STAR 100 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NOVISI ATADIKA

"My passion is using my investment skills toward the greater good."

MEMBER SINCE: 2008

WHY SHE'S A STAR: After a demanding day at work, many of us can't get up the energy to cook, let alone train for a marathon--but that's exactly what Novisi Atadika has been doing for the last four months, preparing to run 26 miles to raise funds for cancer research. An investment manager by trade, Novisi managed assets at an investment group for nearly four years before deciding to transition to the non-profit sector. "I need to be part of something that's making society better," she explains.

Now part of the investment team at a preeminent cancer research hospital, Atadika finds satisfaction in using her expertise to serve a cause that is meaningful to her. "I was born in Ghana, and now that I'm living in a more prosperous developed country, there's a drive from that background to do something."

Novisi will run the marathon this Sunday November 6th. Help her raise funds for critical cancer research -- DONATE HERE.

100% FRESH: BE PART OF THE STAR 100 RE-LAUNCH

On Friday 9/9 at 6:30p (sharp), celebrate the re-launch of Star100 New York at a private viewing of the "Africolor" Exhibit at Danziger Projects! Drinks will be served (courtesy of Belvedere), and purposeful exchange will be had toward the ultimate goal of Ghana's development. Be part of the solution. 

SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

6:30PM – 9PM

PLACE: DANZIGER PROJECTS

527 W 23RD ST, NY, NY, 10011

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STAR 100 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NANA EYESON-AKIWOWO

Eyeson-Akiwowo is the founder of African Health Now

MEMBER SINCE: 2006

WHY SHE'S A STAR: For most of us, Ghana at Christmas is usually reserved for straight “cheeling”, but for Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo it ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have none, as it were. Appalled at the lack of access to basic health care maintenance in Ghana e.g. check-ups, regular blood tests, and screening, Nana organized the “Gift of Life @ Christmas” health fair. Lobbying co-workers and friends for donations, and assembling a team of healthcare professionals, she goes to some of Ghana’s most vulnerable centers including Jamestown, Accra and Kumasi Market to administer diabetes testing, distribute condoms, check blood pressure, and offer basic counseling. The fair has served over 300 Ghanaians, and ultimately gave birth to what is now African Health Now.

100% FAIL: PARENTS SOLD KIDS AS LABORERS FOR AS LITTLE AS $100

Minisanene? Aba nkwaseasem? Cheku ta? WTF?!! Back in May, the NY Times reported that 116 kids who had been forced into labor — some as young as 4 — were rescued. Better than last year’s numbers (in a 2010 sting, 284 children were rescued), but deplorable all the same. As Lil’ Wayne would say, “Please sa’e the babies!”

Check out OrphanAID Africa, an org committed to supporting vulnerable families so they don't have to give up their kids.

GET THIS PARTY STAR-TED: FACE2FACE'S "I AM AN AFRICAN" NETWORKING MIXER

Chilling meets shilling at Face2Face Africa's upcoming networking event. If you've got business to handle, do it over drinks and purposeful conversation. Face2FaceAfrica is committed to bringing Africans together to change negative perceptions of the continent. Click to RSVP.