Testimonials
“ This was an excellent program and event,” “Wanda Durant said during her Keynote speech at WETATi Academy 2020 Virtual Scholarship and Awards Gala.” Keynote speaker at the WETATi Academy2020 Virtual Scholarship and Awards Gala
“I was extremely honored to participate in WETATi‘s Academy virtual gala last week! – not only as an awardee, but as a supporter of the tremendous work WETATi Academy does to help our young people realize their power to thrive, especially in the face of adversity and uncertainty. During this extraordinary time in our history and culture as a nation, we want to fill our youth with optimism and possibility, and that’s what WETATi Academy offers! It was an inspiring evening and I was grateful to participate.” Recognized at WETATi Academy 2020 Convention, Scholarship & Awards Virtual Gala as ‘ABOVE & BEYOND’ Contributor to WETATi Academy.
Over the past eight weeks, I had the pleasure of participating in WETATi’s Academy Entrepreneurship Education Course and iDEA Pitch competition. Amidst the rise of Covid-19 schools and work have turned virtual, further highlighting the importance of entrepreneurial thinking and creating your own wealth. This virtual experience was created by WETATi Academy to keep students’ minds focused on creativity and innovation to help reduce stress, anxiety, and fear during these trying times. The program consisted of weekly “YoungPreneur” webinars, modules, and 1-on-1 coaching with Dr. Margaret Dureke, President & CEO of WETATi Academy. Webinars covered the topics of developing a Business Plan, Federal/State Tax ID’s, Pitching & Selling your idea, how to present like a winner, and more. The in-depth nine-page WETATi Academy Canvas model expanded my knowledge in starting a business, branding categorizing, vital statistics research, leveraging technology, minimizing expenses, and marketing strategies. The program culminated with participants recording and submitting their 1-3 minute presentation of their business pitch, where they put into practice everything they have learned to that point. Perfect time to change your narrative and learn what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur ~ Dr. Dureke Thank you to my WETATi Academy family for supporting education motivating me through the entire process, I can genuinely say I am empowered and more confident in my abilities! 2020 WETATi Academy Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Award Recipient
“As a full-time student who recently lost my job due to COVID-19, I am very grateful that WETATi Academy has given me the opportunity to continue my education. WETATi Academy is just the push I need to complete the few semesters I have left at Bowie State University. Not only is WETATi Academy helping me with a scholarship but WETATi Academy has given me the opportunity to enhance my production/communication skills with the Summer 2020 internship. I believe that during difficult times, we all have a chance to succeed and make a difference.”, says Daisy. Daisy plans to work with the WETATi Academy Team, to manage much of WETATi’s Academy social media marketing and add value to our production team with her mass communication skills. She is very hardworking and has great people skills. 2020 WETATi Academy Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Award Recipient
“In an era like this one when technology innovation is on the rise, WETATi Academy does an exceptional job at grooming the youths in this generation to be top innovators and leaders in areas of their interest. With industries that are rapidly growing across the world, WETATi Academy, to me, is an innovation-producing factory. Anyone who goes through their curriculum will have a transformed mindset and will be empowered to bring their ideas to full operational maturity. WETATi Academy is the future of entrepreneurship in America and the rest of the world. ” 2019 Next Generation Entrepreneurship Competition Winner 2020 WETATi Academy Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Award Recipients & 2020 WETATi Academy Summer Intern
Good Evening Dr. Dureke, I am James Poindexter. I was a participant on the webinar you gave today at 5pm for Prince George’s Community College. I wanted to express my gratitude for your message today. I often feel as though the path I have taken may not be the best one for me because of the failures I experienced. Thanks to you, I want to learn ways to frame my experiences into more positive outlooks. I also wanted to express my interest in WETATi’s Academy entrepreneurship competition and programs. I would like to learn more about the world of entrepreneurship and how to step into the process of creating my own opportunities.
