ASCEND STUDIOS FOUNDATION

Ascend Studio Foundation

We are a global movement with the mandate to provide capacity building, mentorship,
social, educational and economic empowerment to women and youths within Africa.

Lagos, Nigeria: Nov 2-7, 2023 | Dubai, UAE: March 5-9, 2024

Watch Highlights of our Programs

12000+ Virtual

50+ Creative Events

30+ Economic Empowerment programmes

Reaching across 26 Countries

30,000+ In Persons

50,000+ Virtual

50+ Creative Events

10 Projects in focus

30+ Economic Empowerment programs

Reaching across 26 Countries

30,000+ InPersons

50,000+ Virtual

30+ Economic Empowerment programs

About ASF

We are a global movement with the mandate to provide capacity building, mentorship, social, educational and economic empowerment to women and youths within Africa.

Mission
To identify, build and bring visibility to African women and youth by offering training and unleashing their entrepreneurial and leadership potentials.

Vision
To promote entrepreneurship, leadership and economic growth amongst women and youth in African communities.

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Our Projects

AWE

AWE is a program supporting the development of women entrepreneurs around the world. AWE’s reach extends across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and other regions where promoting women’s economic empowerment is a principal U.S policy priority

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THRIVE

The African Women in Film and TV Empowerment Program (AWIFTEP) is a program supporting the development of African women entrepreneurs within the film and TV industry. AWIFTEP’s reach extends across Africa where promoting women’s economic empowerment is a principal priority.

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CTP

The Empowerment and Security Initiative (TESI) empowers displaced women within 18-35 years in IDP camp, to become economically independent by providing vocational training in Ankara product making, and addressing the need for women to be in the forefront of influence on matters concerning security, peace, and governance.

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Our Conferences

GTA

The Global Tech Africa (GTA) is a project that brings together all critical stakeholders in Africa’s technology ecosystem to explore opportunities in the Continent’s potential to harness technology for growth and development

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ACM

Africa Creative Market is a dynamic event uniting key players in the African and global creative industry to exchange innovative ideas, offer training for African creatives, share future-proof business models, generate job opportunities, provide trade finance access, facilitate creative trade, and promote data-driven insights into creative commerce.

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SOT

The U.S. Consulate Documentary Film Festival Lagos brings award-winning contemporary American documentaries, independent narrative films, and storytelling know-how to its audiences in order to highlight the value of film in fostering understanding and cooperation.

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ASF Partners

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Media Partners

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Project Testimonials

Aderonke Adebayo CEO, Reese Fabrics located at Brasar's Mall 69 Admiralty way Lekki Lagos Nigeria.

"The AWE 2022 program delivered an amazing experience. I learned how to write a business plan, book-keeping, advertising, and staff management. In the in-person program, we learned how to network, collaborate and grow a global brand. We met members of the United States Consulate and other AWE partners. The panel session was educational and taught us a lot about giving back to society and how to pitch our brands. I appreciate the US Consulate for this great opportunity given to entrepreneurs. A huge thank you to Dr. Inya Lawal and the Ascend Studios Foundation team.."

Deborah Omotayo Yusuff Founder, Pottersville Schools ( Ajuwon, Oko-Oba, Mowe)

"For the first time since we started, I did a financial representation and analysis of my schools. Academy for Women Entrepreneurs through the Dreambuilder course was a business school for me. It touched every aspect of a business. The facilitators were knowledgeable and thorough. My business found validation. Knowing about SDGs and that our school is fostering SDGs 1,4,5 and 8 is quite fulfilling. I'm grateful to the US consulate and the AWE team."

Olabisi Akinbajo Toke Cosmetics

"My experience at the AWE training was one of a kind. The Dreambuilder course was simple and easy to follow. I learned proper record-keeping and business planning. We had thought-challenging mentors that showed us possibilities in our business. The in-person experience was superb! Key takeaways from the event are promptness in action, human impact, and global positioning. Because of AWE, my business record-keeping process has improved. We also hired a accounting consultant and has changed to a limited liability company. I am grateful to the US Consulate in Nigeria and Ascend Studios Foundation."

