Press Release
Embassy of the United States of America, Havana, Cuba
March 27, 2023
On March 23, Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin G. Ziff hosted the graduation ceremony for 42 participants from the 2021 and 2022 cohorts of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) provides women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and access to launch and expand successful businesses.
By advancing women’s economic opportunities and ensuring they have the skills and resources to participate fully in the economy, AWE supports the Biden administration goals of promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
At the local level, AWE harnesses the power of public-private sponsors, local partnerships, and networks of U.S. exchange program alumni to help women and their businesses grow, driving localized prosperity in communities around the world.31 of the 80 countries in which AWE operates are in Latin America – including in Cuba – and the program assists U.S. Embassies and Consulates build economic prosperity and strengthen civil society. AWE has been active in Cuba since 2021 has helped Cuban women entrepreneurs overcome challenges including monetization models, effective brand communication, and entrepreneurial sustainability.
Cuban businesswomen graduating from AWE took advantage of the graduation ceremony to exchange reflections on the training experience and shared their aspirations for the future. Charge Ziff congratulated all graduates:
“This month of March we celebrate Women’s History Month and honor those women who continue fighting for their dreams. We are very proud of the talent, commitment, courage, and strength you all have shown. Congratulations, and we wish you more success!”
