The MEST Africa Challenge 2024 now open for application...

for Women Agritech Innovators and entrepreneurs

Hi, It's Precious.

Welcome to the No Ordinary Woman Newsletter, which helps you stay informed and be the smartest at the table. Send NOW's newsletter to your friends and help them get to the table ;)

Here's what we got today:

  • Start-Up Story: Meet Jusaina Violanda: The Mozambican Entrepreneur Bringing Nature Indoors

  • Bookclub: Good to Great by Jim Collins

  • Inspiration: Meet Latanya Sweeney: The Data Privacy Champion

  • Opportunities: MEST Africa Challenge 2024!

  • Speaking & Job Opportunities

OPPORTUNITY

Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women!

Are you an aspiring or practicing woman entrepreneur who can turn your dreams about business into reality or take an existing venture to new heights? Look no further than the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women- your passport to success.

Unlock Your Full Potential

The Cherie Blair Foundation supports women globally in building and sustaining effective businesses by providing resources and support through comprehensive programs that cater to businesses at any stage of their life cycle:

Training and Mentorship: Gain indelible skills and knowledge from seasoned mentors who have been in your shoes.

Online Resources: Delve into the wealth of information and tools presented within critical areas such as marketing, finance, leadership, and strategy.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with other women entrepreneurs and join an ever-growing network of support globally.

A Track Record of Transforming Lives

The Cherie Blair Foundation has transformed the lives of thousands of women entrepreneurs. You could be next!

Ready to Take the Leap?

Don't miss the opportunity to develop a successful business idea with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

Visit their website today to learn about their programs and how they support entrepreneurs. Your success story awaits with the Cherie Blair Foundation!

STARTUP STORY

Jusaina Violanda: Bringing the Outdoors In - A Mozambican Green Revolution

Rebecca Enonchong

In Mozambique, the expansion of its cities has ignited a movement to bring more greenery into indoor spaces. Get to know Jusaina Violanda, an innovative entrepreneur who is the driving force behind the Nandzika Garden Center. Discover how she is transforming homes and workplaces into flourishing, natural sanctuaries.

Jusaina's business idea is based on a simple yet striking observation: people in urban cities crave nature.

She sells products through Nandzika Garden Center, such as beautiful plants sourced locally, stunning green decor options, and professional landscaping services.

However, Jusaina's venture is not just about the products themselves; it's about promoting a greener and healthier lifestyle for all Mozambicans.

What Makes Jusaina's Story Bloom?

1. Market Insight: She identified a growing demand for integrating nature into people's everyday environments.

2. Local Knowledge: Nandzika's offerings are tailored to meet the unique climate requirements of Mozambique.

3. Education First: Jusaina prioritizes educating her customers on how to care for their green spaces.

Growing Much More Than Business

Jusaina's impact goes beyond profit:

- Creating green jobs in her community

- Promoting eco-friendly living

- Inspiring women entrepreneurs

Are you ready to be inspired?

Dive deep into Jusaina's story as she uncovers the roots of her entrepreneurial journey. Learn how she faces challenges in the Mozambican market and share practical tips on how to bring nature closer to your space.

Jusaina Violanda's story is a colorful reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to your community, you can grow a business that makes a difference.

Ready to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams with a focus on sustainability? Read more at Lionesses of Africa.

BOOK CLUB

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t

"Greatness is not a destination; it's a journey."

Jim Collins

"Good to Great" by Jim Collins is widely regarded as a timeless classic because of its detailed exploration of a pattern that can be used in building companies that not only survive but also thrive in the long run.

The book delves into specific strategies, insights, and real-life examples that provide valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Key Ideas from Good to Great:

1. Level 5 Leadership: Great companies are led by Level 5 leaders who have the humble will to build enduring institutions.

2. First Who, Then What: Great companies prioritize getting the right people on board before deciding on the direction. It's essential to have the right people first; purposes and goals come later.

3. Confront Brutal Reality: Great companies face harsh realities while also maintaining hope that they will find a way to succeed.

4. Hedgehog Concept: Great companies have a simple, clear, and deeply understood concept that unifies strategy, people, and culture.

5. Technology Accelerator, Not Enabler: Technology is a powerful tool, but not the key to greatness. It accelerates discipline in great organizations, rather than replacing strategy and leadership.

6. Culture of Discipline: Great organizations have disciplined cultures, where self-disciplined people engage in disciplined thought and action. It's a culture that provides freedom within a framework and encourages maintaining and improving the Hedgehog Concept.

Ready to embark on your journey to greatness?

"Good to Great" offers numerous valuable insights and advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. It is crucial reading for anyone seeking to establish a long-lasting company.

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

Meet Latanya Sweeney: The Data Privacy Champion

Dr. Latanya Sweeney

Dr. Latanya Sweeney, a widely respected computer scientist is the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from MIT, and has dedicated her career to groundbreaking research in the field of data privacy.

Her influential work has uncovered and highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in personal data, sparking crucial policy changes around the world.

A Visionary in Data Privacy

Sweeney is known for her work on k-anonymity, a technique for anonymizing data while maintaining its utility. Her studies have exposed the vulnerability of supposedly anonymized datasets, highlighting the ease with which personal information can be re-identified using seemingly robust methods.

Influencing Policy and Practice

Sweeney's findings had a profound impact on the development of data privacy regulations and best practices. Her work contributed to legislation such as HIPAA and influenced the way organizations handle personal data.

Pioneering in the Field

This has garnered Latanya Sweeney numerous awards and accolades within the realms of computer science and data privacy. She is a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Engineering.

Inspiring Future Generations

Sweeney's passion for data privacy, as well as her tirelessness in zealously guarding the rights of individuals, is an inspiration to all others who work in or aspire to become computer scientists or data privacy advocates. She has paved the path for generations to come to further that fight in this modern world.

Learn More About Latanya Sweeney

OPPORTUNITIES

A Call to Women in West Africa with Innovative Agritech Ideas: Apply Now to MEST Africa Challenge 2024!

Calling all West African women with groundbreaking ideas that could revolutionize the agriculture industry! If this sounds like you, then the MEST Africa Challenge 2024 is the perfect opportunity for you.

This competition aims to discover and support early-stage agritech startups with the potential to make a real impact.

Why you should apply:

Funding and Support: MEST Africa provides investment capital and mentorship to the winners to take their agritech venture to the next level.

Network and Recognition: Showcase your innovation to a wide network of investors, industry leaders, and potential partners.

Be part of the Change: Contribute to solving agriculture challenges in Africa and building toward a more sustainable future.

So don't let this opportunity slip away. It's time to turn your agritech dream into a reality!

Application deadline: October 4, 2024. Learn more and apply now for the MEST Africa Challenge!

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