The Impact Award is an annual event that takes place on the eve of the Grand African Run. The award ceremony is organized to celebrate the achievements (and encourage the good works of) Americans and Africans who are contributing to the people of African origin here in the USA and to the people in the continent of Africa. It is organized by Nova Connections (a 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization – the organizer of the Grand African Run). Every year three awardees from the areas of sport (1), art (1), and job creation (1) will be awarded. It was created by Gashaw Abeza (PhD), he is an Assistant Professor at Towson University, Maryland and he is a director of the Grand African Run. Gashaw provides sports business consultancy services to a range of organizations around the world. He has co-authored several books related to sport business, marketing, sponsorship, and social media in sport. Recently, he signed an agreement with the Ethiopian Premier League clubs to advance their structure, financial issues, and human resources. 

This year awardees are:

Athlete Tirunesh Dibaba in recognition of her global impact through her athletic accomplishments, continued involvement in sport, and inspiring young girls and boys around the world. – A statement of Mayor of DC & County Executive of Montgomery, Maryland – Be it hereby known to all that sincerest congratulations are offered to Athlete Tirunesh Dibaba in recognition of the global impact of your athletic accomplishments, as multiple Olympic Gold medalist, your continued involvement in sport and inspiration to young girls and boys around the world Presented on this 15th day of October 2021.

Singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur Akon (Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam) in recognition of his global impact of using music to promote peace, culture and development, and the commendable philanthropic work that serves as a positive role model for the African youth. – A statement of Mayor of DC & County Executive of Montgomery, Maryland – Be it hereby known to all that sincerest congratulations are offered to singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur Akon (Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam) in recognition of the global impact of using music to promote peace, culture and development, and the commendable philanthropic work that serves as a positive role model for the global African youth.  

Bereket Woldu in recognition of his contribution to Africans in the United States of America through community services, job creation and being an inspiration to families in the DMV area. A statement of Mayor of DC & County Executive of Montgomery, Maryland – Be it hereby known to all that sincerest congratulations are offered to Bereket Woldu in recognition of your contribution to Ethiopians in United States of America through community services, job creation and being an inspiration to families in the DMV area

Dignitaries in attendance were: 

Rozina Negusei

Hannah Joy

Gashaw Abeza

H.E. Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze

Ambassador of the African Union to the United States of America

Washington, DC 

H.E. Ambassador Fitsum Arega

Special Envoy, Ambassador Extra Ordinary and Plenipotentiary 

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United States of America

H.E. Marc Elrich,

Montgomery County

County Executive

Aly B. Kaba, CPM | Executive Director

DC Mayor’s Office on African affairs | Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser

Government of the District of Columbia

Derartu Tulu (past winner of the award)

Brehane Adere – Vice President of Ethiopian Olympic Committee

Sileshi Sihin – Multiple Olympic Medalist

Genezebe Dibaba – Olympic Medalist

Million Wolde – Olympic Medalist

Kutre Dulecha – Multiple times world champion, and many other guests with same or equal caliber.