“WETATi Academy is a matter of TRANSCENDENCE and ASCENSION!… I had such a pleasure participating in the WETATI Academy Entrepreneurship conference. I am honored to have had the opportunity to compete and to be awarded first place. This experience was truly humbling in the best way possible and it served as a reminder that with faith and hard work, there will always be a time for preparation and opportunity to meet. Prior to learning about this entrepreneurship competition I spent a lot of long hours studying, researching and even writing a book based on my research; but with all of this done I was concerned about whether I would be successful in this journey. I have constantly been praying for direction to affirm that I am walking in my purpose, and upon learning about the WETATi Academy entrepreneurship competition, I felt like my prayers had been answered. You and your team have helped to reaffirm my vision for District Nine. Thank you for awarding my very first business investment, for awarding me the Anne R. Carswell Scholarship, and most of all thank you for believing in my vision. This opportunity has been a blessing in more ways than I can explain and I will forever be grateful for the experience. ”
“…Your program is needed and it is good to know that people see the value in what you are doing…”
“WETATi Academy is an amazing community partner!”
“I see the tremendous amount of work that you and your organization are doing for our community….I have officially nominated WETATi Academy as a recipient for the Truett Cathy’s True Inspiration Award (2018).”
“This is a great program, our students learned a lot and I am very impressed and we will continue to support the program. It was an honor to participate and see what these young students are capable of.”
As a student who had the honor of working so close to WETATi Academy and experiencing the fullest effect, I can only give it my highest recommendation.
“My life’s motto is, if I can help someone, then I know my life was not in vain. Being an Ambassador of WETATi Academy allows me to live out this belief because it is in alignment with my mission in life. That is why I love and glad to be a part of WETATi Academy. This years’ convention is the biggest and best so far. Am sure the impact on the youths and all that attended will be life changing. I am confident that WETATi Academy is on track to helping the next generation change their economic narratives from job seeking mindset to creating their own opportunities mentality.”
“A simple thank you email is not enough to express how very; very grateful I am for all the efforts you have put into making our sponsorship of your event successful!! And for your all around support of our products. After being at the convention and gala, I was very impressed with the WETATi Academy organization, so I would also like to praise you for the awesome work you are doing!!! I am both proud and thankful to have been part of the convention and look forward to working with you in the future!!!”
“WETATi Academy is an opportunity for each one of you that was created by Ambassador Dr. Dureke that had the vision and foresight….Somebody had an idea and was able to create it and bring that idea into reality into what we see, taste and touch; and each one of you have that same power to create, innovate and then bring it to reality.”
“I am so happy that everything worked out well for the WETATi Academy convention. From what I saw, it is a stellar event that will change the lives of many young and aspiring entrepreneurs.”
“This is a great program. I love it.”
“Working with WETATi Academy was a pleasure beyond measure. I enjoyed my time working with a fun group of people on projects that felt meaningful. They have allowed me to work freely to find solutions unique to my skills and sensibilities and were very open to hear and take in ideas I had to offer. “I very much enjoyed being a part of the planning and participating in the WETATi Academy Convention and Gala. The Convention had much to offer in way of spirited competitions, engaging speaker and panelists, and networking opportunities that are all valuable resources for any student attending college. Many of my classmates have expressed their admiration for the program and wished they had joined with the program sooner. As a student who had the honor of working so close to WETATi Academy and experiencing the fullest effect, I can only give it my highest recommendation. “I am very grateful for being a recipient of the WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Scholarship. I welcome any bit of financial remuneration that would help alleviate the gauntlet that is our education system. However, WETATi Academy has offered me so much more that cannot possibly be expressed monetarily. As I make my transition to UMCP in the following semester, I plan on sticking with WETATi Academy and being a part of their Next Generation.”
