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Event

Lumana's 4th Annual Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction

Tonight proved that anything is possible given the right vision and a good group of people. Three weeks ago, I met co-founder and executive director of Lumana Sammie Rayner at the Next50 and Startup Washington launch party. I was initially intrigued by their ambitious mission—empower a village with the tools to eradicate poverty. Normally when I hear about a group of people engaged in development work, specifically international development work, there is a sense of superiority or sense that the work they are doing is charitable. Sammie and Cole Hoover, co-founder and director of programs, approached this a little differently. Rather than provide a prepackaged “solution,” they work with their clients in Africa to develop sustainable solutions from within communities. In doing so, they have built an organization based in respect and trust. This is made very apparent by the entire community involved.

Lumana runs microfinance programs in Ghana and West Africa. But as they reiterated a few times tonight, microfinance is not enough. Providing the funding for various business projects is just part of a solution to a complex set of issues. They also leverage local partnerships and technologies to ensure that people truly benefit from the loans they receive. As Cole said, “Last year, we stated that our theme was learning from our clients. This is a never ending theme and continues to drive our day-to-day activities.”

Tonight was Lumana’s 4th annual fall benefit dinner and silent auction. In attendance were people from Ghana and the greater Seattle area including several familiar faces from the Hub Seattle and Bainbridge Graduate Institute. I spoke with several people tonight. Most had direct ties with Sammie and/or Cole. Some were fellows. Some supporters. Some recipients of loans. Some African and U.S. entrepreneurs. But, regardless of who they were, they all attended to show their support because of the great work the people of Lumana are doing. To learn more check out their website and find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out some of the photos below. Videos will be coming soon. For more pictures, visit the Menrva Labs Facebook page.

GlobalFest 2012: Stand for Girls on Sept. 22nd

Global Washington is hosting GlobalFest 2012: Stand for Girls on September 22nd to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and the innovations of Washington State’s collaborative global development organizations. Attend this free event and discover how Washington organizations are advancing the well-being of thousands of girls each day by making education accessible, expanding economic opportunities for women, and ensuring the health of mothers and children. GlobalFest welcomes the entire family to the Center House at the Seattle Center and will feature interactive booths and exhibits from 40 of Washington’s leading global development organizations, live world music, informational “GlobalEDU” sessions on topics related to women and girls, and a special screening of the new film Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. GlobalFest is part of a September Stand for Girls Campaign, organized by Global Washington to raise awareness about and funds for issues affecting women and girls. Learn more at www.stand4girls2012.org

M-bibe Rooftop Concert

Yesterday I had the privilege of supporting my friend Darren Guyaz at the second rooftop concert he’s offered through M-bibe at The Heights on Capitol Hill Apartments (Seattle, WA). M-bibe brings together quality musicians, for-profit organizations, and non-profit organizations to host concerts with meaning. The concerts are free to attend (sponsored by the for-profit organization), but recommended donations flow directly to the non-profit being showcased. In this case, Hub & Bespoke and BikeWorks joined forces to bring artists Darren Guyaz, John Wies, Larry Mahlis, Esme, and Mara Hahn to the beautiful rooftop, where they performed for about 2 1/2 hours. Below are some of the pictures from the event as well as a few selected tracks. As always, you’re welcome to let me know what you think.

Pictures

Music

Mara Hahn

Darren Guyaz and Esme

John Wies & Larry Mahlis

The next50

Every once in a while I look up and find myself in a room full of innovative, inspiring, and interesting people. This is exactly what happened a couple weeks ago at The Next 50 and Startup Washington launch party. On Thursday, September 6, 2012, several socially, environmentally, and ecologically conscious entrepreneurs, researches, consultants, and other forward-thinking individuals gathered to celebrate the innovative nature and opportunities that exist right here in Washington. Below are some of the pictures (photographs provided courtesy of Andrew Vanasse of Vanasse Studios for Menrva Labs) and videos from that event.

Photos

Videos