Opportunity: Africa Conference

Last Friday, 8 Ursuline Global Scholar nominees attended the Opportunity: Africa Conference at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Wilmington.  Ursuline was invited by Senator Chris Coons to participate in this transformative conference alongside influential businesspeople, government officials, and world leaders all unified in their commitment to see the continent of Africa continue to grow and prosper. 

Keynote speaker Tony Elumelu spoke of the current issues facing African nations and discussed the importance of supporting business development.  The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program empowers young citizens to grow Africa from within, providing microloans and support to small business owners. 

Panelists from Heritage Link Brands, Save the Children, and USAID spoke about the importance of educating young women as they serve as the key influencers of domestic and foreign policies within the 54 nations of Africa.  Susan Markham of USAID remarked: “We cannot solve these issues (clean water, access to medical care, gender equality) without women and girls.”  Ursuline girls could not agree more and our nominees responded by wanting to learn more about the Let Girls Learn initiative co-sponsored by Save the Children and USAID. 

Our students networked with business professionals and navigating the exhibition tables, talking to leaders from Water is Life Kenya, Save the Children, Care, Results, Yes We Can and Start Up Africa.  The students who attended are: Jessie Falasco, Katie Shroyer, Carly Palkon, Noelle Shroyer, Lexi Romine, Ana Olszewski, Maggie Boyd, and Claire McFadden.

Our girls even had the opportunity to meet an Ursuline alumnae parent, Mrs. Mondoa - mother of Matanda Mondoa.  Mrs. Mondoa recognized the Ursuline uniform and introduced herself to the group, talking about her daughter's college experience and their recent pilgrimage to Cameroon.  The Ursuline network and family is EVERYWHERE! 

Thank you to Ursuline Lower School parent Brian Cunningham for the personal invitation from Senator Coons’ office.  We look forward to many more opportunities to connect Senator Coons with Ursuline.