LESA USA Inc.'s General Assembly in Milwaukee. June 18, 2011.
As the symbolic gavel ushers in sparks of diverse innovations, LESA USA made the turning point, thinking outside the box for a brighter future, including trend-setting visions on paths that are not necessarily easy. Thus, the 12th LESA USA General Assembly began on a confident, high note, and a big bang of warmth embracing of all its members and guests.
Ladies of the Golden Scepter, friends, patrons and the public at large, the 12th LESA USA AGM was refined and revoluntionary in finer aspects of substantive discourse, reports and a first of its kind programming free of rancor.
Let's go down the memory lane on how the day began after the catalytic Formal Night of the Voyage: Hawaii Theme Cruise on Friday June 17, which can get on: Cruise
At 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, it was Zumba Time. Dance to the Rhythm Exercise. Some got an alert text message from Enaka. Wake and Shake, it was no dream, Ladies were experiencing the power of union, forging stronger and healthier with lots of belly laughters. Then it was one among several pictures taken at the Continental Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant after the morning excersise.
Let's go down the memory lane on how the day began after the catalytic Formal Night of the Voyage: Hawaii Theme Cruise on Friday June 17, which can get on: Cruise
At 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, it was Zumba Time. Dance to the Rhythm Exercise. Some got an alert text message from Enaka. Wake and Shake, it was no dream, Ladies were experiencing the power of union, forging stronger and healthier with lots of belly laughters. Then it was one among several pictures taken at the Continental Breakfast at the hotel's restaurant after the morning excersise.
Some Ladies came down for breakfast already dressed for the AGM Holy Mass, some headed straight from the Zumba at the gym to breakfast, then went up to get into uniform. But whatever the order of dressing, the spring was in everyone's step. To get the feel of the Holy Mass, go to: AGM Mass
You can also see the scenes at the March Past on: Branches
After the spirited display of primary colors and vibes of the LESA USA Inc.'s regional Branches during the March Past in front of the hotel, Ladies reassembled for the 12th LESA USA General Assembly. Below are some of the moments as members came in ready for substantive discourse with a way forward. Some guessed that is why the windshield is bigger than the rear mirror - look ahead, don't loose sight of the destination.
You can also see the scenes at the March Past on: Branches
After the spirited display of primary colors and vibes of the LESA USA Inc.'s regional Branches during the March Past in front of the hotel, Ladies reassembled for the 12th LESA USA General Assembly. Below are some of the moments as members came in ready for substantive discourse with a way forward. Some guessed that is why the windshield is bigger than the rear mirror - look ahead, don't loose sight of the destination.
The 12th General Assembly of LESA USA, Inc. in session.
Navti Abigail Abongwa was the Presiding Officer.
Navti Abigail Abongwa was the Presiding Officer.
A Civil and Enlightening General Assembly:
Inform and Be Informed.
Don't miss the two First of its Kind Health Session and the creative bidding from the budding and gifted Carolina Dames.
Nicoline Ambe Ndiforchu performed in accordance with early prep! Before she was elected as the National Secretary General of LESA USA, Inc, she was a volunteer on the floor. She took meticulous minutes of the AGM, which she published less than one week later, with all the attachments.
The 12th LESA USA General Assembly opened with Prayers by Irene Ashu.
Outgoing President Leonie Mpafe Samuto speaking and welcoming members as the synergic session lived up to its billing: With honesty of purpose and gravity toward common goal to serve Our Lady of Lourdes, the friendships and goodwill were unmistakably present.
Below are some visual reflections of the process and dynamics, but no substitute for the real experience, Live! from Milwaukee.
Below are some visual reflections of the process and dynamics, but no substitute for the real experience, Live! from Milwaukee.
Above: The Star Value Presence of Mommy Lu is Nationalized. Below: Some of the arriving scenes.
LESA USA welcomed fellow LESAN sisters around the world. For examples: On the left is Nsai from Europe (Germany) and in the middle is LESA Canada's President Zippi. Openness punctuated the process.
