A 26-year-old African just became the First Black Female Neurosurgery Resident at Johns Hopkins

Nancy Abu-Bonsrah shares how she feels about being the first black female neurosurgery resident at Johns Hopkins, and what she plans to do in the future.

Last week, Nancy Abu-Bonsrah got some really good news: She was accepted into the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s neurosurgery residency program — the first black woman to do so in the 30-year history of the program.

“There was a rush of emotions,” Nancy tells Teen Vogue about her initial reaction to the news. She found out on “Match Day,” when medical students nationwide learn if and where they “match” for postgraduate residency programs, which they must complete before practicing medicine in the United States. A representative from Johns Hopkins tells Teen Vogue the school accepts three to five neurosurgery residents into its program each year. Continue reading

NYC Ideathon with Ford Foundation and 1776 (June 15 – June 16, 2017)

One third of the world’s 1.8 billion young people are currently neither in education nor employment. Yet, only 30% of youth employment programs are successful – according to the World Bank (here and here).  In the face of a global youth employment crisis there is a dearth of effective solutions.

The Global Center for Youth Employment, in partnership with the Ford Foundation and 1776 will host a 2-day Ideathon to source, co-design, and invest in innovative collective impact solutions to youth employment.  While breakthrough ideas are expected, we also value the ability to build on existing opportunities and proven strategies. $250,000 in funding and the collective power of the Center’s members is up for grabs.

  • Submit an expression of interest by April 25 to be selected to pitch an idea. Submission instructions and selection criteria can be found here.

MIT Sloan Africa Innovate Conference: Ideas to Impact | April 7-8, 2017 at MIT Media Lab

The MIT Sloan Africa Business Club is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Africa Business Conference on April 7-8th at the Media Lab. The theme of this year’s conference is Ideas to Impact! Join us for an eventful two-days as we explore the entrepreneurship cycle from ideas generation to building sustainable businesses in Africa. The goal of this conference is discuss the opportunities for development in Africa and specifically how entrepreneurship can lead to sustainable businesses. We will host several accomplished and inspirational keynote speakers including Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib; President of the republic of Mauritius and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, CEO of Flutterwave and founder of Andela (first Africa startup to be backed by Mark Zuckerberg).  

For more information about the conference, including speakers, panels, and logistics, please visit our website: mitafrica.com

African Immigration to US Keeps Rising

The United States remains a popular destination for immigrants from Africa, according to the U.S.-based Pew Research Center.

The number of African immigrants coming to the U.S. has more than doubled since 2000, Pew said in a new report.

The organization said that as of 2015, 2.1 million African-born people were living in the United States. That number is up from 880,000 in 2000. Back in 1970, there were just 80,000.

Monica Anderson is a research associate at Pew and the author of the study. She said one reason for the large increase is that many immigrants are refugees from Africa.

She noted that in 1980, only 1 percent of refugees admitted to the United States were from Africa. Today, that share is about 37 percent…MORE

The World Bank Africa Knowledge Fest!

Join the World Bank for the first-ever Africa Knowledge Fest to explore with experts the most recent, relevant knowledge products and celebrate some of the most dynamic thinkers on Africa’s development today and enjoy a live musical performance by celebrated jazz bassist Richard Bona.
When: Wednesday, February 22, 2017 | 9:00am – 6:00pm
Where: The World Bank Headquarters | 1818 H Street, NW Washington | JDW Atrium & Preston Auditorium | Washington, DC | 20433
Learn more

USA – 2017 Young Professionals Mentoring Program (YMP)

The 2017 Young Professionals Mentoring Program (YMP) is open. The YMP is an annual career and leadership development program, designed to empower young professionals with the skills they need to actualize their personal and professional goals.

The applications for the 2017 cohort are being accepted through February 11, 2017.

Register here: https://form.jotform.com/70028871301145

For more information: http://www.danielleadershipinstitute.org/

USA – Join the EKO | African Diaspora Coding

EKO | African Diaspora Coding Academy is a program developed in partnership with Coders4Africa (C4A), the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), and DCHR’s Center for Learning and Development to provide greater access to introductory classes of coding software design and application development to 120 African born residents in the District of Columbia (USA). MORE: Watch video to learn more about EKO

Three Africans Shine in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List

succesThis year’s Forbes’ 30 under 30 list is brimming with ‘black excellence’. From entrepreneurs, to scientists, to media personalities and athletes, it is refreshing to see how much impact the black community is having on the world. What is most exciting is the three star Africans who have been featured on the list. Among this year’s finalists are Augusta Umamanzu-Nna (18), Kwame Onwuachi (26) and Yaa Gyasi (27). Continue reading