Esraa and Fatima
DAWNers
 
Message from Executive Director

Executive Director
Hello from Nairobi! 
 
How is everybody?  Its hard to believe I'm writing you all the way from Africa!  Since creating DAWN two years ago, this is my first extended absence from the group.  I must say, I was worried that I'd go through withdrawal anxiety from all of you.  But as I sit here at the Nairobi Java House, I feel just as connected as before and can't help but admire all the progress and growth DAWN has been experiencing recently.
 
The greatest gift I've had so far is watching our team and organization come together all on its own.   In addition to DAWNers being featured in The New York Times and The Root this past month, the Executive Committee is working extremely hard to strengthen the organization and continue providing opportunities for all of you, including the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk, November's DAWN SEEDS Mentorship Open Season Drive, and our monthly dinners.  I've also received the warmest emails from current and potential DAWNers, expressing their gratitude and strong support for the organization.    
 
I'm proud of DAWN and all that it has accomplished in such a short time.  If anything, this time away has helped me realize how significant and valuable our network really is.  It extends cities, countries and continents reaching to the very hearts of DAWNers everywhere.  And from Nairobi, I gotta tell you - we're looking good ladies!!! 
 
I look forward to many more successes, more events, and more celebrations with you.

Semhar
Membership Drive







4 DAWNersLadies that submitted applications to join DAWN were hosted to a cocktail reception by the DAWN Executive Committee. Here the committee had the chance to meet the ladies in person, have one-on-one conversations with them,  as well as answer questions that the potential DAWNers had.

The reception was followed by the DAWN monthly dinner where both current and potential  DAWNers had the opportunity to meet and mingle.

Final decisions on DAWN applicants will be made by mid November.

SEEDS Mentorship Program







DAWNista Open Season
It's open season of our DAWN SEEDS Mentorship Program!

The DAWN SEEDS (Sisterhood, Excellence, Empowerment Diversity and Service) are the foundation of our mentorship program. Each mentee will be paired with a DAWNer.

If you know any eligible* young women between the ages of 15-24 that would benefit from and be an asset to this program, please encourage them apply  at www.dawners.org. Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2009


Esraa and Fatima

For additional questions contact DAWN Director of Mentorship, Carolou Goodridge at carolou@dawners.org





* The young women need to be African Diaspora immigrants, daughters of an African Diaspora immigrant parent, or other women of the African Diaspora. They should also have a commitment to African issues and a proven record of community service and leadership.
DAWN on The Root 100

E.Bani

October Events
DAWN at the Breast Cancer Walk - A HUGE THANKS!
4 DAWNers
A BIG thank you to the DAWN's six-member cheerleading squad who despite the rain, volunteered to cheer for walkers in the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure ,Breast Cancer Walk. And as the rain got heavier, the cheering of Asmara Sium, Nadine Kwizera, Milen Zerabruk, Martha Haile, Eddine Mureke, and Karen Parker only got louder!

Now that is what you call service!!


Upcoming Events


We have an some exciting events for November:

  • DAWN November Brunch - In November we will be switching up from our usual Friday monthly dinners and have a  Sunday brunch instead! Save the Date: Sunday, November 29. Location and other details coming soon!
Also...

  • Getting MONUC's Role Right after a Year of Profound Failure: Realities, Options and Prospects: John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, November 18, 12:30-2:00pm
  • Focus on Africa: U.S. Conflict Resolution Policy Towards Africa - Lessons for the Obama Administration: Capital Hilton Hotel, November 20, 10:00-12:00 am.
DAWNer of the Month

Esraa and Fatima Esraa Bani

Born in Khartoum, Sudan but growing up in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the U.S., Esraa is DAWN's Director of Development and works as an Advocacy Coordinator at Population Action International.

Esraa recently received an honorable mention in the Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's Half The Sky Contest of the New York Times. Her entry, a blog about her personal experiences confronting female genital mutilation (FGM) was selected from over 700 entries and was published on the New York Times website.

She wrote the piece in honor of her mother who summoned up the courage to refuse to have Esraa and her sister cut when they were young girls. Today, inspired by her mother, Esraa is a passionate advocate of the eradication of FGM and mother to one year-old beautiful Fatima who she believes will carry on her grandmother's legacy.

Congratulations Esraa!!!
 
DAWN Footer