GABA MARKETPLACE CENTER Certified By the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

DETROIT, MICHIGAN—The GABA MARKETPLACE CENTER  is proud to announce national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the GREAT LAKES WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC Certification is the gold standard for women-owned business certification in the United States.

The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm that the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women and that the business has an appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place.

By including women-owned businesses among their suppliers, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier diversity programs, which in turn empower women as leaders and bring about a more diverse, balanced, and sustainable economy.

WBENC Certification combined with professional development and engagement in the WBENC network provides unsurpassed opportunities year-round, both virtually and in-person, for women-owned businesses to grow and expand their business and innovation through events, programming, and connections with major corporations and other WBEs.

About GABA MARKETPLACE CENTER

The GABA Marketplace Center is an integrated trade and distribution hub based in Metro Detroit that streamlines logistics, expands warehousing capacity, and increases market access for African and Caribbean-owned enterprises. Through bundled services like inventory management, fulfillment operations, last-mile delivery, and workforce training in logistics, we help businesses reduce overhead and accelerate growth. As a mission-driven enterprise, we are committed to building scalable infrastructure that strengthens regional trade and positions Metro Detroit as a strategic node in community-driven commerce. To learn more about the GABA MARKETPLACE CENTER, please visit www.gabamarketplacecenter.com

About WBENC:

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the nation’s leader in women’s business development and the leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, with more than 18,000 certified Women’s Business Enterprises, 14 national Regional Partner Organizations, and more than 500 Corporate Members, most of which are Fortune 500. Thousands of corporations representing America’s most prestigious brands, as well as many states, cities, and other entities, look for and accept WBENC Certification. Through the Women Owned initiative, WBENC also is a leader in supporting consumer-oriented female entrepreneurs and those who do business with them by raising awareness for why, where and how to buy Women Owned. For more information, visit www.wbenc.org and www.buywomenowned.com.

Strategic Award Supports Emerging Diaspora Leaders Navigating Economic and Educational Barriers

The $500 award supports international students in Michigan whose academic success and service reflect a deep commitment to building stronger, more equitable communities.

Detroit, Michigan - The GABA Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the O. Rerhi Onomake Community Leadership Scholarship, a $500 award created to celebrate grassroots leadership and academic excellence among students of African and Caribbean heritage. This scholarship supports international students enrolled in Michigan-based colleges who are actively engaged in strengthening their communities while pursuing degrees that position them for long-term career success. The scholarship honors O. Rerhi Onomake, Co-Founder of the Global African Business Association, whose work has long exemplified a quiet but powerful form of leadership rooted in service, equity, and transformation. This award recognizes students who embody that same spirit—those whose impact begins at the community level and radiates outward through education, discipline, and purpose-driven action.

True leadership doesn’t always begin in the spotlight,” said O. Rerhi Onomake, Co-Founder of the Global African Business Association. “It often begins with small, consistent acts of service that make people feel seen, supported, and valued. This scholarship honors that kind of leadership—the kind that builds trust, uplifts communities, and leaves a lasting legacy.

At The GABA Foundation, we believe leadership begins at the grassroots—with individuals who choose to serve first, lead with integrity, and use education as a tool for transformation. This scholarship is about more than recognition. It is an investment in the quiet architects of community change—those who are building trust, solving problems, and creating systems that uplift others. We are honored to uplift this legacy through the O. Rerhi Onomake Community Leadership Scholarship,” said Rhonna-Rose Akama-Makia, President of The GABA Foundation.

Open to international students who are currently attending a Michigan-based college and enrolled in at least 12 credits of college-level coursework toward a bachelor’s degree, the Onomake Scholarship encourages academic rigor alongside demonstrated community impact. Preference will be given to students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree from any institution and who can clearly articulate how their education and service will create long-term benefit for others.

Eligibility Criteria:  

• Must be an international student of African or Caribbean descent.
• Must be currently enrolled at a Michigan-based college with at least 12 semester credits 
• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25
• Must not hold a prior bachelor's degree from any institution.
• Must demonstrate a track record of service and academic excellence that supports career advancement.

Award Amount: $500

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

Apply at: www.thegabafoundation.org/scholarships

This scholarship expands the Foundation’s commitment to building talent pipelines rooted in lived experience, cultural pride, and excellence in practice. As part of its broader investment in workforce development and community resilience, The GABA Foundation is actively identifying and supporting emerging leaders who represent the future of service-driven innovation. Faculty, mentors, and community partners are encouraged to share this opportunity with students who exemplify courage, service, and quiet power. 

African and Caribbean Leaders to Gather at 2025 GABA Glow Dinner for Strategic Dialogue on Economic Power and Diaspora Partnership

Hosted by The GABA Foundation, the 2025 Glow Dinner will convene policymakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to explore bold strategies for economic mobility, cross-sector collaboration, and diaspora-led development.

