Keynote Speaker

Amini Kajunju
Amini Kajunju has been Executive Director of the Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO) since July 2002. Ms. Kajunju first joined WIBO in August 2001 as Associate Executive Director. In that role, Ms. Kajunju developed strategic and fund-raising plans while working with the staff and board on curriculum development and marketing strategies for WIBO.

As Executive Director, Ms. Kajunju has heightened the profile of one of the oldest, comprehensive, and highly-respected entrepreneurial programs in the nation. With over 100 business owners as volunteers conducting 288 sessions, Ms. Kajunju and her team train, educate and inspire 500 enrollees of the workshop per year.

WIBO™s flagship 16-week workshop, How to Build a Growing Profitable Business is currently conducted in nine underserved communities of New York City. WIBO provides a myriad of other services including business advisory services, legal and accounting clinics, free business directory, monthly seminars, networking events, and other business support activities. WIBO now conducts introduction to business workshops in correctional facilities through New York City. In total, WIBO serves 1500 entrepreneurs a year.
Praised as a mini-MBA workshop for the working person, Ms. Kajunju has enhanced [UTF-WIBO™s flagship workshop by incorporating new knowledge and realities in marketing and sales, personal finance, and human resources. Under Ms. Kajunju’s leadership, WIBO has seen a 50% increase in corporate and foundation funding. Some of her accomplishments include forging new partnerships with community leaders and organizations to maximize WIBO™s impact and creating a more professional internal infrastructure. Additionally, WIBO is providing meaningful support to its entrepreneurs at any stage of business. As a result of Ms. Kajunju’s emphasis on strategic expansion and solid services management, an increased number of entrepreneurs are using WIBO to help grow their businesses.
Prior to WIBO, Ms. Kajunju served as a program manager at the International Executive Service Corps (IESC), an all-volunteer organization providing free consulting services to businesses in developing countries. At IESC, Ms. Kajunju recruited and managed volunteers who assisted small to medium businesses in the fisheries, clothing, and mining industries in Southern Africa.
Most recent professional activities and accolades include a judge for the Brooklyn Public Library PowerUP! Business Plan Competition and the New York City Commission on Women’s Issues Small Business Award. She is often asked to speak on panels on issues concerning small businesses. She is the recipient of the Network Journal Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Achievement Award. She is on the Executive Committee of AngelAfrica. AngelAfrica is a network of professionals who believe that the economy of Africa will be improved by thriving private sector. Finally, Ms. Kajunju was the team leader for the William H. Clinton Foundation Small Business Initiatives.
She holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in International Relations with an emphasis on economic development from Brigham Young University and a Masters degree in Public Administration with a concentration in finance and management from New York University. Ms. Kajunju has received a diploma in credit analysis from NYU School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Other Speakers