{"id":8900,"date":"2025-03-19T10:17:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T10:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/?p=8900"},"modified":"2025-03-30T22:25:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T22:25:19","slug":"accelerating-action-for-africas-girls-highlights-from-lead-camp-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/accelerating-action-for-africas-girls-highlights-from-lead-camp-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Accelerating Action for Africa\u2019s Girls: Highlights from LEAD Camp 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>From March 3 to 8, 2025, 55 outstanding girls from Eswatini, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe gathered in Accra, Ghana, for a transformative leadership experience at the Delta Air Lines LEAD Camp for Girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>LEAD\u2014Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, and Development\u2014is an immersive, week-long camp hosted by JA Africa in partnership with Delta Air Lines. It aims to nurture the next generation of confident, capable female changemakers. The 2025 edition, held under the theme \u201cAccelerate Action,\u201d marked one of the most dynamic and enriching camps yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants were selected from JA Africa\u2019s National and Regional Company of the Year Competitions, recognized not just for their entrepreneurial potential, but for their leadership, resilience, and passion for impact. Over the course of the week, they engaged in high-energy workshops, thoughtful discussions, and intimate mentorship sessions with an impressive lineup of accomplished women leaders across various fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The week began with a leadership session on emotional intelligence and self-awareness, facilitated by Simi Nwogugu, President &amp; CEO of JA Africa. This was followed by a panel discussion on Women in Technology: Driving Growth through Tech, featuring Ann Fesu (Manager, Go-to-Market and Segments at MTN Group Digital), Nadia Owusu (Youth Advocate, Social Entrepreneur, and JA Alum), Akua Essah (CEO of Child in Tech), and Bimpe Olufemi (Digital Strategy Director at JA Africa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXd2ODBjvUKxkSffYCw8KWnXEurDsEjvL0-wGtVMcYigxMIzNQjqJZoszcnD4OW86MQgdT7GOD2G54Eg4ipjX-xM1kghBjy7Xrh97J2vAG_BDn1YG3V6C1GabQTuoAqHgKL84BVURg?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Simi Nwogugu (President &amp; CEO, JA Africa) Delivering session on emotional intelligence<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The girls also participated in development sessions on goal setting, etiquette (led by Abena Antwiwaa Edusei), health and wellness (led by Karis E. Senanu-Adzosii, Certified Coach and Counseling Practitioner), and building a digital brand (led by Maya Dukes, Managing Director, Global Brand Strategy, Creative &amp; Social Media at Delta Air Lines).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most impactful sessions of the week, <em>Empower Her<\/em>, was led by representatives from The King Center \u2014 Dr. Vonnetta L. West, Founder and CEO of Go West Consulting LLC, and Cierra \u201cFly\u201d Bobo, Founder of FLY Life Inc \u2014 who challenged the girls to lead with authenticity, vision, and courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXevk2Iypj3ka2V8_0wsOr1dSOC_oyoz4ExozNEI3jMuJi9wRCbI64_TVY-LA6Ss6HXsafcVAC8XpcqTFQVeIeoXzy5zANV1H6kw3CCPPOlL-KXFWNwXxx-mhY2rCJkAG33Q9zqGCw?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Leadership workshop on non-violence from Dr. Vonetta L.\u00a0 West and Cierra &#8220;Fly&#8221; Bobo from the Martin Luther King Center<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout the week, a diverse set of panels and workshops helped the girls expand their thinking and connect with inspiring role models, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Women in Entrepreneurship: Turning Passion into Profit \u2013 featuring Mabel Simpson, JA Alum and CEO of mSimps Ghana; Sena Yeboah, Founder of The New You Fitness; and Dr. Ellen Hagan, CEO of L\u2019aine Services Ltd, Co-founder of Fous Digital and Legacy Girls\u2019 College.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal Branding \u2013 with Abena Chrappah, Senior Brand Manager for International Premium Spirits &amp; Reserve Brands at Guinness Ghana.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Careers in Global Development \u2013 featuring Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President &amp; CEO of the ONE Campaign and the first African to lead the organization founded by Bono, and Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Funds and the first African to hold that position.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technical Careers and TVET \u2013 with Constance Swaniker, Founder and President of Design &amp; Technology Institute and Founder of Accents &amp; Arts Ltd.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Women in Creative Arts and Entertainment: Driving Change through Entertainment \u2013 with Lisa Quama (top Ghanaian dancer), Aewuradjoa Allottey (pencil artist), Chrystal Kwame-Aryee (MC and Broadcast Journalist), and Patricia Swayne (Program Manager, Community Engagement at Delta Air Lines). During this session, the girls enjoyed a dance challenge with Lisa Quama and participated in a live drawing competition judged by Pencil Artist, Aewuradjoa Allottey. The winning piece, <em>Blossom of Her Crown<\/em>, which is first of its kind in her collection symbolized the strength, growth, and beauty of the girl child.