Theresa was born on June 17, 1992 in Oklahoma City to James and Mary Hultberg. Theresa has attended ASTEC for six years.
Theresa’s most interesting subject is art; however she also enjoys English and science. She plans on becoming a graphic designer and eventually start her own business. She wants to continue her passion for art and sell her works while pursuing her graphic arts career.
Theresa is on yearbook staff and is a member of National Honor Society. She has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, received Outstanding Student Awards in Art, English, Biology II and AP European History. She has also been selected as student of the month. Theresa received the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. Theresa was honored with the Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship for the University of Oklahoma.
When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as someone who strived to succeed and achieved her dreams through hard work and a passion for her career and interests. I want to inspire others who are trying to achieve the same goals for themselves.”
Danielle was born on November 26, 1992 in Oklahoma City. She has been attending ASTEC for six years.
Danielle’s favorite subjects are English and Math. She plans to pursue a career in Math or in the medical field at the University of Oklahoma, resulting in becoming an accountant or a Physician’s Assistant.
Danielle’s interests are reading, creative writing, running, and softball. She currently volunteers at Macklinburg Community Center and someday would like to open a community center. Danielle is an active member of her church’s multi-cultural club.
Danielle considers herself caring, intelligent, determined, and adventurous. She would like to be remembered for her accomplishments.
Halima was born September 1, 1993 in Oklahoma City to Connie Benhmida. Halima has attended ASTEC for five years.
Halima’s favorite subject is science and wants to pursue a career in general medicine and accounting. Her ultimate goal is to become a doctor and open her own free clinic. She also enjoys dance and music.
Halima is a member of the cheerleading team and enjoys dance and music. Halima has been on the Superintendent and Principal’s honor roll while attending ASTEC Charter High School. She placed third in the Oklahoma Christian University High School Competition for Mathematics.
When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to make a positive impact on as many peoples’ lives as much as I can.”
BUSINESS: Afghan Women Empowerment Organization (AWEO)
Rahela, 39 years old, owns AWEO, an organization dedicated to the empowerment of Afghan women. Rahela took on a big risk early in life when she left her home in Mazar to help distribute medical and educational materials to Bamyan, which was under strict economic and military control by the Taliban.
After successfully re-establishing the collapsed health system in this province, Rahela began to focus on how she could help women through literacy and vocational training, including animal husbandry, housekeeping and quilt-making. All projects were aimed to generate income for women.
Rahela started AWEO one year ago after some basic planning and strategizing. After she registered the company with the Ministry of Economic, she prepared proposals.
With 10 employees, AWEO focuses on empowering rural women in aqua culture and animal husbandry. The company also implements fish farming and has introduced improved breeds of sheep and cattle, which has resulted in higher incomes for the women.
Over the next five years, Rahela’s business goals include increasing the women’s incomes and continuing to provide alterative opportunities for women in rural areas instead of growing poppy.
By attending PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS, Rahela wants to learn more about management skills and get more ideas for starting new businesses as well as how to discover more opportunities in both local and international markets.
BUSINESS: Solidarity Academy School (secondary school)
Beltrida, 47 years old, co-owns a secondary private school in Rwanda, Solidarity Academy School.
After the genocide in 1994, Beltrida returned to Rwanda from diaspora and with permission from the authorities, borrowed the school in her neighborhood. The previous owners had fled the country, leaving the school perfectly in tact. Fifteen years later, Beltrida has 37 teachers and support staff at her school.
The school follows the national curriculum, and students take their national exams and those who receive national certificates go onto a university-level education.
Beltrida’s business goals over the next five years include increasing the number of students who pass the national exam. She also wants to find more ways to contribute to her country’s development and to help more students and teachers learn and adopt the English language, since it is so universally used at institutions of education. She would also like to increase her employees’ salaries and be able to renovate the school itself.
By attending PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS, Beltrida hopes to gain more knowledge about proper financial and resource management, human resources, and accountability.
Growing up in a family of all girls, Betrida was often told by her family members that she would never achieve anything for herself and her family. But her mother believed in her and fought for her education. But after attending school, Beltrida realized that she did have something to offer to society.
Years later, when trying to re-open the school, Beltrida was met with the same opposition – that as a woman, she could not accomplish this task. But her zeal to work and serve her community proved otherwise.
“To me, this was great achievement in life, and as a woman I felt big inside myself, feeling that with determination I can always make it!”
BUSINESS: Hope for the Future (organic farming & agro-based school)
Agnes, 31 years old, co-owns Hope for the Future, is a multi-faceted operation. Currently, Hope for the Future is an organic farming enterprising, but Agnes has future plans to expand the business to include an agro-based school project for street kids that focuses on education and hands-on agricultural experience.
Hope for the Future grows maize, and this year’s harvest is expected in April.
Agnes is already supporting 24 street children, and she has four employees who watch over and train the children in agricultural projects on the farm.
In addition to these four employees, Hope for the Future has hired 100 employees – mostly women – to work in the fields, tilling the soil, planting the maize and wedding.
Agnes hopes to turn her attention full time within one year to Hope for the Future once the business has stabilized and she has enough profit to cover her own salary and medical insurance. Agnes also wants to be able to provide train other farmers and develop her school project.
Through her PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS training, Agnes wants to learn more about developing her business, more agricultural innovations, project management, and how to develop a successful school.
The 2011 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS International Women’s Economic Summit and Graduation is July 25-26 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Click on the following link to register: 2011 IWES Summit
IEEW Inducts Afghan Woman Into Global Hall of Fame
Dr. Terry Neese, Founder of The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, inducted Afghan leader, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi into the Enterprising Women’s Global Hall of Fame in Boca Raton, Florida. Read the article printed in the Oklahoman.
Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation Donates $125,000 to the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women Read the article: Amway heir Dick and Betsy DeVos say teaching women free market economics key to rebuilding Afghanistan, Rwanda
Spotlight on Dr. Terry Neese-Hall of Fame Inductee
Women’s Entrepreneur-Texas magazine published an article highlighting WBE Hall of Fame winners for “their unwavering commitment to fair and ethical business practices, passion for creating opportunity for women to excel in business and outstanding contributions to their communities.” Dr. Terry Neese is among the recipients of the award. Check out the article: Entrepreneurs-Leaders-Mentors
