Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association (AWEAA) Urges Women Entrepreneurs to Build with Purpose

Women entrepreneurs have been urged to build businesses anchored on vision, values, and long-term impact rather than mere profit.

This call to action was made during the Leadership Transition & Growth Forum (Executive Handover Ceremony) of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association (AWEAA), held in Lagos.

In her valedictory address, outgoing president, Mrs. Adebisi Moore, reflected on the journey of AWEAA, describing it as a “movement of women who dare to dream, build, and lead.” She noted that what began in 2023 as a modest vision to connect women graduates of the AWE programme has now evolved into a thriving ecosystem of impact-driven entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Moore highlighted that within just two years, the AWE Alumni Association had exceeded its targets by creating pathways for women-led businesses to access markets, funding, and international exposure through strategic partnerships with institutions such as the United States Government, UNDP, UN Women, SMEDAN, NEPC, JEM, LSETF, and leading financial institutions including Fidelity Bank, Providus Bank, and Optimus Bank.

She recalled how the association, in partnership with Fidelity Bank and the U.S. Consulate, facilitated members’ participation in an international trade exhibition in Houston, Texas, providing invaluable access to global markets and partnerships.

Additionally, Moore noted that several members had benefited from low-interest business financing through Optimus Bank, as well as international certifications such as FDA and HACCP via the International Trade Centre. She shared remarkable success stories of women whose businesses achieved over 150% revenue growth following AWEAA-supported training programmes and exhibitions across Kenya, Rwanda, Algeria, and the United States.

“For us, AWEAA is not just another women’s group—it is a movement,” Moore said. “What started as an idea has become a force for transformation. Our women are creating jobs, opening new markets, and proving that impact and profitability can coexist.”

In her keynote address, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, Founder of LELOOKS Nigeria Ltd, urged women to view entrepreneurship as a purpose-driven mission that must solve real problems.

Describing business as “war,” Ezenwa emphasised the importance of resilience, adaptability, and discipline, noting that her own journey, which began in 1985 after returning from Canada, was inspired by her desire to create employment opportunities for her siblings living with disabilities—not merely for financial gain.

She challenged women entrepreneurs to build legacies that would outlive them, anchored on values, integrity, and excellence, while warning against poor financial management and misplaced priorities.

“Access to finance is not the problem; mindset is,” she said. “If your values are wrong, the money will vanish. Discipline, not funding, is what sustains businesses.”

Ezenwa further underscored the need for quality assurance, customer service, teamwork, and professionalism, stressing that how entrepreneurs treat their customers often determines their longevity.

She also encouraged women to embrace innovation, practice wellness and self-care, and stay grounded amid the noise of social media.

“Our values have dropped,” she lamented. “As women, we must uphold integrity, discipline, and modesty. Excuses are just another word for failure.”

In her acceptance speech, incoming president, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering women through enterprise development and shared learning.

She explained that AWEAA brings together women who have completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme—an initiative of the White House—to collaborate, support one another, and scale their businesses.

“Our goal is to harness the wealth of knowledge within the Academy, amplify our members’ stories, and create opportunities that will drive women-led businesses forward,” Ajayi said.

She encouraged members to continue leveraging the power of community and collaboration, reminding them that every business built by a woman contributes to economic growth, job creation, and social transformation.

The event concluded with the inauguration of new AWEAA executives, who pledged to uphold the association’s vision of fostering a new generation of purpose-driven, globally competitive women entrepreneurs.

Moore highlighted that within just two years, the AWE Alumni Association had exceeded its targets by creating pathways for women-led businesses to access markets, funding, and international exposure through strategic partnerships with institutions such as the United States Government, UNDP, UN Women, SMEDAN, NEPC, JEM, LSETF, and leading financial institutions including Fidelity Bank, Providus Bank, and Optimus Bank.

She recalled how the association, in partnership with Fidelity Bank and the U.S. Consulate, facilitated members’ participation in an international trade exhibition in Houston, Texas, providing invaluable access to global markets and partnerships.

Additionally, Moore noted that several members had benefited from low-interest business financing through Optimus Bank, as well as international certifications such as FDA and HACCP via the International Trade Centre. She shared remarkable success stories of women whose businesses achieved over 150% revenue growth following AWEAA-supported training programmes and exhibitions across Kenya, Rwanda, Algeria, and the United States.

“For us, AWEAA is not just another women’s group—it is a movement,” Moore said. “What started as an idea has become a force for transformation. Our women are creating jobs, opening new markets, and proving that impact and profitability can coexist.”

In her keynote address, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, Founder of LELOOKS Nigeria Ltd, urged women to view entrepreneurship as a purpose-driven mission that must solve real problems.

Describing business as “war,” Ezenwa emphasised the importance of resilience, adaptability, and discipline, noting that her own journey, which began in 1985 after returning from Canada, was inspired by her desire to create employment opportunities for her siblings living with disabilities—not merely for financial gain.

She challenged women entrepreneurs to build legacies that would outlive them, anchored on values, integrity, and excellence, while warning against poor financial management and misplaced priorities.

“Access to finance is not the problem; mindset is,” she said. “If your values are wrong, the money will vanish. Discipline, not funding, is what sustains businesses.”

Ezenwa further underscored the need for quality assurance, customer service, teamwork, and professionalism, stressing that how entrepreneurs treat their customers often determines their longevity.

She also encouraged women to embrace innovation, practice wellness and self-care, and stay grounded amid the noise of social media.

“Our values have dropped,” she lamented. “As women, we must uphold integrity, discipline, and modesty. Excuses are just another word for failure.”

In her acceptance speech, incoming president, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to empowering women through enterprise development and shared learning.

She explained that AWEAA brings together women who have completed the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme—an initiative of the White House—to collaborate, support one another, and scale their businesses.

“Our goal is to harness the wealth of knowledge within the Academy, amplify our members’ stories, and create opportunities that will drive women-led businesses forward,” Ajayi said.

She encouraged members to continue leveraging the power of community and collaboration, reminding them that every business built by a woman contributes to economic growth, job creation, and social transformation.

The event concluded with the inauguration of new AWEAA executives, who pledged to uphold the association’s vision of fostering a new generation of purpose-driven, globally competitive women entrepreneurs.