Below, the pictures capture the infectious camaraderie. All were infected - causing an enthusiastic fever and friendship with belly laughs. Some were first time "convention comers" who marveled at the sheer bonding of sisters. They plan to be back next year with the friendship fever fervor.
Below, the pictures capture the infectious camaraderie. All were infected - causing an enthusiastic fever and friendship with belly laughs. Some were first time "convention comers" who marveled at the sheer bonding of sisters. They plan to be back next year with the friendship fever fervor.
Monitoring email responses.
MsJoe (left) and Jackie Jua (middle) viewing earlier Friday pictures. Siting on the right is Sis. Geraldine Tumenta. Wait until you see her on the Makossa floor - like a pro!
Later, MsJoe used the lap top to monitor overwhelming responses from LESANs around the globe and other well wishers congratulating LESA USA, Inc. on its on-going 12th Annual Convention.
Later, MsJoe used the lap top to monitor overwhelming responses from LESANs around the globe and other well wishers congratulating LESA USA, Inc. on its on-going 12th Annual Convention.
Flashback: There you go.....exactly one week to the AGM. On June 10, 2011 in Maryland, Sis Geraldine in motion at the LESA DC Awesome sponsored African Community Public Private Partnership. This is the sort of Spirit of Life that LESANs exported from their Branches to Milwaukee.
Ladies were networking, catching up with old pals, making new friends.
Yep, do not joke with Small No Bi Sick - LESA Midwest spared nothing in the department of details, dotting all Is and crossing all Ts even to refreshments. Just to add, there were mouth watering fish rolls, chicken from a seasoned, indigenous, homeland kitchen.
Below, outgoing National President of LESA USA, Inc. Leonie Mpafe Samuto on the microphone giving the " State of the LESA USA Union" address, including the commendation of the competent slate of candidates, which ensures the continuation of the core mission and philosophical underpinning of LESA USA, Inc.
Power Point of the Facts and Analysis from Leonie and Jane Francis Anchang-Okebugwu on the historical perspectives.
The State of LESA USA,Inc is Strong.
Leonie gave a chronological account of developments in the last one year, which included challenges and critical managerial decisions to ensure the legal operations, continuity and fiduciary responsibility of LESA USA. Inc. as a charitable, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization in the US.
She also provided information on the LESA USA scholarship program and the financial awards to 95 students of Our Lady of Lourdes in March 2011. The award was announced on CRTV's Hello Program. The achievment received overwhelming appreciation from students, parents and the public. Leonie also explained feedback and recommendations on new ways to award scholarship to students.
For the names of award recipients in 2011, go to: LESA USA Scholarship
The outgoing National President spoke about the Golden Jubilee of Our Lady of Lourdes College with need for engaged participation from LESA USA. At the end of her presentation on historical perspectives, Leonie received a thunderous, standing ovation.
She also provided information on the LESA USA scholarship program and the financial awards to 95 students of Our Lady of Lourdes in March 2011. The award was announced on CRTV's Hello Program. The achievment received overwhelming appreciation from students, parents and the public. Leonie also explained feedback and recommendations on new ways to award scholarship to students.
For the names of award recipients in 2011, go to: LESA USA Scholarship
The outgoing National President spoke about the Golden Jubilee of Our Lady of Lourdes College with need for engaged participation from LESA USA. At the end of her presentation on historical perspectives, Leonie received a thunderous, standing ovation.
The LESA Water Project: Mission Accomplished, Reports Available.
Jane Frances Anchang Okebugwu gave a presentation on the time-line of LESA USA, Inc. from inception to current date.
She articulated a definitive account of the LESA USA Water Project to roaring applause. As common sense bears out, infrastructures need on-going maintenance and other administrative oversight, including unforeseen contingencies. Overtime, depreciations of fixed assets are incidental in proper accounting.
If you missed the LESA USA Water Project video, you can play it from here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOhcdneNoKA
Below, the picture beams one of the standing ovations in acknowledgement of due diligent stewardship and the quality of presentations.
