The Surinamese delegation in colorful Kotos in front of the UN building in NY, ready for the Gala Dinner and the Award Ceremony
At the invitation of Liesbeth Venetiaan, former First Lady of Suriname, I had the privilege of presenting my company at the United Nations for the Voices of African Mothers last week. VAM is a women's empowerment NGO that strives to make women the future leaders that are needed not only in Africa but throughout the world. As a nominee for the VAM award for women's development, Mrs. Venetiaan was in New York to receive it.
Mrs. Venetiaan's work as First Lady has not gone unnoticed by Nana-Fosu Randall, the founder of VAM. Following the example of the former First Lady, Nana founded "Girls in Crises", an organization that currently offers shelter, support and education to 1,000 girls in Ghana.
As a Social Entrepreneur I told the business forum that the ultimate goal of my company is healthier hair for Black women in the entire Diaspora. I highlighted the Maroon challenge of America's Next Natural Model , where I sponsored Johanna Huur who makes Pangi's, as an example of how we small female entrepreneurs can support each other. After a thunderous applause I was almost inclined to walk with my head in the sand but the fact that I was in the company of nine First Ladies made sure that I could remain modest.
During the gala dinner we not only had a delicious meal, I also feasted my eyes on the splendor of the African robes of the First Ladies. The highlight was when our Surinamese First Lady was praised and her award was presented. Spontaneously, the small but very pleasant delegation dressed in the most colorful Kotos, started singing. That was beautiful. I am definitely a colorful experience richer. More photos of the evening: Gala Award Dinner