Celebrating Connections
Honoring Investments in Better Futures and Visionary Minds
The Africa-America Institute’s 41st Annual Awards Gala "Honoring Investments in Better Futures and Visionary Minds" took place on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City. The evening opened with remarks from Felicia Appenteng, AAI’s newly appointed President and CEO, connecting AAI’s mission to the Gala’s featured Adinkra symbols, Sankofa, Nyansapo, and Bese Saka.
The Elder Award was awarded to Kofi Appenteng, the Africa-America Institute’s Former President & CEO, Trustee for a decade of leadership, by Christal Jackson, Chair of AAI’s Board of Trustees, to a standing ovation.
AAI presented the very first Investor Impact Award to the Ford Foundation’s Mission Investments Program. This inaugural award celebrates trailblazers who are redefining what’s possible when capital is used as a force for good. The award was presented by British Robinson, Former Head of Prosper Africa, Founding CEO of Montmartre Advisors, and the Milken Institute’s Africa Chair, and accepted by Roy Swan, Director of Mission Investments at the Ford Foundation, on behalf of the Mission Investments team. The acceptance was followed by a special video message from Christine Looney, Deputy Director of Mission Investments.
British Robinson, Roy Swan, and Felicia Appenteng with the Investor Impact Award
After opening remarks by Liz Schwarze, Vice President of Global Exploration at Chevron, the Gala’s host, Sandra Babu-Boateng, co-founder of PanaGenius and host of The Breakdown, led the Presidential Fireside conversation between Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, on leveraging global markets to advance equity and opportunity can chart a path toward a more inclusive future.
Sandra Babu-Boateng speaking with H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and H.E. Daniel Chapo
The evening was one of celebration and coming together, with musical accompaniment by the Crafticians, featuring Kafele, a local jazz ensemble. We hope you will join us for next year’s Awards Gala in 2026!