“My name is Wendy, I attended my first WETATi Academy event in October 2016. I sat and listened to several great speakers recalling their hiccups offering their learning blocks to the road of success. I was welcomed like family, (a hug from the Dr. Dureke) That is where I learned about the business idea competition. WETATi Academy is giving the community an opportunity to turn their ideas into a real tangible product! I was excited. I hit the drawing board and began developing my business plan. They have been working me and others ever since in developing our business ideas and plans. I attended the WETATi Academy convention and gala in April 2017 and listened and learned from more great speakers. The speakers were very motivating! I learned about finances, available resources, the importance of a mentor, developing and maintaining a support team, staying healthy in order to provide ongoing services to your clients/customers. “I enjoyed the knowledge. Knowledge is power, when used. When I presented my business plan and idea to the judges during the competition as one of the finalists, I prayed they would overlook my nervousness and see my vision. They did! I won first place!! I would have never had the guts to present my idea to anyone if it wasn’t for WETATi Academy in the way they encourage people to be and do. Dr. Dureke made me feel like family. Without the support and guidance of WETATi Academy my business idea would not have flourished! “What sets WETATi apart from other organizations is the support and comfort they provide and how firm they are in making sure we get all the tools, resources and capacity we need to succeed. This organization is totally different to any other out there because I have been around and have been searching. Access to a great support system is unspeakable in this day and age. Working with people I feel comfortable with, that genuinely care about my well being, is like working with family. You even gain business mentors. If you have not heard about WETATi Academy, go to there website (www.wetati.com) and learn how you can be a part of something big, where dreams are realized, it begins with just one idea! Even better go now and join the 2018 Entrepreneurship COMPETITION and sign up to compete for next year, YOU could be next! Thank you WETATI! Academy”
“Thank you and the WETATi Academy family for your hospitality, leadership and support. This year’s event surpassed all other years and was a resounding success in more ways than I can count. I am so happy that I was able to attend all three days of the Conference. Congratulations to you and Dr. Dureke for another stellar and informative event.” Small, Local and Minority Business Enterprise (SLMBE) Office Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) 2017 Convention Attendee
“Good Evening Dr. Dureke, My name is Brianna Moore. We spoke after the WETATi Academy event last Thursday and we exchanged business cards. I want to first say thank you again for your inspirational talk and words of encouragement. I really enjoyed myself and I am glad that I came. Everything you said about having multiple sources of income, is what I have been hearing practically all my life from my parents and older brother. Anyways, I joined the WETATi Academy Entrepreneurship Club. I have a 3 … ideas, I am blessed to have people who informed me about the do’s and don’ts of college, but I know that everyone is not as fortunate. …So when I met you, you peaked my interest to turning my….into a business. I have a lot of knowledge that I believe needs to be shared. Is this something that you believe will be beneficial to share? Any assistance that you can provide to me is greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.”
“I found the session great and energy I haven’t seen before. This session was raw. It didn’t hold back. It struck a nerve that most speakers do not hit. Dr. Dureke connected as though she was a family member offering guidance.”
“I was so fortunate to attend an event organized by WETATI Academy (Women Empowered To Achieve The Impossible, We’re Empowered To Achieve The Impossible), an organization dedicated to help people think beyond their limited beliefs so that they can actually achieve much more than what we can imagine. My sincere gratitude to my coworker Vanessa for inviting me there and Spencer for giving me company. Thank you WETATI Academy. Keep doing what you doing.”
“It was my great honor to meet Dr. Margaret Dureke and entrepreneur Towanda Livingston. These two ladies are the most powerful and daring ladies I have met. I look forward to strengthening our relationships so that we can impact many people and help them unleash their true potential. I truly look forward to learning from you both.”
“College Park Academy (CPA) values its long-term partnership with WETATi. WETATi brings experiential learning to life by converting the classroom to the board room where students are challenged to develop their business plans, conduct market research and pitch their ideas to potential investors. WETATi champions entrepreneurship education and nurtures young scholars’ entrepreneurial mindset, which cultivates young talents and develops entrepreneurial intention among individuals to become entrepreneurs. Year after year, CPA scholars have excelled in the WETATi Academy. They are proud to be part of the WETATi network. ”
Event Date & Time:
June 2023
Adriel Lowe, 2021 The Dureke iDEA Pitch Competition, 1st Place Next Generation Winner
