Kenyan Professional Group
Growing Strong in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia — The Association of Kenyan
Professionals in Atlanta (AKPA) has been recently established. Dr. Yusuf
Nzibo, Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States officially launched the
organization. The mission of the organization is to promote the well
being, advancement, and wealth of Kenyans in America. While the initial
focus is on the Atlanta area, the organization expects to be the first
chapter of a national organization of Kenyan Professionals.
Through the
Development Committee, the AKPA identifies and coordinates investment
projects in Kenya. The Immigration Committee provides immigration
assistance to its members including providing access to preferred legal
advisors. The Networking Committee works to develop relationships
with other like-minded business and professional organizations for the
benefit of its members. The Investment Committee seeks to educate
members on wealth building opportunities including stock investing and
real estate investing.
The Education
Committee has developed a program called the AKPA Success Mentoring
Program (SMP). The goal is to help Kenyan undergraduate students excel
academically, reach graduation, and get a strong start in the chosen
profession. Initially, there will be a special focus on the roughly 120
Kenyan students at Kennesaw State University in Georgia. Students from
Emory University and Spelman College will also take advantage of the
program.
“The challenge is
that roughly 60-70% of the Kenyan college students in this area do not
graduate on time, or do not graduate at all,” said Dr. Njeri Karangu of
Spelman College. “The AKPA will provide one-on-one mentoring and a number
of specific workshops covering immigration issues, the U. S. higher
education system, health care, American cultural challenges, and social
life. The mentors will receive the personal satisfaction from making a
difference in the life of younger Kenyans in America. The mentors will
also increase their future professional network of contacts.”
“The students will
gain insight into corporate America, explore different career
alternatives, develop ‘soft’ skills, and find internship opportunities,”
said Dr. Karangu. “We will also help the students reduce their focus on
instant gratification, help with their confidence, and improve their time
management and study skills.”
The new organization also has strong vision for the
future. “The long term goals of the AKPA include the creation of a Kenyan
Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta,” said AKPA Chairman Charles Kagochi.
“We
believe that at least 2 or 3 millionaires should emerge from this
organization in the next 4 or 5 years by leveraging the organization’s
wealth accumulation initiatives. We also look forward to enabling other
chapters of a national organization of Kenyan Professionals in cities like
Washington, DC, Dallas, Houston, and New York by partnering with
organizations like Kenya Community Abroad.”
The AKPA is actively
seeking new members in general, and volunteers for its Success Mentoring
Program. To join AKPA, contact Iruku Makanga, Secretary, at (770)
974-2050 or at
akpaatlanta@yahoo.com. The February 16th meeting will
address finances and tax preparation. On March 16th, two
speakers will discuss stocks, wealth accumulation and investment club
formation.
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Thomas Brooks is the Vice-President of
Marketing and Senior Webzine Editor for Minority Professional Network,
LLC. Follow this link for
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