PERREAULT Magazine December 2014 | Page 40

Noella’s modeling career has had a positive impact on the Georges Malaika Foundation (GMF) and she recently became a Global Ambassador for EBW2020.(Empowering a Billion Women by 2020). The Global Ambassadors class of 2015 are hand-picked women leaders committed to economic, political and social sustainability for women in their communities and worldwide. The EBW2020 Global Ambassadors serve as a "voice for their communities" and a bridge between the corporations, policy makers and women entrepreneurs towards the unified goal of Empowering a Billion Women by 2020 with the tools, tech, and resources to power their success. EBW2020 (Empowering a Billion Women by 2020) founded by Ingrid Vanderveldt, works with the Presidents, CEOs, and VPs of Global 1000 companies to bridge their companies into the emerging business community worldwide. “Our vision is to get a mobile device into the hands of every woman and provide access to the resources, financial literacy and mentoring she needs to succeed as a business leader”.

Among her accolades, Noella has addressed the Congolese Parliament and UNICEF about issues confronting underprivileged girls. Noella was featured in CNN African Voices: Connect the World and Vanity Fair. Noella participated in the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting 2012. Noella addressed Bill Clinton during the Opening Plenary with a statement of GMF’s commitment, and lead the discussion ‘DRC: Highlighting Action. Noella was the host of the Cinema for Peace 2013 event. She represented the DRC and advocated for peace within the country. Noella presented Ben Affleck with an award from Cinema for Peace, recognizing his work for the benefit of the DRC. Noella received honors at the 2013 Diamond Empowerment Fund’s GOOD Awards, recognizing her leadership in the area of good corporate citizenship, sustainability, and promoting opportunity in Africa. Noella proudly donated the award to the Kalebuka community. - See more here.

PROVIDING EDUCATION

BP: What has been the most prominent and positive result to providing education to young girls?

NC: Being able to see the progress our girls make is amazing. Seeing them grow from young girls into talented, thoughtful and educated young women is incredible. We are able to work with them to make sure they get a good education, the most out of life and are given every opportunity possible to be successful in the future.

We recently introduced a program where the elder children are mentoring and helping the younger ones. It is working well. I never tire of seeing how happy the girls are and their ever smiling happy faces.

BP: Education is the key. Building schools is also the key. How do you bring awareness and attention to DRC in order to raise funds?

NC: Word of mouth plays an important part. We also work very hard to provide comprehensive information about our school by way of our web site, newsletter, and our social media: all of which provide regular updates on the events happening at the school and the community. This is important as it provides a tangible source of information on where the funds are going and the direct impact that they are having on our girls and the community as a whole.

We also use larger platforms like the Clinton Global Initiative which helps us partner with other organisations and pool our resources and experience for the greater good.

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