Juliet Obumneke Obi Founder, Kidpreneur Africa

"My selection from 16,000 applications for AWE 2022 cohort is the 1st win. The Dreambuilder platform is a Business School made easy. All the facilitators came with their A-game and each session left me better. Thanks to the AWE program, we are now members of the National Association for Kidpreneurs in Washington DC USA. We'll also be the first organization to host International Kidpreneur Day in Africa. Thank you to AWE for fueling my momentum, seeing my worth - and helping me see it. I recommend AWE to women-owned businesses who want to navigate to the top."

Dr. Oluwadamilola Akinyemi CEO of Dr. Dammie’s Lifestyle Store

"The AWE program was a thought-rinsing process for my business and me. It was my first business school experience as an entrepreneur. My financial literacy has increased, and my management skills have evolved. AWE helped me craft a clear vision for my company. Now I have strategies on how to achieve future set objectives. We had the BEST facilitators; every session was explosive! The lead program partner, Dr. Inya Lawal, and her team were great and helpful. The in-person program improved my public speaking and presentation skills. I recommend EVERY woman in business to get on the program."

Partners Testimonials

Aderonke Adebayo CEO, Reese Fabrics located at Brasar's Mall 69 Admiralty way Lekki Lagos Nigeria.

"The AWE 2022 program delivered an amazing experience. I learned how to write a business plan, book-keeping, advertising, and staff management. In the in-person program, we learned how to network, collaborate and grow a global brand. We met members of the United States Consulate and other AWE partners. The panel session was educational and taught us a lot about giving back to society and how to pitch our brands. I appreciate the US Consulate for this great opportunity given to entrepreneurs. A huge thank you to Dr. Inya Lawal and the Ascend Studios Foundation team.."

Deborah Omotayo Yusuff Founder, Pottersville Schools ( Ajuwon, Oko-Oba, Mowe)

"For the first time since we started, I did a financial representation and analysis of my schools. Academy for Women Entrepreneurs through the Dreambuilder course was a business school for me. It touched every aspect of a business. The facilitators were knowledgeable and thorough. My business found validation. Knowing about SDGs and that our school is fostering SDGs 1,4,5 and 8 is quite fulfilling. I'm grateful to the US consulate and the AWE team."

Olabisi Akinbajo Toke Cosmetics

"My experience at the AWE training was one of a kind. The Dreambuilder course was simple and easy to follow. I learned proper record-keeping and business planning. We had thought-challenging mentors that showed us possibilities in our business. The in-person experience was superb! Key takeaways from the event are promptness in action, human impact, and global positioning. Because of AWE, my business record-keeping process has improved. We also hired a accounting consultant and has changed to a limited liability company. I am grateful to the US Consulate in Nigeria and Ascend Studios Foundation."

Juliet Obumneke Obi Founder, Kidpreneur Africa

"My selection from 16,000 applications for AWE 2022 cohort is the 1st win. The Dreambuilder platform is a Business School made easy. All the facilitators came with their A-game and each session left me better. Thanks to the AWE program, we are now members of the National Association for Kidpreneurs in Washington DC USA. We'll also be the first organization to host International Kidpreneur Day in Africa. Thank you to AWE for fueling my momentum, seeing my worth - and helping me see it. I recommend AWE to women-owned businesses who want to navigate to the top."

Dr. Oluwadamilola Akinyemi CEO of Dr. Dammie’s Lifestyle Store

"The AWE program was a thought-rinsing process for my business and me. It was my first business school experience as an entrepreneur. My financial literacy has increased, and my management skills have evolved. AWE helped me craft a clear vision for my company. Now I have strategies on how to achieve future set objectives. We had the BEST facilitators; every session was explosive! The lead program partner, Dr. Inya Lawal, and her team were great and helpful. The in-person program improved my public speaking and presentation skills. I recommend EVERY woman in business to get on the program."

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