She articulated a definitive account of the LESA USA Water Project to roaring applause. As common sense bears out, infrastructures need on-going maintenance and other administrative oversight, including unforeseen contingencies. Overtime, depreciations of fixed assets are incidental in proper accounting.
If you missed the LESA USA Water Project video, you can play it from here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOhcdneNoKA
Below, the picture beams one of the standing ovations in acknowledgement of due diligent stewardship and the quality of presentations.
Financial Report.
Pat Mbunwe (standing left above and right below), the outgoing National Treasurer took the General Assembly through an itemized, multi-year financial statement. Copies are available and this announcement was made, including how to access LESA USA Inc's financial documents and other information required by law through the LESA USA web site. The orderly and attentive audience gave Pat a resounding applause for a job well done! including a hug, among many, from Imagard the Poet (left below).
Above, participants following the presentations with keen interests and questions. Lillian, the Georgian Peach of the Incredible Mention is pitching ideas on the floor.
Next, the Health Session on Cancer Awareness Among African Women.
Next, the Health Session on Cancer Awareness Among African Women.
Above is the Purple Ribbon for General Cancer Awareness.
The first of its kind in the anals of LESA anywhere, an International and multi-disciplinary Panel on Cancer Awareness Among African Women added enriching dimensions to the substantive AGM in progress. The Health Session was facilitated by Enaka Yembe - a physician and the then soon-to-be-elected National President of LESA USA, Inc. This health literacy was eye-opening in terms of medically sound information and risk perceptions, including sugar, birth control pills that are co-factors.
Below, Breast Cancer Survivor Juliet Agugwa with the Courage to Dare.
Taking the message to fellow African women was the motivation.
Yes, Cancer can be beaten.
Juliet focused on education, early detection, medical resources, and network support, that should be available to African women, especially new immigrants. If you missed the empathetic story of how Juliet became involved, you can click on the video below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weQzXtmMyWU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weQzXtmMyWU
Dr. Sandra Underwood, Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The LESA USA General Assembly participants benefited from Dr. Underwood's hands-on, cutting edge engagement on cancer education, cancer prevention, early detection and cancer risk management that target at-risk and underserved populations, which include communities beyond the contiguous United States, with funding. Dr. Underwood has served on the board of the American Cancer Society, and the UWM Center on Race and Ethnicity.
Above The Ribbon for Ovarian Cancer Awareness.
LESA USA puts premium of self-less services and partnerships.
Appreciation Award to Guest Panelists.
Juliet Agugwa recieving an Award from the then National President of LESA USA - Leonie Mpafe Samuto.
Riveting.
Above: A visibly moved Juliet recieving a standing recogntion from the General Assembly. She was traveling to Nigeria the next day and had just lost a friend and associate to breast cancer. Below: Dr. Underwood recieving the LESA USA appreciation Award from Leonie Mpafe Samuto.
Pause. The light blue awareness ribbon for prostrate cancer awareness is wrapped around a flickering white candle. Keep the courage alive to save lives.
Based on published research, there are new studies on Pumpkin with a focus on the effects of pumpkin seed on benign prostatic hyperplasia, a disorder that most men will suffer given a long enough lifespan when prostate begins to enlarge and prostrate cancer itself. You can follow up for information with a search engine. Fore examples, here are two links in 2011.
July
http://www.prostate8.com/great-things-about-pumpkin-seed-within-prostate-cancer.html
February
http://www.livestrong.com/article/358475-pumpkin-seeds-prostate-cancer/#ixzz1RERqbTaI
July
http://www.prostate8.com/great-things-about-pumpkin-seed-within-prostate-cancer.html
February
http://www.livestrong.com/article/358475-pumpkin-seeds-prostate-cancer/#ixzz1RERqbTaI
LESA USA in-house talent: Nicoline Ambe Ndiforchu.
As an educator, author and public speaker, Nicoline shared her expertise and stressed on the essence of proper nutrition, which is part of a continuum of care and a vital aspect on health literacy and risk perception. Nicoline was soon-to-elected National Organizing Secretary of LESA USA, Inc.
