The Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN) Conference Returns for 2016
The Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network (SLEN)
When the SLEN co-founders, Janice Williams, Desmond Ellis and Lenton Davies got together in early 2013, their aim was to create an initiative not yet seen in Sierra Leone or in Africa at large. They instigated a full scale attempt to divert from a popular krio saying “way u yams white, na for coba ram” – “when you have a good thing, you should hide it”. In a discussion between the founders it became apparent that the fear of sharing quality information needed to cease. We need to start helping each other out as Africans. It was this conclusion that led to the birth of the Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network.
Share, Build and Gain
SLEN is building a network of professionals, connecting people to opportunities and creating a highly equipped and talented human resource that will give back to Sierra Leone. Over the years, this has materialised through different platforms; from hosting a flagship mentoring program to organising a plethora of popular networking events in D.C. metro area, Atlanta, and New York City. In 2014, the annual SLEN Conference launched with the theme: Share, Build and Gain. The conferences have steadily become an annual feature of the Sierra Leonean community worldwide. A unique feature of SLEN is its departure from the conventional panelist model. Instead, attendees are fully engaged in the conference and are able to interact with potential employers
The 2016 SLEN Conference, The U Factor: Equipping You for Success
The conference includes four dynamic workshops focused on job preparedness, entrepreneurship, leadership & management, and branding. Attendees will get an opportunity to attend more than one workshop based on their interests. Workshops will be followed by incredible speakers, including entrepreneur Nigel Parkinson, the founder of the largest, self-performing African American-owned construction firm in the Metropolitan Washington/Baltimore area, as keynote. A career expo for the attendees featuring a number of international organisations will end the day.
Although SLEN is largely composed of Sierra Leoneans, its events are open to all! Join them on Aug. 13th, 2016 at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. for the 2016 SLEN Conference.
Email info@slen.org for information on group rates, partnership and sponsorship opportunities, to get a table at the career expo or with any questions you may have. See you there!