|
Dear Community,
We are thrilled to share the highlights from the Third Annual African Prince George's County African Diaspora Advisory Board (ADAB) International Women's Day event held on March 8, 2024, under the global theme, "Inspire Inclusion." This momentous occasion brought together esteemed guests, dignitaries, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across the world.
Remarks by Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks graced the event with her inspiring words, emphasizing the importance of equality, equity, inclusion, and empowerment for women in our various communities.
  
Keynote Remarks by Brigadier General Amanda I. Azubuike (USA), Deputy Commanding General United States Army Cadet Command
Brigadier General Amanda Azubuike delivered a captivating keynote speech, highlighting her remarkable journey in the United States Army. She was also honored with the ADAB Woman of Valor Award and received a citation from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and a proclamation from Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for her outstanding dedicated services in the United States Uniformed Services.
  In the picture: Brigadier General Amanda I. Azubuike (left), and Dr. Antwan Brown, Administrative Director of African Affairs and Middle Eastern American Affairs, Governor's Office of Community Initiatives (right).
 In the picture from left to right: Brigadier General Amanda I. Azubuike (left), and The Honorable Calvin S. Hawkins, II, At-Large Council Member, Prince George's County (right).
 In the picture from left to right:
- Lt. Col. Ibrahim Kabbah
- Lt. Col Beatrice Kearney
- Brigadier General Amanda I. Azubuike
- Major Dr. Linda Nkwenti
 Distinguished guests and elected officials were also in attendance at the Women's Day event, joining in the celebration of the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions made by women in shaping the world.
In the picture from left to right:
- Dr. Antwan Brown, Administrative Director of African Affairs and Middle Eastern American Affairs, Governor's Office of Community Initiatives
- Council Member Wanika B. Fisher, District 2, Prince George's County
- Mayor Kayce Munyeneh, Town of Cheverly, Maryland
- Council Member Roxy Ndebumadu, District 4, City of Bowie, Maryland
- Brigadier General Amanda I. Azubuike (USA), Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Cadet Command
- The Honorable Naquetta Ricks, Colorado State Representative of House District 40
- Delegate Bernice D. Mireku-North, Esq., District 14, Maryland House of Delegates
- The Honorable Brooke E. Lierman, Esq., Comptroller of Maryland
- Council Member Wala Blegay, District 6, Prince George's County
- Senator Malcolm Augustine, Senate President Pro Tem, Maryland State Senate
- Mahasin El Amin, Clerk of the Court for Prince George's County
 ADAB Presidential Award for Excellence in Leadership
Recipient: H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania
H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan was recognized with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Leadership for her exceptional dedication and visionary leadership in the promotion of Unity, Gender Equality, Economic Development, Diplomacy, and Humanitarianism in the United Republic of Tanzania and the world.
In the picture: President Samia Suluhu Hassan's representative H.E. Dr. Elsie Sia Kanza, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United States of America (left), and Senator Malcolm Augustine, Senate President Pro Tem, Maryland State Senate (right).
 ADAB Global Woman Award
Recipient: H.E Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone
H.E. Fatima Baada Bio was recognized with the Global Woman Award for her dedication to better the health and well-being of children, youth, and women through advocacy, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships.
In the picture: Council Member Wanika B. Fisher, District 2, Prince George's County (left), and H.E Fatima Baada Bio's representative, Ambassador Sheku Mesali, Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of Republic of Sierra Leone (right).
 ADAB Global Woman Award
Recipient: The Honorable Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank at the African Export-Import Bank
The Honorable Kanayo Awani was recognized with the Global Woman Award for her dedication, visionary leadership, and remarkable impact in promoting intra-African trade.
In the picture: Mahasin El Amin, Clerk of the Court for Prince George's County (left), and Honorable Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank at the African Export-Import Bank (right).
 ADAB Next Generation Woman Award
Recipient: The Honorable Naquetta Ricks, The First African immigrant elected to Colorado Legislature Representative of House District 40.
The Honorable Naquetta Ricks was recognized with the Next Generation Woman Award for her pioneering spirit and transformational leadership in public office.
In the picture: Mayor Kayce Munyeneh, Town of Cheverly, Maryland (left), The Honorable Naquetta Ricks, Colorado State Representative of House District 40 (center), and Chisom Nwachukwu, Bouquets Presenter (right).
 The Women to Women panel discussion session ignited an insightful conversation that goes beyond celebrating achievements, but to exploring tangible ways women entrepreneurs can inspire inclusion and contribute to the global movement for women's empowerment. This interactive panel discussion session brought together accomplished African immigrant women entrepreneurs who are experts in their respective fields who shared their unique stories about their challenges and successes as immigrant women in corporate spaces. The goal of the panel session explored the vital connection between the International Women's Day 2024 theme "Inspire Inclusion“ and women's economic empowerment, emphasizing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In the picture from left to right:
- Ifeoma C. Onyia, Founder and CEO, Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard
- Julie Ndjee, Co-founder, Neilly’s a CPG with National Distribution
- Adebola Ajao Ph.D., Founder, Empowering Initiatives
- Maureen Umeh, Award Winning Journalist - Moderator
The Third Annual African Diaspora International Women's Day Event featured a ceremonial cake representing a unified commitment to implementing the 2024 Global theme, "Inspire Inclusion." It stood as a poignant symbol of solidarity and empowerment among diverse communities celebrating women's achievements worldwide. Through its sweetness, it echoed the resounding call for inclusivity and equality for all women across borders and cultures.
 In the picture from left to right:
- Dr. Flora Gooding-Davis, Living Springs Women Empowering Center
- Mrs. Chineme Ezeigwe, Afrik International Foods – Patron of the Event
- Dr. Rita Amachree, Princess Global Recruitment and Staffing Agency
- Josephine Akoh, President, MOHWA DMV Baltimore Chapter
- Mrs. Ify Anne Nwabukwu, Founder, AWCAA
|
