In observance of International Women's Day, the honor of your presence is requested to join us for An Evening with Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist and Best Selling Author in Conversation with Believe in Africa Founder Angelle B. Kwemo as they discuss "Creating The Next Generation of Women in Leadership.
It is an extraordinary time for women in leadership. We have witnessed the historic nomination of Hilary Clinton to the Democratic National Party's Presidential ticket additionally women across the globe joined together united in the common cause of ensuring equality for themselves and generations to come. Helene Cooper and Angelle Kwemo will discuss their experience and observations on what it takes to further the mission of empowering a new generation of Women in Leadership. Also, the importance of creating future female politicians, policy experts, and civil servants who in the room as policies and laws are drafted to ensure the protection of women's rights and initiatives.
Sample Ivorian cuisine in the backdrop music and art along with an inspiring discussion by two very accomplished women of the diaspora. Ticket includes a copy of each book.
ABOUT HELENE COOPER
Helene Cooper is the Pulitzer Prize–winning Pentagon correspondent for The New York Times, having previously served as White House Correspondent, diplomatic correspondent, and the assistant editorial page editor. Prior to moving to the Times, Helene spent twelve years as a reporter and foreign correspondent at The Wall Street Journal. She is the author of the bestselling memoir, The House at Sugar Beach (Simon & Schuster, 2008). She was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and lives in the Washington, DC area.
THE BOOK
The harrowing, but triumphant story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, leader of the Liberian women’s movement, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the first democratically elected female president in African history.
When Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the 2005 Liberian presidential election, she demolished a barrier few thought possible, obliterating centuries of patriarchal rule to become the first female elected head of state in Africa’s history. Madame President is the inspiring, often heartbreaking story of Sirleaf’s evolution from an ordinary Liberian mother of four boys to international banking executive, from a victim of domestic violence to a political icon, from a post-war president to a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author Helene Cooper deftly weaves Sirleaf’s personal story into the larger narrative of the coming of age of Liberian women. The highs and lows of Sirleaf’s life are filled with indelible images; from imprisonment in a jail cell for standing up to Liberia’s military government to addressing the United States Congress, from reeling under the onslaught of the Ebola pandemic to signing a deal with Hillary Clinton when she was still Secretary of State that enshrined American support for Liberia’s future.
Sirleaf’s personality shines throughout this riveting biography. Ultimately, Madame President is the story of Liberia’s greatest daughter, and the universal lessons we can all learn from this “Oracle” of African women.
ABOUT ANGELLE KWEMO
Ms. Kwemo is Managing Director for Africa at Washington Media Group and Founder and Chair of Believe in Africa, an organisation promoting Africa economic transformation, women and youth empowerment. She started her career in France as a lawyer. In Cameron, she served as the Chief of the Maritime Claims and Disputes Department, and later as the General Counsel for Bollore Technology Group and Geodis Overseas. She worked 7 years in the US Congress as Legislative Counsel for two members of Congress including Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Senior Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
She has received a number of recognitions for her exemplary work in promoting Africa’s economic growth, including a Citation from Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley, the District of Columbia Public Service Award, the “50 Most Powerful Women in Business Leadership Award” by the Minority Business Magazine and was named as one of the “World Most Influential African in the Diaspora” by a Paris-based Africa 24 Magazine. She regularly publishes articles and featured in the news, including Voice of America TV (VOA) France 24 TV, Africa 24 TV, China Daily, Forbes Afrique, Le Point Afrique and Africa Report. Ms. Kwemo holds a LLM degree in Economics Activity Law from the University of Rouen in France and an LLM degree in International Business Transactions and Human Rights Law from American University in Washington DC.
THE BOOK
Against All Odds is the captivating story of one woman's determination to pursue her passion and aspirations, defying self-limitation and status quo. Angelle Kwemo, proud to be an African woman, followed her dreams, ignored the ridicule, and fought aggressively to seize opportunities. This story is for all people of race, color, and discrimination, but not for the light of heart. Witness how one person followed her vision, you will learn from her endurance, the challenges, and necessary persistence. Throughout this handbook you will be given numerous life lessons based on an odyssey of risk and reward, those lessons are designed to help pave your own uncharted course. Her journey goes from childhood environment, graduation, working, entering the legal system, corporate to attaining respect in the policy arena. The poignant stories of desire; learn how to never give up, follow your passion, and recognize opportunity!