Small Town News

Surber mentors Rwanda woman

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Sedona resident and business owner Bobbie Surber is preparing to host a female entrepreneur from Rwanda this June as part of the 2010 Peace Through Business program.

Surber, project manager at a construction company that specializes in commercial and restaurant development, will mentor Chantal Zirimwabagabo, owner of a restaurant in Kigali, Rwanda, from Saturday, June 12, to Friday, June 18.

Surber will teach Zirimwabagabo best business practices, as well as how she balances her work and home life. She said she is proud to be a part of the program and to help Zirimwabagabo expand her business, according to a press release.

"It is a world citizen's duty to promote peace, and as an entrepreneur, I always invite the opportunity to help my fellow entrepreneur cultivate economic expansion -- whether it's in the United States or in Rwanda," Surber stated. "There's something that we all can do, big or small."

Peace Through Business provides long-term business education to women entrepreneurs in Afghanistan and Rwanda. Since the program's inception in 2007, more than 150 women have been directly educated worldwide.

Serial entrepreneur Terry Neese founded the program through the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, a 501(c)(3). She describes mentorship as one of the most vital aspects of the program.

"It's women like Bobbie who has opened her heart and her home that make Peace Through Business a success," Neese stated. "We are creating a global sisterhood -- a network of support for women entrepreneurs around the world."

Zirimwabagabo said knowledge she gains through the experience will help her as she prepares to expand her business.

"I hope to become more aware of challenges restaurant businesses in America face, and how to overcome those obstacles," she stated.



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© 2011 Sedona Red Rock News Sedona, Arizona. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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