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30 Years of Shared Interest – Celebrating a Milestone

Shared Interest celebrated its 30th Anniversary Voices of Change Gala on Monday, April 29, 2024 at The Lighthouse at Pier Sixty-One in New York City.

The gala and fundraising event showcased African culture and honored Shared Interest’s three decades of commitment to supporting women, smallholder farmers, emerging entrepreneurs, and micro-enterprises in Southern Africa.

Aligned with South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, the gala recognized Voices of Change essential to advancing racial, gender, and economic justice in the US and Southern Africa. The evening featured speeches from notable figures like Mayor Eric Adams, Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Board Chair Sharron McPherson, and Executive Director Ann McMikel.

Founder Donna Katzin, who was being honored in South Africa, thanked donors and partners for their support and emphasized Nelson Mandela’s words about justice and poverty.

Shared Interest has impacted over 2.3 million beneficiaries by providing $34 million in loan guarantees, unlocking $131 million in local capital for black women entrepreneurs, farmers, and cooperatives across several African countries.

The gala included performances by Ajada Reigns and the Lion King Broadway musical cast. Special guests like Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and Rev. Naomi Tutu shared insights on allyship, human rights, and gender equity.

This year’s honorees:

– Citibank received the Corporate Leadership Award for their work in financial inclusion.

– Wendy Luhabe was honored with the Women’s Economic Leadership Award for her commitment to women’s empowerment.

– Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake received the Cultural Innovator Award.

With the fundraising goal achieved, the event was a celebration of Shared Interest’s impactful journey and its ongoing commitment to empowering Southern African women and communities.

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