Above: The Ribbon for Leukemia Cancer Awareness.
In-house talent: Yvonne Fondufe Mittendorf, Ph.D., Professor of Cellular & Molecular Biochemistry.
Eunice's presentation dwelt on the clinical aspects of Cancer.
Above: The Ribbon for Brain Cancer Awareness.
In-house talent: Eileen Bongadu Foncham, Pharmacist.
Eileen gave a methodical account on the various drugs for cancer treatment and particular effects.
In-house talent: Bern Fobi Udo, Registered Nurse.
Seen here in glasses (above), Bern took to the General Assemby on women-to-woman care on education and prevention.
As a hands-on health practitioner, Bern has seen both sides of cancer as a professional care giver and a member of the indigenous African community with a rising cancer morbidity, especially breast cancer, and its mortality rate among African women.
Question and Answer Segment on the Health Literacy Session.
Dr. Frida "Dims" Domatob Fokum opened with acknowledgement of the brilliance of it all and noted the wealth of professional assets among members of LESA USA.
Dr. Frida "Dims" Domatob Fokum opened with acknowledgement of the brilliance of it all and noted the wealth of professional assets among members of LESA USA.
Evident by few snap shots among many below, the insighful question and answer session with the health panelists got rave reviews.
Branch Reports.
Democratic in its vision, LESA USA, Inc. maintains a fairly decentralized system of governance, which allows endogenous, grassroots empowerment of local Branches. Each Branch adheres to the core National mission and goals that are aligned with serving students in Lourdes as an alma mater. However, each Branch may adapt to unique and innovative circumstances, including local laws, that pertain and opportunities that arise in the geographical jurisdiction.
Verkia Fusi opened from the Host Chapter - LESA Midwest that had stunned everyone with a hitch-free convention. Waow, it can best be described with superlatives reserved for saviore-faire; the know-how comes with expert care for notches up.
LESA Carolinas was all hearts and hats off, the newest Branch in major league. See Miranda Sendze Ngwa below.
LESA Carolinas was all hearts and hats off, the newest Branch in major league. See Miranda Sendze Ngwa below.
It seems the cheers could blow off Mira's headtie. Lord is Merciful! as you can see from her contagious smile. She is in control of her head. lol.
Without a scintilla of second guessing, the Hotlanta Babes are nothing if not revolutionaries that can take the wind out of storms and obstacles. Never straying from the common core mission of LESA USA, Ma Christie Aganifor of LESA Georgia gave an account than affirms the room for local LESA USA Branches to create and innovate while in lockstep with the National spirit.
Hold on, you would have thought Ma Christie was making a declaration of Georgian Independence for the South until she metaphorically threw down the pledge: LESA USA, Inc! The Union Goes on.
Mathilda Fienkeng (above left) generously shared the groundsbreaking, winning formula with an Awesome provide Exhibit A in taking unique opportunities that arise to advance collaborative local programs and, by implication, the mission and presence of LESA USA. Adeline Ekaney (middle), a fellow Awesomer and over 90% of DC LESANs were present: Self governance and self initiative at its finest on June 10, 2010.Thinking beyond a fixed Box, LESA USA went International - courtesy, the Awesome Act. June 10, 2011.
Mathilda Fienkeng is every inch poised for the new territories outside the box. Here she is on June 10, 2011 with Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker 111, on the occassion of LESA DC sponsored African Community Public-Private Partnership of Essence, with special focus on Global Education.
Click: Partnership.
Click: Partnership.
We are back with the multitasking Nicoline Ambe Ndiforchu who just won the election as the National Secretary General of LESA USA, Inc and she was also a health panelist. Wearing another hat, she delivered the LESA California Report.
If you doubt LESA USA cradles diversity of thoughts and pace, listen to Solange Baumann of Minnesota. The Ladies from " The North Star State" are fluent with unruffled feathers, taking it easy as So proclaimed - and just progressing. That accounts for the desirable staying power. Bravo LESA Minnesota.
