Meet OAA's Summer 2015 Interns
 Boluwatife Adetunji, Special Assistant & Outreach Intern
Boluwatife
Adetunji, also known as Tife to her friends and family, is a rising senior at
George Washington University studying International Affairs with a
concentration on Global Public Health. Tife has a strong passion for
public service, most especially in the healthcare field. She is excited to
join the Office on African Affairs, where she hopes to gain a rich learning
experience working closely with the staff, and exploring ways to engage further
with the community. Tife is a Nigerian-American and speaks Yoruba and
Arabic.
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 Fatoumata Condé, Communications Intern
A newcomer to the District, Fatoumata Condé is
originally from Guinea but grew up in different corners of the world due to the
work assignments of her diplomat father. She holds a BA in Communication
Studies from California State University, Northridge, and recently earned an MA
in International Studies from Aarhus University in Denmark. Her cosmopolitan
upbringing and expat experience has conferred upon her a keen understanding of
the challenges faced by migrants and a deep appreciation for African Diasporic
ties. Through her internship at OAA, Fatoumata is looking forward to learning
more about the African community in the District in addition to offering her
cross-cultural and communications expertise as well as her bilingual skills in
French and English.
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 Goshu Tefera, Program Intern
Goshu Wolde Tefera is currently a graduate student of Pan-African Studies at Syracuse University, New York. He is bilingual in Amharic and English, and has more than seven years of experience in the development sector in Ethiopia. His former experiences include work for the Environmental Economics Policy Forum for Ethiopia, hosted by the Ethiopian Development Research Institute, a government think tank organization. Goshu has also worked on community development projects implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in health and development areas. Goshu holds a MA in Gender and Development Studies from Bahir Dar University in northern Ethiopia. Currently, while doing research on the Ethiopian immigrant community in Washington D.C. metro area, he aspires to explore how government operates in the district to strengthen the African community.
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 Behailu Woldeyohannes, Program & Special Projects Intern
Behailu’s work focuses on capacity building, research and program identification, administration and coordination. He was previously a legal fellow with the New Markets Lab where he conducted legal research and analysis of trade and investment laws in African markets. Behailu worked for five years as lecturer of Law at Jimma University and Royal College in Ethiopia. He has also served as the Department Head of Royal College and the Vice Director of Jimma University Legal Aid Center. Behailu holds an LLM in Global Health Law from Georgetown University, an LLB from Bahir Dar University (Ethiopia) and certificates in Women’s Rights; Public Policy, Food & Drug Law; and Affordable Care Act. He speaks Amharic, Afaan Oromo and English.
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OAA Hosts Two-Day Grant Workshop and Panel Discussion
 OAA's Two-Day Grant Workshop Participants
As part of its Capacity Building for
Nonprofit Development program, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs hosted its
first Grant Proposal Writing Workshop and panel discussion to support the
growth of community- and faith-based organizations and strengthen their access
to the District’s grant opportunities. The two-day workshop took place on
Friday, May 15, 2015 and Monday, May 18, 2015 and was designed to critically
evaluate internal and external organizational factors, including program
development, identifying appropriate funding sources, developing proposals, and
building collaborative partnerships.
“When OAA
became a grant-making agency, we noticed a gap in capacity with quite a few community-
and faith-based organizations submitting less than competitive proposals for
our African Community Grant program,” said Dr. Heran Sereke-Brhan, OAA’s Deputy Director and grant manager. “One
of the best ways to address this was to provide grant writing workshops to
provide critical technical assistance and support for new and established
community-based organizations, thereby building their institutional capacity.”
To view more photos click here
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Mayor's Office on African Affairs Summer Internship 2015
OAA is accepting applications for a Grants and Research Intern for Summer 2015. If you are interested in public service and working with African Diaspora communities in the District of Columbia, you are encouraged to apply.
Read more
Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 3,000 likes!
 Like OAA’s Facebook page to help us get to 3,000 likes and we’ll help you stay connected! We have over 1,000 likes and we need your help to reach our new goal!
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Mayor Bowser Launches “District Innovation Zones” and New Arts Mapping Tool
(Washington,
DC) – On Thursday, May 21, 2015 Mayor Muriel Bowser joined the DC Commission on the Arts and
Humanities to announce two new innovative arts resources; a mapping tool that
will pin-point and catalogue the District’s cultural assets, and “District
Innovation Zones” which will test new ideas, conceptual art projects, and
technologies. Both are aimed to support local artists and the District’s
creative economy. Members of the cultural community will be presented with a
demo of the new mapping tool and have the opportunity to navigate it
themselves.
The announcement is part of InnoMAYtion,
a pioneering initiative launched by Mayor Muriel Bowser that will showcase
innovative programs during the month of May that create jobs, engage residents
and position the District as a hub for innovation.
Learn
more
Mayor Bowser and HUD Secretary Julián Castro Tour Shaw Neighborhood
(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, May 21, 2015 Mayor Muriel Bowser and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro celebrated the 50th Anniversary of HUD by conducting a community walking tour of affordable housing and economic developments in the Shaw community. The tour highlighted the impact that both federal and local funds have on producing, protecting and preserving affordable housing options and building inclusive and diverse communities.
