2016 is starting to wind down now, as we are all distracted by family plans, shopping trips and Christmas events. However, 2017 is just around the corner, and here is an exciting event to note in your 2017 calendar! Click on some links below for more information on the dynamic and amazing Mr. Niang!
The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) will be hosting Mr. Thione Niang, social entrepreneur, political strategist, youth advocate, author, and an advisor to President Barack Obama. Mr. Niang and several other young motivational speakers will share their experiences and tips at this motivational session. Ms. Nicole Campbell, Founder and CEO of AIM Educational Services; Commonwealth Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Ms. Valrie Grant; and our awesome Hon. Floyd Green, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth & Information, will all be there too.
The aim is to provide Jamaican young entrepreneurs with the ability to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses; to set personal and vocational goals; and to gain the self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities to carry out those goals. The event will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at the Courtleigh Auditorium, St. Lucia Avenue in New Kingston.
Thione Niang is the founder (in 2009) and president of the Give1project, a global non-governmental organization that seeks to engage young leaders in creating and building strong and healthy communities, through hunger relief, health care, civic engagement, housing, legal services, employment training and educational programs. These include international internships, women’s empowerment programs, a global leadership program (launched at the White House in 2013), business startup incubators and more. Give1project is now in 32 countries around the world.
Mr. Niang also co-founded Akon Lighting Africa – with American-Senegalese R&B singer and producer Akon and Malian businessman Samba Bathily. He also has a consultancy group (TNG).
Niang was born to a very large family (28 children!) in Senegal, West Africa. He arrived in the U.S. in 2000 (alone), with very little money in his pocket (and very little English). He worked as a waiter, saved enough money to send home to his family and attend college, and became involved in politics while studying in Ohio. He was active in the 2008 campaign to elect President Barack Obama. In October 2015 he was appointed by President Obama and The Energy Secretary as ambassador at the U.S. Department of Energy representing minorities in energy.
Early Bird Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-entrepreneur-own-your-future-tickets-29529002040 Early Bird rates are J$1,500 (students); J$2,500 (JCC members); and J$3,500 (non members). So get your ticket today!
Admission includes a free book from the guest speaker, and there are special rates for students, JCC members and non-members.
Do join us for what should be a truly inspirational Saturday morning – a great way to start 2017! (Please consider also sponsoring a young person who otherwise might not be able to attend…)
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