Interview By: Lukwesa Morin - UN Delegate/2019 Miss African Union
A Day of New Beginnings: Shifting Mindsets to Ignite Growth featured presentations and discussions with thought leaders in various sectors and an evening gala promoting Zambia’s cultural heritage
Saturday, December 11, 2021: What an Experience!! We thank God for everyone who traveled from near and far to our “Shifting Mindsets to Ignite Growth” event. Our planning committee was thrilled to host you and are confident that a shift happened with your mindset. Our guests listened to lessons from Ireland, Belize, and Ghana to identify low-hanging fruit to ignite engagement of Zambian and friends of Zambia diaspora towards sustainable development. ZLA and AZA recognized and awarded four Zambians for their past and ongoing contributions to Zambia’s socio-economic development
Heartfelt thanks to Soneka Kamuhuza and Chitabala Kabulo, CPA, who moderated the event.
During the day, our speakers Dr. Luka Powanga, Susan Morrice, Sena Kwawu , Hugh Molotsi, Almaz Negash , George Kabwe, Thomas Konditi, Margret Mwendapole, African Education Program, Rodney Siwale, Carol Cares Foundation, Touch of An Angel, Ray Sianjila , Constance Moonzwe, and Fiskani Kaira shared their stories, insights and recommendations for us to shift our mindsets to ignite growth.
Dr. Naomi Barber King, civil rights icon and wife to AD King (older brother of Revered Martin Luther King) celebrated her 90th birthday at the night gala. She was serenaded by Sylvie Chibiliti and came to the event with A.D. King Executive Director Dr. Babs Onabanjo
Our guests were entertained by live jazz music from the Ollie Patterson band , cultural dancing by #ZedTrio and #Shaffin.
A key highlight for the night was the presentation of awards to inspiring Zambians who are soaring in the United States.
Ms. Constance Moonzwe (Mover & Shaker Award) is an accomplished business executive in the space of technology and healthcare recruitment and has supported numerous individuals and organizations seeking high-level placements. She has primarily supported charitable work in Africa that focuses on sustainable health development.
Dr. Luka Powanga (Trian Blazer Award) is a distinguished professor and seasoned economist who is internationally regarded as a creative problem solver, visionary, and thought leader. Dr. Powanga currently serves as a Professor of Accounting, Economics, and Finance in the Anderson College of Business and Computing at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Powanga is the founder of the Energy Africa Conference, the world’s premier energy conference focusing on Africa.
Dr. Mercy Mumba (Healthcare Innovative Award) is an award-winning scientist and philanthropist. She is an Associate Professor in the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama. Her research focuses on substance use disorders, addictive behaviors, and their co-morbid mental health conditions.
Dr. Steady Moono (Distinguished Educator Award) is an award-winning educator and administrator and passionate about providing access to water and education for vulnerable children in Zambia. Dr. Moono currently serves as the President of SUNY Schenectady County Community College in Schenectady, New York