Asante Africa Found. CEO Receives Jefferson Award

Erna Grasz Inspires Leaders in Africa and at Home

Oakland, Ca – Erna Grasz, founder and CEO of Asante Africa Foundation, was recently named a Jefferson Award winner in the San Francisco Bay Area for her service in developing leaders and funding education. The prestigious annual Award recognizes “Unsung Heroes” – ordinary individuals performing extraordinary deeds.

“I am deeply humbled by this honor,” said Grasz. “The real heroes are the people delivering our programs, and the kids who are seizing the opportunities we give them and leveraging them to transform their world.”

Grasz was nominated by Asante Africa Foundation volunteer Sonja Stewart for her outstanding work in East Africa as well as her impact on local and global volunteers.  Both Asante Africa Foundation’s educational programs and leadership culture revolve around empowering people to use existing talents and leadership skills to accomplish results.  Communities in Kenya and Tanzania partner with Asante Africa Foundation to achieve education access and goals for their children with sustainable solutions.  Volunteers around the globe are encouraged to assume key roles, thus building their own skills and resumes while impacting the lives of children and communities in East Africa.

“To be a part of an effort that is truly making a difference in people’s lives is very satisfying.  But to give of your time and talents to make a difference and in turn receive something of value back is a blessing.” – Sonja Stewart, Asante Africa Foundation volunteer

Grasz is a frequent speaker to corporations, professional and social organizations on topics including leadership, inspiring a shared vision and developing untapped potential.  To inquire about having her speak at your event, please contact Jalyn Fethat [email protected]

Watch Erna Grasz’s Jefferson Award feature HERE

About Erna Grasz 
Erna Grasz is the CEO and Chairman of the Board for Asante Africa Foundation. She founded the organization after returning from travels to Tanzania in 2005, saddened by the lack of basic education access and facilities. Erna believes passionately that all children deserve a chance to be educated and create their own dreams.  She began her career as an electrical engineer and grew her success in the corporate world. Her advanced degrees are in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Management. She is also a certified executive coach, authoring seminars and speeches on the topics of leadership, communication skills, and project management. Now she leads Asante Africa Foundation full time.

About Asante Africa Foundation 
Asante Africa believes in the power of knowledge as a catalyst to help young people create a future where they can live their potential. We partner with local leaders to create safe healthy learning environments, strengthen teaching quality and enhance learning, and provide scholarships and leadership training. We know that enriched minds collectively create better solutions to whatever challenges their communities face. Asante Africa Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with global headquarters in the U.S.A. (337 17th, Suite 217, Oakland, CA 94550). To learn more about Asante Africa Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit us at www.asanteafrica.org or email [email protected].

About the Jefferson Awards

The Jefferson awards were established as national awards in 1972 to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public service.  For more information on the Jefferson Awards, please visit http://www.jeffersonawards.org.

  Jefferson Award