Impact Award
The Impact Award is an annual event organized to showcase the extraordinary accomplishments and impacts of nominees who have committed themselves to serve their community here in the United States and their home continent of Africa. In particular, the ceremony recognizes the African diaspora’s positive contribution to their community. Every year, one personality from the areas of sport, arts, and job creation is selected, and their work is honored at the Impact award.
The 2022 Impact Award will be the third event, and six community members have been recognized to date.
Previous Awardees
Teddy Afro
2019
Singer and song writer Teddy Afro (Tewodros Kassahun), in recognition of the global impact of introducing Ethiopian music, culture and history on the global stage, the commendable philanthropic work that serves as a positive role model for the youth.
Derartu Tulu
2019
Commander Derartu Tulu, in recognition of the global impact of her athletic accomplishments, as the first Black African Olympic Gold medalist, and her continued involvement in sport administration in Ethiopia.
Mark Gelfand
2019
Mark Gelfand, founder of StemPower, in recognition of his effort in implementing many successful STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in Ethiopia and nearby countries, bridging gender gap, and fostering peace and development within and among nations.
Tirunish Dibaba
2021
Athlete Tirunesh Dibaba (the six times and youngest Olympic medalist), in recognition of the global impact of her athletic accomplishments, as multiple Olympic Gold medalist, her continued involvement in sport and inspiration to young girls and boys around the world.
Akon
2021
Singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur Akon (Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam), in recognition of the global impact of using music to promote peace, culture and development, and the commendable philanthropic work that serves as a positive role model for the global African youth.
Bereket Woldu
2021
In recognition of his contribution to Ethiopians in United States of America through community services, job creation and being an inspiration to families in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area.