African Diaspora Investment Symposium is unique –it brings together talented people of a wide variety of backgrounds: startup founders, corporate CEOs, investors, artists, philanthropists, and policymakers from every corner of America – bound by a common commitment to Africa’s future. The diversity and quality of the participants allowed for the type of unique insights that can only come from crossing professional and geographical boundaries.

We utilized the $10,000 prize from the ADIS24 competition to significantly advance WEGE COMPANY. This funding allowed me to enhance our production capabilities by investing in necessary new equipment, which increased the efficiency and volume of the sustainable packaging products produced.

In general, my experience at ADIS24 not only expanded my professional network but also equipped me with practical knowledge and resources to propel WEGE Company forward in the competitive landscape of eco-friendly packaging.

Being a member of the inaugural ABLE cohort was serendipitous. The program surfaced at a time we were evaluating how we could become more impactful domestically and more intentional globally as a company. From reading materials, workshops, and live exercises to mentoring, 1:1s, and peer exchange, we gained invaluable experience and gleaned vital expertise on how to pivot our business for success. Our company being selected as a 2022 backed Techstars Social Impact Accelerator was evidence of the effect the program had on WunderGrubs.

“ABLE is the missing link for me. I realized that I know children and programming on the pro level, but I am a novice at business. I am absorbing so much in our sessions that will help my organization evolve and me as a business leader.”

“The ACCELERATING BLACK LEADERSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (ABLE) accelerator program has provided solace and energy to keep my North Star in sight. The desire of ABLE small business and nonprofit organization leaders following a shared calling to deliver a variety of sustainable solutions to our communities is contagious and uplifting. The intelligence, talent, and determination to push, break or extinguish personal and societal barriers is invigorating. ABLE cohort members, facilitators, lecturers, and advisors have made this journey that much less lonely than it could have been, while I led Level 42 AI towards regulatory approval of our breakthrough disease screening technologies.”

“The energy and engagement from the organisers and attendees of the event was amazing. I had a blast during the entire event sharing our story on how DrugStoc has continued to innovate around expanding access to quality, cost effective care for sub-Saharan Africa.”

“The most exciting part during the program was interacting with mentors and fellow awardees. I learnt what other people are doing in their communities and gained different insights on how my fellows tackle similar problems in different ways. As we are looking to scale our business to another region in Tanzania, I believe this kind of experience can help my business to succeed.”

“I am an ADN “lifer.” I was captivated by Almaz and her passion, inspiration, energy for what, at the time, was just an idea. Her desire to avoid the silo effect of support and look at the bigger picture for the greater good of the continent was appealing and refreshing. The organization is inclusive, everyone’s voice is heard and valued; it’s agile and always willing to adjust as needed. Ultimately, ADN is guided by hope and aspirations for a better future for Africa.”

“ADN has been such an amazing network for me personally and my business. The ability to network and gain wisdom from other ADN members has been instrumental in helping me grow and my business expand to what it is today. Over the years I have gained so much by attending ADN conferences, gatherings, dinners, and events. If you are looking for a network of people doing great things this is surely one to have on the top of your list. As we all know we never stop learning, but when you learn from people in the ADN network you learn even more. ADN members love to share insight and help you down where you need help in your business and startup ideas. You gain friendships, wisdom, business partners, access to investors, mentors and so much more. ADN has been such an inspiration and a priceless gift in my life personally. Thank you to the ADN team for being such a strong pillar to all diaspora. The efforts of the organization can never be measured in words or figures.”

“The African Diaspora Network (ADN) represents the best of us - cooperative efforts undertaken for the benefit of society. We need institutions that draw from the abundance of talent that Africans possess to deliver programs that educate, uplift, and create a community. Building on the success of its first ten years, we look forward to a long, brilliant future. Thank you, Almaz, for your pioneering contribution. ”