African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) Set to Host Empowering Event on October 14th

The African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA), a dedicated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is thrilled to announce the 12th Annual Ladies First Brunch, scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST. This empowering event will be hosted at the exquisite Martin’s Crosswinds, located at 7400 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt, MD 20770.

The Ladies First Brunch is a cornerstone event in AWCAA’s annual calendar, and this year promises to be exceptional. The gathering will feature an array of inspirational speakers, survivor testimonies, a captivating Africouture fashion show, an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet, informative doctor-led panels, and a bustling marketplace promoting health education vendors, women-owned businesses, and survivor-owned enterprises.

Founded in 2004 by a coalition of African immigrant women health professionals, AWCAA’s mission is to address disparities in awareness, prevention, and access to healthcare for African immigrant and descent communities facing cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Over the years, the organization has expanded to include healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and concerned individuals dedicated to eliminating these disparities within the Washington metropolitan area, the continent of Africa, and beyond.

The event’s dynamic agenda includes:

• 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Introduction of Host
  • Hosted by Jummy Olabanji, a prominent figure from NBC4, who will warmly welcome participants.

• 10:20 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Remarks
  • Snit Tewoldemedhin, the 2023 Ladies First Ambassador and Miss Africa USA, will deliver a heartfelt welcome address.

• 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM: Men Against Breast Cancer: Panel Discussion
  • A doctor-led panel featuring three men sharing their personalized experiences of dealing with breast cancer through the women they love. This panel will address how to support women from diagnosis to survivorship.

• 10:50 AM – 11:00 AM: Special Performance from Anna Mwalagho
  • An engaging and entertaining performance by the internationally acclaimed comedian and spoken word artist, Anna Mwalagho.

• 11:00 AM – 11:25 AM: Giveaway & Vendor Shopping
  • Attendees will have the opportunity to dance, dine, and explore the Ladies First marketplace, featuring health education vendors and women-owned businesses.

• 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM: Keynote Speaker
  • Dr. Olutayo Sogunro, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland and Breast Surgical Oncologist, will discuss the importance of early screenings and clinical trials.

• 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Special Performance from Diazporic
  • A captivating performance by the University of Maryland’s Premier African Dance Team, Diazporic.

• 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Survivor Fashion Show
  • An Africouture fashion show featuring brave and beautiful survivor models sharing their stories of triumph and unity on the runway. Led by the Miss Africa USA team and Joy Kingsley Models.

• 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM: Survivor Story
  • A moving testimony from 24-year-old Kayla Medley, who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and recently underwent a mastectomy.
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Giveaways + Vendor Shopping

The event concludes with a chance for attendees to win exciting giveaways and continue exploring the diverse offerings in the marketplace.

This event promises to be an empowering and educational experience, uniting communities and advocating for change in the fight against cancer. AWCAA encourages individuals and organizations interested in their services and initiatives to connect with the organization and explore partnership opportunities.

Tickets are on sale now at ladiesfirst12.eventbrite.com

Media Contact: Ify Ifebi

Email: ladiesfirst@awcaa.org