“Whether they have been here for five minutes or five generations, Washingtonians understand the District's brightest days are still ahead,” said Mayor Bowser. “That's because for decades, the District has worked with HUD to preserve and expand affordable housing opportunities. Today, the District and HUD are ensuring that those in need have a chance to share in our recent prosperity and revitalization.Together, we are creating and preserving pathways to the middle class."
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Registration for DCFEMS Entrance Exam Starts Wednesday, May 20
The DC Fire Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) Department has begun registration for its first entry-level exam in eight years at 10 am Wednesday, May 20. Registration ends Saturday, May 30.
“This recruitment drive is a unique opportunity for District residents to start a career in public service while getting a job that will put them on a pathway to the middle class,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Interested applicants must
be a US citizen, possess a valid driver’s license, have a high school
diploma/GED and be 19 years of age at the time of applying.
The first 1,500 applicants who qualify will be selected to take the entrance
exam on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Selected candidates will be notified of the time and room location prior to the
exam.
Learn more
Mayor Bowser, Chancellor Henderson, and Police Chief Lanier Announce Expansion of Career Education Programming at DCPS High Schools
(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, May 14, 2015 Mayor Muriel Bowser joined District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Kaya Henderson and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Cathy Lanier to announce the opening of two new career academies as well as summer internship opportunities for DCPS high school students. Career academies prepare students for college and high-wage, high-demand careers through real-life, work-based learning experiences and rigorous coursework that culminates in industry-recognized certifications.
“We have a vibrant economy here in the District, and it is essential that students have early exposure to the many careers options the city has to offer,” said Mayor Bowser. “These new career education opportunities add to DCPS’ rich portfolio of programs that are designed to give our young people the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce, setting them on a pathway to the middle class.”
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African Immigrants: Highly Educated and Underemployed in America
Back home in Guinea, West Africa, Nasser Diallo had a law degree and a good job working as a political journalist for a radio station. That all came to an end in 2009, he said, when the military abruptly opened fire at a protest he was covering, massacring dozens “until they ran out of bullets.”
Diallo never went home again. Word reached him that the military government was hunting him, he said. Fearing the worst, he fled to Paris, and then to the U.S., where he was granted political asylum. But once here, Diallo’s career stalled. Without university transcripts, he said, he couldn’t find work commensurate with his experience.
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New African Center to Tackle Infectious Diseases
An African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is being established this year to effectively respond to major epidemics. Like the US CDC, which was created 70 years ago in response to a malaria epidemic, the Addis Ababa-based facility, will tackle various health threats especially infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and Ebola. It will help African countries share information more effectively and build capacity to prevent, detect and treat epidemic outbreaks collectively.
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How Twitter Helps Foster Nigerian SME Growth
Since its creation nine years ago, Twitter has become one of the most important and relevant platforms in the world. Millions of people have used Twitter to increase their popularity, spread awareness of their sales products, service or messaging, and to reach out to people all over the world. Many small companies have also used Twitter to identify potential customers and revenue streams, as well as to grow the business' relevance in the Nigerian economy. For small businesses looking to grow, Twitter provides a Twitter Business portal that helps entrepreneurially-minded people get the most out of the social media platform.
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Yale Awards Two Renowned African Women With Honorary Degrees
Among the nine people selected by Yale to be bestowed honorary doctorate degrees at this year's commencement ceremony, two were from Africa - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigerian Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, and renowned singer Angélique Kidjo who received an Honorary Doctorate in Music.
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Protecting You and Your Business - Insurance Essentials
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund is hosting a discussion of how best to mitigate risks and protect businesses and their owners.
When: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 | 1:00pm-3:00pm
Where: WACIF Offices | 2012 Rhode Island Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
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Small Business Legal Advice
At this brief legal advice clinic business owners can get one-on-one meetings with attorneys who can give information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other questions related to small business legal issues. The attorneys can also help spot business related legal issues or give general advice.
When: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 | 5:00pm-7:30pm
Where: DHCD Housing Resource Center |1800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
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DSLBD & OCP Vendor Education Workshop
During these sessions, business owners will learn the requirements for doing business with the District of Columbia, e-sourcing registration, and get familiar with other independent procuring agencies. This workshop is best suited for those looking to expand their business into government procurement work.
When: Thursday, May 28, 2015 | 1:00pm-8:30pm
Where: DSLBD Small Business Resource Center, 8th Floor Conference Center Room 805S | 441 4th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
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YAP May 2015 Networking Event: Rahama Wright, Empowering Women Through Shea Butter Cooperatives
The Young African Professionals (YAP) Network is hosting a talk by Rahama Wright, social entrepreneur and founder of Shea Yeleen International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports women-owned shea butter cooperatives in West Africa. The talk is aimed at budding entrepreneur interested in learning about business and product pitching.