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Foluso Gbadamosi, Campaign Lead for the 10 Million African Girls (10MAG) initiative, facilitated an engaging session titled <em>&#8220;Unleashing Your Superpowers.&#8221;<\/em> Through a simplified MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) activity designed for teenagers, she helped the girls discover their personality types and better understand how their unique strengths can shape their leadership style and future choices.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXdgXyrdJLy2ovGRrbQFJtzySf21JPlx_0g3VtxHjk_gIiwSU_29gSfOljaSri0jaqr54G3KL_TEa3t5bJ_rWrxbYyznEu3hX_PH4oq7qzahUG2Fd-Tw0UYaIGaaoN87fGQDFSpW?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Speakers\/Mentors on \u2018Health is Wealth\u2019 and Turning\u00a0 Passion into Profit<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXd8RU6REscATqquqyPW3ibZeazCcUdCYOPjrGuZ_oHHGmXB1OTxapVCGsNF81IPlGvmZBabFmM6zwtZuAwrgWn_La1035IurwhOVHchKAI2ySTw8JalfbJvQgc2KKjZ3akcqhejng?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Women in Creative Arts and Entertainment Panel Session&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXc6NybaR0lqcZSORDAb8CRU-FWoPLVjpyh6G8nM2LRqpJ-Utg2uvw4c92AHkR5fcrho1IVwkmkx2lV1ObbuAWBasS3bKQSDyRp3QXzU-vfkodFWWBnjr86leNJaktiZ5do8Z5wLtw?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Unleashing Superpowers Workshop<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most anticipated parts of the week was a field trip to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, where the girls engaged with trailblazing women in aviation, including Khady Ndiaye Wooden, Senegal\u2019s first female pilot. Later that day, they toured Ashesi University, gaining exposure to one of Africa\u2019s most prestigious tertiary institutions and learning about higher education opportunities aligned with leadership and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcQxU7fju9SrVBk_qpDhCDm8DajvJ8y6b9MEmIJQzcNxEM6KbD1FdBsc2XC_TPi5EKlIb5Em0eOR7jpNxpF2IQUj94VE3A-d9kNDBDDOOvhX2weMpDmtfs1Yh3NxCrDTrzsPc_HoQ?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Field Trip to Ghana Civil Aviation Authority&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcTiCS8Gbn3dFzdFczutIHaE2LGu-KTFTUResIIDCylh7NvUPAdiH3Ou3fib-d-1usVyXbGD_mdL4Ip4OOF6VyCvisDBHH4orekUBvJ7Yz6uUTHIZrhw6UUPym0m2pSGwdmJ538_w?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Exploring Tertiary Education and Opportunities at&nbsp; Ashesi University&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The camp concluded with a powerful graduation ceremony, during which each participant was officially inducted into the 10 Million African Girls (10MAG) movement\u2014 an initiative to equip 10 million African girls with leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy skills to drive social and economic transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><a href=\"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/ja-africa-ceo-launches-10-million-african-girlscampaign-to-empower-a-generation\/\">Learn more about 10MAG<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s camp would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners at Delta Air Lines, especially the Delta employees on the ground who dedicated their time, passion, and mentorship to every aspect of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfWBCJIzJ6G0fKJ2a7Mwdom77ILd8Ak0vo8zbFXHIm9biwzmKMHYVlStMOXjOdCRYk6AvGOZh9G6MXUiQCX2sGxuNMn-q_8o2bwl4GBTSxgBNvBFZ8cVIEsOBFhVr7KqPmvlOOu?key=4VK-0Stc8x79JG1mvOGFdwhb\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Delta Air Lines Employees at LEAD Camp and 10MAG Launch&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible speakers, facilitators, and volunteers who poured into the girls throughout the week. Your stories, your guidance, and your presence left a mark \u2014 and the impact will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From March 3 to 8, 2025, 55 outstanding girls from Eswatini, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe gathered in Accra, Ghana, for a transformative leadership experience at the Delta Air Lines LEAD Camp for Girls. LEAD\u2014Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, and Development\u2014is an immersive, week-long camp hosted by JA Africa in partnership with Delta Air &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/accelerating-action-for-africas-girls-highlights-from-lead-camp-2025\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Accelerating Action for Africa\u2019s Girls: Highlights from LEAD Camp 2025<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":{"featured_alumni_video":"","year":""},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lead-camp-111.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8900"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8902,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8900\/revisions\/8902"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms.ja-africa.org\/backend\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}