LESA Carolinas raised the Roof!
Here comes Judith Fang of LESA Carolinas who raised the tempo of excitement by the minute and expertly passed the baton to teammate Gwen Enow Tanyi.
If you are ready, you are in for....just click the pictures: CarolinasTouchDown
And here is the chart topping novelty awaiting you: Roadmaptocharlotte
And here is the chart topping novelty awaiting you: Roadmaptocharlotte
To Charlotte 2012, fortifying to 2013, the Golden Jubilee.
A Turning Point Realized with the Ways and Means For Forward Ever. What an outstanding AGM in substance and style.
Yes, the wisecracks and laughter soothe the soul; civility with poignancy freshen the atmosphere; openness and trust enabled substantive discussion; the solidarity for cause amplified the courage to chart courses with faith and courage, and applying lessons learnt with best practicies.
The metaphor: Turning Point AGM actualized.
Yes, the wisecracks and laughter soothe the soul; civility with poignancy freshen the atmosphere; openness and trust enabled substantive discussion; the solidarity for cause amplified the courage to chart courses with faith and courage, and applying lessons learnt with best practicies.
The metaphor: Turning Point AGM actualized.
Serenity and Equality, the Essence Reclaimed in a spiritual and enobling manifestation of sisterhood in words and deeds.
Mathilda Bessong, the deliverer of Pearl of Wisdom, reflected the amazing grace of peace and progress that characterized the 12th General Assembly of LESA USA. The holistic balance of the physical, mental and spiritual health was amplified.
Two weeks after the soaring elements of LESA USA at its finest hour at the AGM, on June 30, 2011, Mathilda sounded the Ladies of the Golden Scepter Negative-free Sisterhood Alert:
" Ladies of the Golden Scepter, I salute you all!! I cannot let one more day go by without acknowledging the Divine manifestation of SISTERHOOD in this family!!! When I say God Is Faithful, I truly mean --------an AMEN please!! It has only been what- two weeks since the convention, since the renewal of hope, and the Spirit Is Moving!! Like my little sister Lillian puts it, "please do not cage the Holy Spirit"! I love it!! This is Matilda Besong, just chiming in to say: You all are living life beautifully indeed!!!!!!!!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!!!!!!"
Two weeks after the soaring elements of LESA USA at its finest hour at the AGM, on June 30, 2011, Mathilda sounded the Ladies of the Golden Scepter Negative-free Sisterhood Alert:
" Ladies of the Golden Scepter, I salute you all!! I cannot let one more day go by without acknowledging the Divine manifestation of SISTERHOOD in this family!!! When I say God Is Faithful, I truly mean --------an AMEN please!! It has only been what- two weeks since the convention, since the renewal of hope, and the Spirit Is Moving!! Like my little sister Lillian puts it, "please do not cage the Holy Spirit"! I love it!! This is Matilda Besong, just chiming in to say: You all are living life beautifully indeed!!!!!!!!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!!!!!!!"
The Path To Excellence: The Premiere Alumni Association serving Our Lady of Lourdes College, Cameroon and the Girl Child in general.
The Door of LESA USA is always open for diverse ideas and membership to any ex-student of Our Lady of Lourdes College residing in the United States. You can register with an existing LESA USA Branch nearest to your residence or you can be a Special Lady and register with the National.
Yes, it was not forgotten; the Turning Point AGM cannot be complete without the 2011 National Election, which deserves its own page. It came before the Branch Reports. Click on SET
Long Live LESA USA, Inc; Long Live LESA USA, Inc's Local Branches.
Thank you. Explore the rest of the pages on this website.
Yes, it was not forgotten; the Turning Point AGM cannot be complete without the 2011 National Election, which deserves its own page. It came before the Branch Reports. Click on SET
Long Live LESA USA, Inc; Long Live LESA USA, Inc's Local Branches.
Thank you. Explore the rest of the pages on this website.