Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis
Presented by Capital Digestive Care, Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis is a family friendly community walk dedicated to raising awareness and mission critical funds for cures for digestive diseases. The walk offers a wonderful day for family, friends and the community to celebrate all of the efforts that have been put forth in raising funds towards this mission.
When: June 21, 2014 |4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Washington Monument National Monument |900 Ohio Drive SW |Washington, DC |20024
Learn more
Free CPR and AED Training
Health & Safety International will be offering Free CPR & AED Training. CPR & AED Certification is essential for health or medical related jobs (Caregivers, CNA's, Nurses, Babysitters, and Daycare Providers). Having your CPR & AED certification has the potential to lead to future employment positions and opportunities.
When: The month of June
Where: Local Library, Blended, Onsite
Contact: Mr. Massa via email HealthSafetyINTL@gmail.com
25th Anniversary of The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health Announces “Building Circles of Wellness” as the theme of their 25th Anniversary and Annual Conference. This year’s conference will focus on fulfilling the National Federation’s vision of making sure that all children grow up healthy and are able to maximize their potential. They invite submissions for workshops or poster session proposals with services relevant to children, youth, emerging adults and their families.
When: November 19 - 23, 2014
Where: Omni Shoreham Hotel |2500 Calvert St NW| Washington, DC |20008
Learn more
Immigrant Parents and Early Childhood Programs: Addressing Barriers of Literacy, Culture, and Systems Knowledge
Immigrant parents face significant barriers as they try to engage with their children's early educational experiences, including greatly restricted access for many due to limited English proficiency and functional literacy. Parental engagement is critical for young children's early cognitive and socioemotional development, and for their participation in programs that are designed to support early learning.
Learn More
International Faith-Based Conference
The Caribbean African Faith-based Leadership Conference (CAFBLC) is inviting you to our inaugural Annual International Conference and Awards Reception. This event will be held in partnership with several African and American civic/ faith based organizations and the National Caribbean American Legislative committee.
When: Tuesday| June 24th, 2014| 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Organization of American States |Corner of 17th Street and Constitution Ave., NW| Washington, DC|20006
Learn More
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Accepting Applications for HOPES Seed Grants
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is accepting applications for its 2014 Hands-on Opportunities to Promote Engagement in Sciences grants. The annual HOPES seed grants program is designed to support the development of outreach programs and partnerships involving teachers and researchers.
Learn More
Deadline to submit original raps and poems about the dropout crisis
The Raise Up Project is encouraging youth 15-22 years old to submit their original raps and poems about the drop out crisis in American high schools. Poems and raps can be submitted by one person (individual) or by a group. Five individual poems/raps will be chosen as winners, and each person (single winners or each in a group) will receive a $5,000 educational scholarship and the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center on September 28 as part of a show around this issue. One group poem/rap will also be selected to receive a $2,500 award.
Learn More
8(a) Business Development Program
The 8(a) Business Development Program is a business assistance program for small disadvantaged businesses. The 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51% by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. The goal of the program is to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace.
Learn More
DC Government Speaks Your Language
 The DC
Office of Human Rights will be hosting DC Government Speaks Your Language, a
dialogue and resource fair. The event will include a group discussion on
language access which requires pre-registration and a resource fair that will
be open to the public with various activities such as government and community
services, health screenings, games, and giveaways. The event will give
District residents the opportunity to learn about their rights and influence
how the government serves them in their language.
Volunteers are welcome and
can visit http://ohr.dc.gov/govspeaks/volunteer to obtain more information.
When: Saturday,
June 21, 2014 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Where:
Raymond Recreation Center | 3725 10th St
NW | Washington, DC | 20010
RSVP
Deadline: 202-727-0892 or
languageaccess14@gmail.com by June 19
Learn more
Capital City Ball Cocktail Happy Hour
The Capital City Ball Cocktail Happy Hour is aimed at raising funds for the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery. All proceeds from this event will go to Courtney's House, one of the Capital City Ball's three charity partners. Proceeds from the next two happy hour events will go to Global Centurion and Amara Legal Center respectively.
When: Wednesday| July 23, 2014 |6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Where: Georgetown Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Graham |1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW |Washington, DC |20007
Learn more
Addressing America’s Poverty Crisis
Millions of people in the United States—roughly one-in-seven adults and one-in-five children—live in poverty.The Hamilton Project at Brookings will bring together leading scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and business and labor leaders for a two-day summit to address America’s poverty crisis. President Bill Clinton, Founder of the Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, will deliver remarks on the opening day of the summit.
When: June 19-20, 2014 |Thursday 9:00 am|Friday 9:30 am
Where: Washington Court Hotel|525 New Jersey Ave NW|Washington DC|20001
Learn more
Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 6,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like to submit your event to be included in our calendar, please submit the following event details: what, when, & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 5:00pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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