On September 18, 2011, the brightest lights in technology, development and entertainment will come together to celebrate the transforming impact of creating economic opportunity for women and girls in Africa. Illuminate, an energetic dance party and fundraiser hosted by the creative social enterprises NextAid and Solar Sister will light up the night at the most radical hotel in New York City, YOTEL New York.
Kicking off during a week of internationally-recognized global events – the Clinton Global Initiative, the United Nations General Assembly, White Ribbon Alliance’s Women Inspiration and Enterprise Symposium, and Mashable’s Social Good Summit – Illuminate gives the leaders of today and the change makers of tomorrow a chance to listen to great entertainment, check out the latest in technology innovations, mix and mingle, socialize and, of course, dance!
NextAid
Through the energy of music, dance and creativity, NextAid and Solar Sister’s Illuminate is bringing together renowned New York DJs and musicians, and spoken word poets, including Anane’ Vega with AmonDrum on percussion, Nickodemus with Nappy G of the infamous Turntables on the Hudson, DJ OBaH, and Mr. V with live performances by Candice Anitra and Wunmi. Illuminate is partnered with Giant Step, Nokero, and Fusicology, with the support of White Ribbon Alliance, The Bloom Effect, Africology, Media Services NYC, and Universal-Rhythm.
In addition to enjoying an incredible line-up of performances, guests will also have the opportunity to browse the latest in innovative technology solutions in a Tech4Development Marketplace that will feature products that have the breakthrough potential to improve the lives of the poor through creative, appropriate design, such as the world’s first solar light bulb developed by Nokero.
Illuminate takes place at YOTEL New York in the Club Lounge on FOUR, at 570 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10036 from 5pm to 1am, starting off with a cocktail reception and marketplace, followed by the main event with live performances from 7pm to 10pm and after-party, until 1am. Tickets are available at http://illuminate-nyc.eventbrite.com.
In November 2011, NextAid and Solar Sister will take Illuminate global by linking up with the power of the electronic music and dance scene in Kampala, Uganda. Working with local artists, musicians and DJs, Illuminate will bring together community mobilizers and social innovators in an event that elevates and connects the stage for Uganda’s community of change-makers to tap into the global community. Illuminate NYC and Kampala will present a unique opportunity for networking and creating awareness about the importance of giving girls and women the opportunity to improve their lives through accessible healthcare, educational pursuits and their own entrepreneurial energies.
NextAid:
With a mission to improve the lives of children, youth, and women in Africa by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions, NextAid raises awareness for, and partners with, community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa. NextAid implements and promotes integrated approaches with the belief that it is the best baformula for establishing real and lasting change. Through music events and public education initiatives, NextAid provides empowering opportunities for concerned individuals to make a difference.
Solar Sister:
Solar Sister eradicates energy poverty by empowering women with economic opportunity. We combine the breakthrough potential of solar technology with an Avon style direct sales network to bring light, hope and opportunity to even the most remote communities in Africa.
YOTEL
YOTEL was created by YO! founder Simon Woodroffe and YOTEL CEO Gerard Greene. The idea was conceived by Simon after he was upgraded to first class on a flight. He decided to translate the language of luxury airline travel and Japanese capsule hotels into a small but luxurious cabin. YOTEL launched as a revolutionary hotel concept in the summer of 2007, with its first location inside London’s Gatwick South terminal. In December 2007, the brand opened its second airport location inside London’s Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, followed by its third location in the airside transit area at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam in September of 2008. Supported by IFA Hotels and Resorts, YOTEL’s CEO, Gerard Greene, leads an experienced executive team bringing together expertise from the hotel, travel and leisure industries across the private and public sectors. www.yotel.com
Nokero (short for No Kerosene) was formed in June 2010 by inventor Steve Katsaros to develop safe and environmentally-friendly solar products that eliminate the need for harmful and polluting fuels used for light and heat around the world, and most importantly, are affordable to the communities that need them.