When: Friday, May 29, 2015 | 6:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Eighteenth Street Lounge |1212 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
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FY 2016 Refugee Resettlement Program Grant
To facilitate the purpose of the Refugee Resettlement Program (Program), The Family Services Administration (FSA) intends to award federal grant funds to one (1) eligible organization that directly assists refugees in the District. FSA intends to make one (1) grant award of up to one hundred and eighty thousand federal dollars ($180,000) to fund an eligible organization for a twelve (12) month period with the option of two (2) additional years if funding is available.
Eligibility: Community-based, faith-based, non-profit organizations located in the District.
Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2015
Contact: Debra Crawford, (202) 299 2153 debra.crawford@dc.gov
Learn more
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (TD)
Department of the Treasury announces funds to support organizations who will represent low income taxpayers involved in controversies with the Internal Revenue Service, educate individuals who speak English as a second language about their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers, or both. Representation, education, and advocacy are the primary functions of the clinics to provide services to taxpayers for free or for no more than a nominal fee.
Eligibility: Public and state controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations and private institutions of higher education.
Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2015
Contact: Grants.gov Contact Center at support@grants.gov
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DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG)
The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG) is now open. Students are encouraged to apply early. No applications or supporting documents will be accepted after June 30, 2015 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
For more information, please call 202.727.2824.
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FY 2016 Art Work National Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts announces funds to support projects that extend the arts to underserved populations -- whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability.
Eligibility: City or township governments, county governments, independent school districts, special district governments, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, state governments, nonprofit organizations, private institutions of higher education and DC government agencies.
Deadline: Thursday, July 23, 2015
Contact: smiths@arts.gov
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Healthy Happy Hour
In partnership with NativSol Kitchen, the NAACP DC Health Committee is hosting a healthy, happy hour for health professionals and wellness entrepreneurs of African descent to network and learn what's happening in health and wellness in the District and Diaspora while celebrating Africa Day.
When: Monday, May 25, 2015 - 7:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Appioo Restaurant | 1924 9th Street NW, Washington, DC | 20001
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2015 Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes Kick-off Party
The Kick-off party will raise awareness about Step Out and diabetes. Pharmacists, nutritionists and certified diabetes educators will be also be available to answer health questions and provide information on how to lead a healthy life.
When: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Pepco Edison Place Gallery | 702 8th Street NW, Washington, DC | 20068
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Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
Men between the ages of 40 and 70, without a history of prostate cancer, can get a free prostate cancer screening, including a digital rectal exam and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.
When:Third Friday of Every Month - 8:30am -11:30am
Where: MFA Ambulatory Care Center | 22nd and I Streets NW, Washington, DC | 20037
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CPR AED and First Aid Training
Health
& Safety International will be offering CPR AED and First Aide Training.
CPR AED and First Aide training is essential for health or medical related jobs
(Caregivers, CNA's, Nurses, Babysitters, and Daycare Providers). Having your
CPR AED and First Aid certification has the potential to lead to future
employment positions and opportunities. Completion of the CPR AED and First Aid
training allows an individual to receive their Certification that may be
required for certain jobs plus prepares individuals to respond to medical
emergencies faced by their family members or their co-workers.
When: Offered Throughout the Year
Where: Local Library, Blended, Onsite
Contact Email: HealthSafetyINTL@gmail.com or call 202.695.3663
NextGen Scholarship
The scholarship is for international students enrolled in, or accepted to a college in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Students who reside or attend college in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia are eligible to apply for our Scholarship.
Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2015
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LDI Africa - The Emerging Institutions Fellowship Program
This fellowship provides hands-on service opportunities for young business and development professionals from around the world at Africa’s leading for-profit and nonprofit firms. It is designed to match financial capital invested in emerging African businesses with the human capital needed to take these institutions to scale.
Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2015
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Film DC Incentive Fund
The DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTD) is now accepting applications for the Film DC Economic Incentive Fund. The Fund offers cash rebates for qualified productions in the District.
Contact: Call MPTD (202) 727-6608, or email FilmDC.Incentive@dc.gov
Learn more
 Free Job Training for Africans Living in DC
CitiWide Computer Training is offering free job training for African residents of the District. Training in computer and financial literacy, workforce preparedness and education enrichment (ESL) are conducted from Monday-Thursday. For more information call (202) 526-1975 or (202) 667-3719.
Computer Training and Job Readiness
ConnectDC is partnering with local non profit Byte Back to provide free computer training to District residents and help them find jobs. They offer three levels of courses ranging from: basic computer skills, Microsoft office for individuals seeking administrative positions and computer certifications for students interested in information technology careers.
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Global Diaspora Week - An Introductory Webinar
This webinar is designed for organizations interested in participating in Global Diaspora Week (GDW), a week long global event dedicated to diaspora communities and their contributions to global development. GDW is intended to create awareness, enable collaboration and enhance learning amongst those working with diaspora communities in different locations around the world. The Webinar will provide an overview of GDW, show interested parties how to register their event and will feature two past hosts to share their tips and tricks.
When: Thursday, May 28, 2015 | 1:00pm
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Want Your Event Featured in the African Beat?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 7,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like your event to be featured 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, June 3, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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