Applause Africa held a gala last month at CUNY’s Macaulay Honors College in New York to celebrate its 10th anniversary. While the gala was a celebration of the achievements made by Applause Africa over the past decade, it also honored people who are making a significant difference for Africans and the African continent. These are individuals who were selected for continuously setting the pace and raising the standards in business and the community.
The list of honorees included Arik Air, which received the Company of the Year Award. The wholly-owned Nigerian company is the fastest-growing airline that serves the African domestic and international markets. In a keynote address she made before accepting the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Ella Gorgla said that it was important for aspiring entrepreneurs to quickly move from concept to execution. Ella is the founder of I-Ella.com.
The Community Service Award went to African Services Committee for the work it does in providing health, housing, legal and social services to African immigrants in America. Saran Kaba Jones, the founder of Face Africa, received the Person of the Year 
award. In her acceptance speech, Saran said she would continue working hard to improve the social condition in Liberia and encouraged everyone present to contribute to the development of the African continent.
Yetunde Odugbesan (left) made a speech on behalf of the 30 Most Intriguing Africans in New York and emphasized the importance to the African community working together.
In closing remarks, Adebowale Folorunsho and Mike Ikotun, the founders of Applause Africa, highlighted the need for Africans to work together in starting businesses and projects that positively transform the community. Applause Africa was established in the USA in 2000 with the goal of celebrating exceptional people of African decent around the globe. The magazine features African individuals taking the lead in showcasing culture.
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