The Initiative for Global Development Announces Inaugural Jennifer Potter Emerging Leaders Fellows

WASHINGTON - July 3, 2013 - PRLog -- The Initiative for Global Development (IGD) today announced the first recipient of the Jennifer Potter Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program, Ms. Susan Mashibe, Executive Director of VIA Aviation in Tanzania. The fellowship was announced during a panel discussion convened by IGD focused on promoting economic opportunity for women at the Bush Institute’s African First Ladies Summit. The fellowship, named to honor IGD’s founding president, will support the rise of the next generation of African business leaders, giving Fellows access to an influential network of senior executives from sector-leading companies with the interest and capacity to make strategic investments in high- need, high- potential areas of Africa.

“Ms. Mashibe exemplifies the qualities we sought for our inaugural class of Emerging Leaders Fellows,” said Ambassador Mark Green, President & CEO of IGD. “Her demonstrated commitment to economic growth and social investment as the most effective means of reducing poverty and unleashing human potential will make her a great addition to our network of Frontier Leaders and will ensure her continued success as a business leader with the capacity and determination to make a difference.”

Ms. Mashibe founded the Tanzanite Jet Centre in 2003 after becoming the first female FAA-certified commercial pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer in Tanzania. The company specializes in logistical support for business aviation in the region, and caters to Heads of State, monarchs, Fortune 500 executives and military flights. She is also Director of Kilimanjaro Aviation Logistic Center, which processes clearances for private jets throughout Africa. Ms. Mashibe has demonstrated her commitment to expanding opportunities for Africans in technical fields by promoting math and science education, particularly amongst female students in Tanzania.

After accepting the Fellowship, Ms. Mashibe stated, “I am honored to join the inaugural class of IGD’s Emerging Leaders Fellows. Businesses play a key role in both achieving and sustaining development around the world, and I am excited to join this network of influential executives.’

IGD’s Emerging Leaders Fellows will participate fully in the organization’s offerings, including two annual Frontier 100 Forums in Africa and New York where they will join influential senior executives to catalyze growth in high-potential areas of Africa through strategic investments.

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE FOR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
The Initiative for Global Development (IGD) is a 501(c)(3) organization that drives significant poverty reduction by catalyzing business growth and investment in the developing world. IGD brings together an influential Frontier Leader network of CEOs and senior executives with the interest and capacity to make strategic investments in high-need, high-potential regions.  Learn more: www.igdleaders.org

Press Contact: Katie Todd, 708.408.8408. Katie@IGDLeaders.org