Detroit, Michigan - The Global African Business Association (GABA) Foundation is honored to announce the 2025 GABA Glow Dinner—an evening that will bring to life our shared commitment to economic transformation, community resilience, and the advancement of African and Caribbean communities across the United States. Scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM EST at the DoubleTree Hotel in Dearborn, this convening is more than a gala—it is a strategic gathering of visionaries, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropic partners committed to shaping an inclusive and scalable economic future.

Rooted in intention and excellence, the GABA Glow Dinner will spotlight the powerful momentum behind the Foundation’s ecosystem-building efforts, including a preview of current initiatives driving measurable impact across Michigan and beyond. Attendees will receive a front-row look at the expansion of the GABA Marketplace Center—a $1 million trade and logistics hub funded by the State of Michigan that is positioning African-owned enterprises at the forefront of regional commerce and supply chain innovation.

The evening will also highlight the Foundation’s bold next chapter through GABAWorks USA, our technical assistance platform built to help businesses move from survival to scale, and GABA Community Ventures, an emerging initiative focused on real estate development, small business incubation, and long-term community wealth-building.

This is a space where ideas evolve into investment, where relationships turn into opportunity, and where legacy is both honored and actively built. Whether you are a funder focused on equity in economic development, a policymaker shaping new procurement pathways, or an entrepreneur seeking tools to grow—this event was designed with you in mind.

Guests will enjoy a refined atmosphere, curated performances, and dynamic conversations—all set against the backdrop of a movement to institutionalize African and Caribbean excellence in economic infrastructure.

Ticket Levels:

• General Admission ($50): Includes full dinner and program access
• VIP Admission ($250): Includes premium seating, enhanced dining experience, and a commemorative gift
• Table Sponsorship ($500): Includes seating for eight and brand recognition during the event

The GABA Glow Dinner will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel – Dearborn, 5801 Southfield Freeway, Detroit, MI. Tickets are available now at https://events.eventnoire.com/e/gabaglow/tickets.

As we reflect on what has been built—and boldly imagine what’s next—we invite you to step into the glow with us. This evening is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for those committed to economic justice, Black business, and the kind of collective power that leaves a legacy.

Michigan-Based Scholarship Advances African and Caribbean Excellence in High-Growth Sectors

The GABA Foundation launches the Akindele F. Akinyemi Global Achievement Scholarship to support international students pursuing careers in technology, health, and information science—sectors critical to global leadership and economic development

Detroit, Michigan - In a bold move to invest in the next generation of global leaders, The GABA Foundation has launched the Akindele F. Akinyemi Global Achievement Scholarship, a $500 award designed to recognize high-achieving international students attending Michigan-based community colleges. 

Named after Akindele F. Akinyemi, a trailblazer in Afro-Caribbean trade, logistics, and education, the scholarship reflects the values he has long championed: grassroots leadership, systems thinking, and generational impact. This scholarship also reflects his long-standing commitment to grassroots leadership, academic excellence, and global progress. It represents a strategic investment in emerging professionals whose work will advance inclusive economies and knowledge-based industries.

We do not have time to wait for permission to lead. This scholarship is about building a pipeline of African talent prepared to solve real problems, drive innovation, and compete globally. If we are serious about transforming Africa’s future, we must invest in those who understand that excellence is not optional—it is our responsibility. The GABA Foundation is not here to play small. We are here to shape systems, develop leaders, and move our people forward with precision,” said Akindele Akinyemi, Co-Founder of the Global African Business Association.

We are proud to launch a scholarship that centers academic achievement and civic vision,” said Rhonna-Rose Akama-Makia, President of The GABA Foundation. “At a time when international students face increasing challenges, this award not only provides financial support—it affirms their role as future leaders in health, information systems, and global development.

The Akindele F. Akinyemi Global Achievement Scholarship is part of The GABA Foundation’s broader mission to create pathways to opportunity for African and Caribbean communities. In prioritizing students in technical and service-oriented disciplines, the Foundation seeks to strengthen Michigan’s talent ecosystem while elevating the global capacity of African and Caribbean scholars residing in the U.S.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be an international student enrolled in a Michigan-based community college
• Must be pursuing a degree in library science, informatics, information technology, or allied health

• Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear vision for global or community impact

Award Amount: $500

Application Deadline: August 2, 2025

Apply at: www.thegabafoundation.org/scholarships

The Foundation encourages faculty, advisors, and nonprofit partners to nominate outstanding students who reflect the values of discipline, leadership, and public service. The selection committee will review applicants based on academic record, civic engagement, and the potential for sustained impact in their chosen fields.

This announcement reflects a broader strategic direction within The GABA Foundation to invest in scalable talent, expand education access, and support diasporic excellence. The scholarship advances the Foundation’s core pillars: support, opportunity, and connection.