Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsa Juko-McDowell.
Elsa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I joined the East Africa Chamber of Commerce without really knowing what I was getting into. I attended one meeting in 2013, and immediately knew that it was something to which I wanted to commit. Because of my ambition, after a few meetings, the executive board unanimously elected me to be treasurer. I appreciated what the chamber stood for, and I wanted to give back to the East African community in the most productive ways. When I joined this strong team, it was nearly an all-male Kenyan group. I knew that as a Ugandan woman, I would add an alternative perspective, but I also knew that I wanted to see and hear the perspectives of others. I hoped that other East Africans, Americans, and women, especially, would soon join to advance the dreams of the founders. Ultimately, I wanted more diversity because women, men, East Africans, and Americans, bring more growth to the community here in DFW, the United States, and abroad than just one group. With the support of a diligent and productive board, I was unanimously elected chairwoman the next year. This was an honor because I was the first female chairperson the board had ever elected.
As a driven and independent woman, I desired a more challenging role within the executive board, and this was my opportunity to aid in broadening the scope of who gets involved and how we can reach a common goal together. The East Africa Chamber of Commerce adds value because of the connection it brings to our partners, to our members, and to individuals in the workforce. We have recently engaged millennials who are looking to be entrepreneurs through local universities. So the chamber is not about themselves, it is about the community. And as the chairwoman, I want to ensure that the community has a resource for those who want to take charge.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has certainly been a challenge. Anytime you have change, there is a challenge. As a woman, especially as the first chairwoman, the challenge is in people accepting you as a leader. The resistance did not only come from men but women as well. After proving my capabilities, there are now many more on board with me in leadership. When I first started, my goal was to get the community to work together and to add diversity–we had to be in alignment as a group in order to gain more exposure to expand the opportunities that are available.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about East Africa Chamber of Commerce – what should we know?
The EACC offers trade, investment, and networking opportunities throughout the year between the United States and the East African region. The executive board is a group of very dedicated and diverse leaders who have the goal of creating a strong and vibrant community in the U.S. and abroad. In the last year, these board members and I have produced a comprehensive strategic plan that shows where the organization is going and how it will get there, as well as what measures are necessary for all of the EAC region. We have a vision to increase diversity and inclusion throughout the chamber and plan to move toward those goals with our partners to further impact members of the EACC community. Through business involvement and partnerships in several cities, we now have the opportunity to collaborate and expand with several organizations within those cities. The most important component of these partnerships is knowing how to advocate on behalf of the members, and this is what we would like to make a focal point going forward.
I am most proud of the strides we have made and the growth we have gained in the last few years. Our recent conference was a major success and is a testament to that growth–we have more partnerships than ever, more female members, more female representation on the executive board, and with some exception, we have a broad representation of the East African region and the United States on the executive team. I think this is essentially what sets us apart from others.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Benson Kasue: one of the founders of the EACC. He has guided me through focusing on the goals they set when he started this organization. Bill Morgan: the vice chair of the EACC and the American representative on the executive team. Bill is like my right hand–very essential. Beth Plumlee: board advisor, who advocated for me when the elections began for another chairperson. She pushed for female representation. Connie Bryant: board advisor, who also advocated for me as a woman. She always reminded me of the goal.
Pricing:
- Individual or Consultant Membership–$50/yr
- Small Business Membership (50 or less employees)–$150/yr
- Midsize Business Membership (50-200 employees)–$500/yr
- Large Business Membership (201-1000 employees)–$1000/yr
- Very Large Business Membership (>1000 employees)–$1500/yr
Contact Info:
- Address: 15950 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75248 - Website: www.eachamber.org
- Phone:855-462-3222
- Email:info@eachamber.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eachamber/
- Twitter: @eachamber
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