Dear Friends,

As we begin this spring season, the AAI team has sprung into action in planning a series of timely events in both New York City and Washington, D.C. that will support our ongoing mission to strengthen human capacity and address issues impacting the African continent.

This edition of THE AAI CONNECTION e-newsletter will offer more details on each event. Here’s a snapshot of what we have planned for this spring:

• Second Annual Talent Summit. We will convene our Second Annual Talent Summit on Saturday, May 3, at New York City’s Baruch College. With a special focus on science, health and technology, attendees at this year’s summit will network with other professionals, learn how to take the knowledge and skills learned in the U.S. and transfer it back home, and be part of creating real life solutions to Africa’s challenges. Find out six reasons why you should attend!                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For individuals registering for the “All Access Career Admission”, top recruiters, including the General Electric Africa recruitment team, will be on hand to have one-on-one conversations with potential job candidates. We’re expecting a big turnout for the summit. If you haven’t already, please be sure to register to secure your spot at the Talent Summit. “All Access Career Admission” registrants will be entered into a drawing to win a roundtrip airline ticket from New York City to destinations in Africa served by Arik Air.

•  Speaker Series Panel on Remittances. Remittances from African Diaspora have long played a role in the continent’s economic progress. The next Speaker Series panel discussion on June 5, will explore whether remittances can promote economic growth in Africa. Check out our stellar line up of panelists.
• Conversations on Africa Series. Our first Conversations on Africa (COA) Series forum will launch on June 12 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Under the theme, “AGOA 2015: Positioning Renewal to Ensure Better Human Capacity Training”, the forum will look at how the renewal of AGOA can help expand training and educational opportunities and create an environment for investment and trade to flourish in Africa.

I am equally excited to announce the dates for our inaugural Annual State of Education in Africa conference, to be held on September 9, and AAI’s Annual Awards Gala on September 22 in New York City. Mark your calendars!

We look forward to seeing you at these engaging discussions and events this year. Be sure to stay connected to AAI on social media for the latest news and developments. Become a fan on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter. For more information on The Africa-America Institute, please visit www.aaionline.org.

All the Best,

Amini Kajunju, President and CEO of The Africa-America Institute