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Reflections on a Successful Summit and Gala: Connecting & Building Bridges

The Ghana Innov8 Summit and Gala was a resounding success, bringing together Ghanaians from diverse professional backgrounds and locations to celebrate their heritage, share their knowledge, and inspire each other.

The day began with a thought-provoking keynote speech from Joe Darko, founder of Ghana Innov8 Inc., who challenged attendees to think big and make a positive difference in the world.

He shared his own story of growing up in Ghana and moving to the United States to pursue his dreams, underscoring the importance of education, hard work, and perseverance. He also encouraged attendees to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the world.

Following the keynote, attendees participated in an Economic Empowerment session, where Dr. Hans Boateng emphasized the need for a mindset shift in the Ghanaian-American Community regarding money. He stressed that building generational wealth takes time and patience, not overnight success. Dr. Lecester Asemnor echoed the sentiment, stressing that Real Estate, too, requires a different approach than quick gains.

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The next session was a fireside chat with Paakow Essandoh, founder of MIZIZI International, who showcased his journey from humble beginnings to global success, highlighting determination, memorable moments, and the entrepreneurial spirit. After the fireside chat, attendees participated in a variety of breakout sessions on topics ranging from Black healthcare to unleashing creativity and immigration.

During the ‘Black Health Matters’ breakout session, featuring Dr. Maxine Owusu, Dr. Henaku Yirenkyi, and Dr. Priscilla Tutu, experts discussed the importance of eliminating health disparities, addressing mental health, and promoting wellness in the Ghanaian community.

In the ‘Unleashing Creativity: Elevating Black Voices’ breakout session, panelists Paakow Essandoh, Jeremy Kofi, and Lois Twum shared their diverse journeys and highlighted creativity’s universality and power to connect communities, offering attendees insights on fostering creativity in the Ghanaian diaspora.

In the ‘An Immigrant’s Journey in the US’ breakout session, Dr. Hans Boateng and legal expert Malcolm Gapher offered valuable insights into the immigrant experience in America, delving into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for achieving success.

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After the breakout sessions, Ghanaian delicacies like Jollof and Waakye were served at lunch, followed by a panel discussion with Nana Yaw Essuman and Emmanuel Acheampong, who shared insights on technology careers and the rapid advancement of AI. They stressed tech education and diversity in AI, making the discussion enlightening and impactful.

We ended the summit with a discussion on product development led by Akuba Torvikey who shed light on the importance of feedback and market insights. The session sparked a lot of interest from the audience, creating an exciting Q&A session centered around branding and marketing strategies.

We understood the importance of keeping our audience engaged throughout the summit. Interactive sessions, including Q&A panels, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, allowed participants to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. It was inspiring to witness these connections forming in real time.

We returned in the evening to crown the day with the gala, a vibrant and dynamic celebration of our culture and heritage. We kicked off the evening with a heartwarming rendition of the Ghana National Anthem.

As the night unfolded, we were treated to an Adowa dance performance that filled the room with energy and cultural richness. We then had the pleasure of welcoming Brandy Holloman, the Executive Director of RHC, to deliver a compelling speech about RHC Awareness. RHC, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to enhancing the health of rural Ghanaian communities.

RHC’s impactful mission centers around the Kekeli Women, empowering them to lead and promote health within their communities. Holloman’s speech highlighted RHC’s vital role in fostering healthier and more resilient rural communities. The evening took an inspiring turn as we introduced the appeal for funds to ensure our summit’s positive impact would extend beyond the event itself. Dinner and dancing followed, creating memorable moments and connections.

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The night became a lively celebration of music and dance as we grooved to the old-school Ghanaian rhythms and kept the energy high. The grand finale included the announcement of the funds raised against our goal and recognition of our networking game and auction winners.

Closing remarks echoed through the room, sealing the success of our gala summit. It was an evening filled with culture, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Our gala not only celebrated our heritage but also united us in our dedication to making a positive difference. The memories and connections forged during this event will resonate far beyond the night, serving as a testament to our community’s strength and resilience.

As we reflect on the Ghana Innov8 Summit and Gala held just a month ago, we are still inspired by the insights and relationships we formed. We are excited about the future and look forward to collaborating with our vibrant community to create more meaningful experiences.

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