Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Joins Delegation to Rwanda for Mentorship, Empowerment

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Feb. 23, 2016 - PRLog -- “I am thrilled to be a part of this delegation with Dr. Terry Neese. Having been raised in India, I understand the challenges women entrepreneurs face in developing countries. The women in Rwanda are change agents helping build a better future for their children, communities and their country. We have a tremendous responsibility and the opportunity to support, inspire and influence emerging women business owners,” said Sonu Ratra, Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Women of Influence Winner, 2010.

Ms. Ratra is joined by 14 other delegates, including Founder and CEO of IEEW, Terry Neese. The Peace through Business program conducts 10-week, in-country educational programs in Rwanda during March and April. Fifteen graduates of the program attend a leadership development program in the United States, and are matched for a week of mentorship with US Business owners. The program culminates with an International Women’s Economic Summit and Graduation on July 16.

Since IEEW was founded in 2006, over 500 women in target nations have graduated from the program and report 80 percent are still operating businesses.

Ms. Ratra has hosted and mentored women in the Peace through Business program since 2009.

About IEEW:

IEEW celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary  in 2016 and is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity dedicated to the economic empowerment of women through education, coaching, and mentorship. IEEW works collaboratively with educational institutions as well as government and private industry to execute their mission.

About Akraya:

Akraya, Inc. is an American multinational IT staffing and managed services firm headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Akraya specializes in contingent staffing, permanent placement, managed services and managed projects in the areas of IT, Engineering, Creative and Marketing.The company’s client base consists of Fortune 500 enterprises and technology start-ups. Akraya is a certified woman-owned business enterprise and minority business enterprise. The company has won many national and local awards including being named to San Francisco Business Times' Best Places to Work 2014 by the San Francisco Business Times, 2013's and Best Staffing Firm to Work For/ Temp For by Staffing Industry Analysts.