Danai Chirawu finds herself named among global leaders and world changers. The young lawyer has been nominated to serve as an inaugural member of the Presidential Precinct's recently established Global Advisory Council. The council is set to include State Delegates, Chief Executives, former Ambassadors and a wide selection of industry leaders.
Among the African members of the council are Safiya Ahmad Nuhu (Nigerian Ambassador to Romania), Toyosi Ogunseye (Head West Africa, BBC News), Godbless Otubure (ReadyToLead Africa, Nigeria), Melene Rossouw (Women Lead Movement), Ghaleb Cachalia (South African member of Parliament) and Danai herself to complete the list. In a post on social media Danai wrote:
It is all so overwhelming letting this feeling sink in. Acknowledging this power that I have been blessed with. During moments like this I think so deeply of my grandmother & imagine all the things she would say. Her church would definitely know because a testimony would be guaranteed. My guardian angel now.
Danai Daisy Chirawu, on a global advisory body - sitting with giants. The vision has always been deeper. Every single step, every word. Deliberate.
Dear black African girl with dark skin, gap tooth & coarse hair - YOU ARE POSSIBLE. IT IS POSSIBLE.
The Presidential Precinct is a program that seeks to engage and inspire emerging leaders to address the most pressing challenges in their countries. The work is made possible by the world-class expertise of their five-member consortium, consisting of two premier universities—The University of Virginia and William & Mary—and three historic sites—James Madison’s Montpelier, James Monroe’s Highland, and William Short’s Morven. Close relationships with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the U.S. Department of State, and communities around Virginia help to complete a strategic network for empowering communities globally. Some of their programs include the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
In a statement on the Global Advisory Council, Neal Piper the Executive Director of The Presidential Precinct wrote:
As the Presidential Precinct approaches its 10th anniversary, a Global Advisory Council is being established to help realize our organization’s vision for thriving, just, and free societies. The Global Advisory Council is comprised of a diverse and distinguished assembly of established global leaders, philanthropists, and committed experts who serve as Ambassadors in advancing the Precinct’s singular role – making long-term investments in visionary leaders who are tackling the most pressing issues of our time.
At the invitation of Presidential Precinct leadership, selected Global Advisory Council members represent diverse sectors and disciplines aligned with the Precinct’s focus of leading systematic and structural change in rule of law, economic transparency, gender equity, and other issues fundamental to a strong democracy. Members are invited to serve a two-year term engaged in a range of high-level activities, specific to their area of expertise, which increase the profile, resources, and effectiveness of the Presidential Precinct worldwide.