ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network Launches Kenyan Chapter Nairobi, Kenya
The ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network (AGLEN), an ACE Health Foundation program, held its inaugural chapter meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Four Point Sheraton on February 16, 2024. The event brought together women leaders from various professional, political, civil societies, private sectors, and development organizations. Meeting participants aspired to establish a vibrant, focused team within the Kenyan Chapter, fostering collaboration and strategic planning. Participants enthusiastically contributed ideas and recommendations for the Chapter's future direction, emphasizing the importance of unity and a culturally sensitive collective approach to regional development.
The meeting had several key objectives, including developing a well-defined roadmap for the Chapter, promoting local and global collaborations, and highlighting women's significant role in regional development. Notable speakers at the meeting included Cathy Irungu, representing the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) & Kenya for the ACE Health Foundation, and US Ambassador Tatianna C. Gfoeller (ret), the Global Ambassador-at-Large for ACE Health Foundation. Their remarks focused on the transformative nature of AGLEN and its commitment to a resilient future through collaboration and shared vision. Also, guest speakers Senator Dr. Rose Nyamunga, Chairperson, AGLEN Network, Kenyan Chapter, Betty A. Adera, ACE Global Star, and Hon. Florence Mutua, Member, AGLEN, delivered speeches emphasizing opportunities in education, economic empowerment, healthcare, agriculture, networking, and partnerships. Other participants included Dr. Cecilia Ng'etich, Mercy Nyabwala, Senior Counsel Muthoni Kimani, Hon. Florence Mutua, Cathy Irungu, Julie Waweru, Aloys Otieno (event MC), and Milly Khoikhoi.
The plenary session featured engaging discussions on cultural sensitivity, resources for women in agriculture, challenges faced by rural women, leveraging technology in agriculture, and promoting agribusiness education for both boys and girls. These discussions reflected a compelling commitment to address the challenges faced by women in agriculture and advancing sustainable development goals. The meeting concluded with key recommendations, including official registration, strategic planning for new country chapters, clear organizational structure, regular meetings, focus on critical areas of concern, transparency in fund auditing, and the importance of networking and collaboration. AGLEN members are encouraged to stay connected, share experiences, and collaborate to form partnerships. The importance of education, organizational efficiency, and community-level initiatives were emphasized, along with the need for a comprehensive engagement framework.
The AGLEN meeting marked a significant milestone for women leaders in Kenya, setting the stage for a promising future in women's empowerment and sustainable development. Pooja Chandra Pama, the Co-Founder of AGLEN, stated, "I am delighted to welcome the Kenyan Chapter of ACE Global Leaders of Excellence and eagerly anticipate our relationship. Along with AGLEN Co-Chair, US Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.), I am dedicated to supporting a worldwide network that fills the void for women's leadership. We are aware of the challenges and can contribute to the solutions. It is essential to acknowledge and integrate women's leadership".
The ACE Health Foundation is a US non-profit organization that brings together women leaders from diverse sectors to collaborate, mentor, and advocate for excellence, empowerment, and sustainable development. The Kenyan Chapter is a newly established chapter of AGLEN aimed at promoting collaboration and advancing the role of women in regional development.