IAWA's First Career Symposium

IAWA’s most recent Bokgoni Empowerment Camp was the best in our yearlong history hands down! We could not have asked for a more successful ending to our first year. During the camp in October, we hosted IAWA’s first Career Symposium. The Ambassadors had the opportunity to learn from more than 25 professionals and 6 university students. The panelist careers spanned a variety of industries including: retail, hospitality services, engineering, finance, IT, and geology just to name a few. The speakers were chosen based on the Ambassadors future career interests. 

The Ambassadors learned how to be gracious hosts and skilled panel moderators over the course of the week. After one of the panel discussions, Jobie Bakama, CEO of Callback Dreams said, “this is a phenomenal program with an amazing group of kids. I would certainly comeback and partner with I Am, We Are again.”  Many Ambassadors were matched with mentors throughout the career symposium. “It was amazing to see the Ambassadors approaching guest panelist and asking for mentorship,” stated communications volunteer Mi’Lisa Patton. “The smiles that would appear on both faces were indescribable.”   

The Ambassadors also had a field trip to participate in a soccer camp hosted by the Special Olympics. During the field trip the Ambassadors interacted with Special Olympics Athletes and Partners. Through this experience the Ambassadors learned to accept and include all people. When asked about his experience Kamogelo, an IAWA Ambassador, stated, “I want to come back, we are more than friends we are brothers.”