Princeton in Africa News | May 2024

Princeton in Africa Turns 25!

You read it correctly - Princeton in Africa is celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year and we are beyond delighted to share in this momentous occasion with each of you. What started in 1999 with just two young women working in a refugee camp in Rwanda has since blossomed into one of the premier programs for young people to engage in a post-grad, professional development fellowship on the African continent. Since our inception, we have placed over 700 fellows with over 100 host organizations in 37 different countries.   

Watch the video below to hear a 25th Anniversary message from our Executive Director, Damilola Akinyele Wolfgarten!

As we honor the work that has been accomplished over the past 25-years and all those who have committed to our mission, we know that this is really just the beginning. We hope that you will join us in NYC on April 23rd, 2025 for our 25th Anniversary gala. Stay tuned for more info on what is sure to be an amazing event!

Support our Work:

Princeton in Africa’s upcoming fellowship year received the highest number of applications in our organization’s history (a 25% increase from our previous year!). To us, this demonstrates both the efficacy of our program and the passion of young leaders to serve in Africa. 

While still in the final placement stages, we anticipate sending PiAf Fellows to 10 African countries this fall to collaborate and drive change with our host organizations. Support our trailblazing efforts by clicking below!

Fellows Update:

This time of year is often bittersweet for the staff at PiAf as current Fellows head into the final months with their host organizations and new Fellows are being selected for the upcoming year. We hope you enjoy this amazing video featuring reflections from our current Fellows on their incredible experience with PiAf.

Washington DC Impact Dinner:

In late-April, we kicked off our first of a series of ‘Impact Dinners’ to honor and celebrate PiAf’s milestone 25th Anniversary. The event was held at the home of PiAf alum, Nida Parks and her husband, Rob, who kindly opened their doors to approximately 37 individuals. While guests came from a variety of backgrounds, all shared an active interest in the advancement of African affairs.  

In addition to an incredible assortment of traditional Ghanaian food, participants heard from PiAf Board and staff about the exciting initiatives that are currently underway. Topping off the evening was a reading and reflection from featured guest, DK Nnuro, author of the recently published novel, What Napoleon Could Not Do, which has received recognition and praise from both President Obama and Oprah. Each participant left with an autographed copy of the book thanks to an anonymous donor.

Reflecting on the evolution of the organization and impressive alumni that have come through the program, PiAf co-founder, Rev. Frank C. Strasburger had this to say: “At this stage in the life of Princeton in Africa, it’s a real thrill for me to see the leadership so many of our alumni are exercising, both in this country and all over the African continent. That was especially true as everyone at the event shared what they were doing and credited PiAf for helping form the impressive people they have become.” 

Staffing Update:

In March of 2024, Princeton in Africa welcomed Tim Cummings as the organization's new Development Director. A seasoned non-profit professional, Tim has spent his entire career working to uplift at-risk and marginalized populations, both domestically and internationally. 

“I’m beyond grateful to join the amazing and talented team at PiAf and help further support the organization’s incredible impact,” states Tim. “Of course, I also recognize the unique timing of my arrival as PiAf celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. It’s such a privilege to honor all of the incredible individuals who have contributed to this amazing organization over the past 25 years!"

Social Media Update:

Over the course of the next 12-months, we will be highlighting the many amazing voices that make up the PiAf community. Please help us increase our reach by liking, commenting, or reposting our content. Here is an example of a recent post featuring current Fellow, Idongesit Ikpang.

Want to share your voice and add to the collection of amazing individuals in the PiAf community? Please reach out to Tim Cummings, Development Director, at: tcummings@princetoninafrica.org.