Today was our day at the US Embassy with 23 Women Entrepreneurs. These women are interested in using social media and other tools like crowdfunding and info graphics to amplify their businesses and extend their networks!. After we were stripped of our own electronics at the gate, by the military guards, we were escorted into the Embassy. Once in the training room we were required to have an escort if we needed to leave the room for any reason, like to go to the restrooms (which were 20 ft away). So, no photos from the Embassy! However, one of the escorts took our group photo so we may see that and I can post it later! The 2 women escorts were great. One of the escorts was from Melrose MA- close to where I grew up!
I left the Embassy and WAKE team, at noon, with the ED from our host NGO- UWF. I had a date to go back to their office to speak to another NGO leader about their office technical setup. It turned out the NGO didn't have an office but needed help bringing more activity to her sharing platform on her website. So instead, I gave her a mini social media boost!
After, I met up with 4 of my WAKE buddies to visit La Strada-Ukraine- an International Women's Right Centre. It was our turn to hear about their amazing work on prevention of domestic violence, gender discrimination and human trafficking.
We then made it back to the US Embassy to see the amazing Beth Kanter close the meeting and for a reception with the Entrepreneurs. Many thanks were given as well as a song sung by one of the woman attending the workshop. It reminded me of the scene in the movie PRIDE - when the women broke out in song... it was warm and moving.
We were all very hungry after the long exciting day and decided to try the Japanese/Italian restaurant near our hotel called Mafia!
I thought I looked a little Mafia in my formal wear so wanted a photo with our nice Mafia waiters!
Tomorrow is the first day of our workshop with 45 NGO leaders - very exciting!
Time to sleep.
Here is a photo from our first day with our tour guide Edith!