Bonita, 41 years old, owns a newly opened cookie bakery called Sugar and Spice.
Bonita’s business is a combination of her two passions: creating desserts and the Rwandan people. The idea behind Sugar and Spice was not only to create and sell sweets, but she also to provide the means for young Rwandan girls to support themselves without having to put themselves in dangerous or compromising situations. Bonita’s passion to help other draws from her own hardships in her life.
Originally from Canada, Bonita is now a citizen of both Canada and Rwanda. In 1993, she and her husband, a Rwandan, got married. Before living in Rwanda, they lived in Ethiopia for four years.
She currently has seven part-time employees. The bakery currently produces two types of cookies: sugar and spice. In the future, Bonita plans bake and sell designer cookies and cakes for all occasions. Bonita’s business goals include training her employees with the necessary skills, building a solid client base, expand to baking and selling cakes, and to eventually open a coffee shop that specializes in baed goods.
Through her PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS training, Bonita hopes to learn more about marketing, accounting and human resources.
Ariane, 30 years old, owns EVENT.ORG, which specializes in event management, specifically wedding planning.
She started her business when she realized that she wanted to have more freedom in what she did professionally, and she wanted to do something she was passionate about. Ariane noticed that wedding-planning was often a business-profession in other countries, and after some research, Ariane decided to join the trade. Ariane has owned her business for three years, and she has four employees.
Eventually, she would like her business to become a “one-stop shop,” for her customers, providing all necessary services without using outside vendors. She also wants to create a wedding magazine and host an annual wedding exhibition.
By attending PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS, Ariane hopes to learn more about daily management, accounting, and how to recover more client payments.
‘Enterprising Women’ spotlights PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program and 2009 graduate
The latest issue of ‘Enterprising Women‘ showcases information regarding our 2011 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program, as well as an in-depth article featuring Sarah Mukandutiye, a 2009 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS graduate. Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of the publication, has been a longtime supporter of the Institute. Click here to read Monica’s Publisher’s Note and the [...]
Nonprofit leader is working to help Afghan women, girls Q: What’s happening with the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council? You and other members recently met in Washington with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other dignitaries. A: The council was sanctioned in 2002 by President George W. Bush and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. I was appointed to [...]
Awards & honors Oklahoma City businesswoman Terry Neese was recognized last week with the 2010 Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Hall of fame award. The national award honors individuals, companies, and organizations that have demonstrated exemplary leadership and support in the success of women’s business initiatives //
Betty, a 2010 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS graduate, co-owns Solidarity Academy School, a secondary private school in Rwanda. Mentored by Dr. Freda Deskin, Founder of ASTEC Charter School, Betty has been paying forward the education and training she received from our program and was kind enough to share it with us! Good morning Terry, I am [...]
Business hall of fame to honor Neese Terry Neese of Oklahoma City will be presented the 2010 Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame award on Thursday in Dallas. The national award honors individuals, companies, and organizations for leadership and support in the success of women’s business initiatives. “This is an exceptional award to bring home [...]
Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jari Askins receives Afghan gift
Lt. Governor Jari Askins accepted a hand-made, personalized soccer ball from Terry Neese, President, IEEW. Terry delivered the ball on behalf of 2007 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS graduate Taj Sirat. Taj’s company, Greenway Manufacturing produces all types of balls, employing over 250 Afghan women. Taj wished to express her gratitude to Lt. Governor Askins for her [...]
NAME: Bonita Mwunvaneza
