Fulbright Teacher Exchange alum Roxie Hentz of Wisconsin researched entrepreneurship education in South Africa and subsequently launched her own nonprofit organization, CEOs of Tomorrow, to teach students social entrepreneurship and community leadership skills. Recently, Roxie added a travel component to the programs CEOs of Tomorrow offers and traveled to The Gambia with a group of students. Roxie and the students met with U.S. Ambassador Sharon Cromer, who welcomed them to her residence, shared her personal and professional journey, provided advice, and answered students’ questions. In addition to liaising with the U.S. Embassy, Roxie and her students worked with local Gambian schools and businesses to pitch business concepts and reflect on what they had learned. The students were particularly inspired by Ambassador Cromer because of her high-ranking leadership as an African American woman; she is among the just 2.3% of African American women to serve as U.S. Ambassador throughout history. The Ambassador has agreed to continue her support for future student participants by meeting with Roxie virtually to provide insight, feedback, and networking connections.
Roxie Hentz is an alum of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program 2010 – 2011, United States to South Africa.