Amina Gerba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Amina Gerba
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Gerba in 2018
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| Canadian Senator from Rigaud |
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| Assumed office July 29, 2021 |
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| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Appointed by | Mary Simon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 14, 1961 Bafia, Cameroon |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Political party | Progressive Senate Group |
| Alma mater | University of Quebec at Montreal (MBA) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Awards | National Order of Quebec |
Amina Gerba is a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur from Cameroon and Canada. She was born on March 14, 1961. She started several companies and projects. These include Afrique Expansion, a magazine and a forum. She also created beauty brands called Kariliss and Kariderm. Kariderm was the first shea butter product to get an organic certification. In 2014, she received a special award called the National Order of Quebec. She helps lead many groups, like the Canadian Council on Africa. In 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau chose her to be a Senator for Quebec in the Senate of Canada.
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Early Life and School
Amina Nleung was born in Bafia, Cameroon, on March 14, 1961. She was one of nineteen children in her family. She was the only girl in her family who went to school. She moved to Quebec, Canada, in 1986. She studied at the University of Quebec at Montreal. In 1992, she earned a degree in tourism management. In 1993, she earned a master's degree in marketing research.
Amina Gerba's Career
Amina Gerba has had an exciting career. She has held many important roles. From 2014 to 2015, she was the president of the Rotary Club of Old Montreal. This is a group that helps communities.
In 2013, she was chosen for a special program. It was called the International Visitor Leadership Program in the United States. This program helps leaders from around the world.
Promoting STEM for Girls
In 2015, Amina Gerba helped start the first Technovation Challenge in Montreal. This program lasted twelve weeks. It encouraged girls to study STEM. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It helps girls learn about these important subjects.
Helping Entrepreneurs
On February 23, 2018, Amina Gerba was chosen to lead a new government agency. This agency was called Entreprendre Ici. Its goal was to help different kinds of entrepreneurs. It worked to solve problems for business owners from various backgrounds.
Gerba is also a director for several important groups. These include the Canadian Council on Africa. She also serves on the board of directors for the University of Quebec at Montreal.
Afrique Expansion Projects
In 1995, Amina Gerba started Afrique Expansion. This company helps businesses in North America and Africa work together. She also launched a magazine with the same name in 1998.
In May 2017, Gerba organized a big international meeting. It was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The meeting focused on making the digital economy stronger in Cameroon. Many important people attended this event.
Afrique Expansion Forum
In 2003, she created a special event called Forum Africa. It is now known as Afrique Expansion Forum. This meeting happens every two years. It brings people together to talk about economic growth for African businesses.
Many well-known speakers have attended this forum. These include former Canadian politicians like Pierre Pettigrew. Important organizations like the World Bank also send representatives.
Beauty Brands: Kariderm and Kariliss
Amina Gerba founded two beauty companies in Laval, Quebec. She started Kariderm in 1996 and Kariliss in 2011. These companies make skin and hair care products. They use shea butter, a natural ingredient.
Kariderm was the first shea butter product to get an organic certification. This means it meets strict organic standards. Her companies support about 2,000 women in Burkina Faso. These women are part of the Songtaaba Cooperative. They receive a share of the sales. They also get funding from a special program Gerba created to help them.
Awards and Honours
Amina Gerba has received many awards for her work.
- In 2010, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year. This award was given by the Gala de REPAF.
- In 2012, she received a special recognition prize from the University of Quebec at Montreal.
- In 2014, she was named a Knight of the Order of Quebec. This is a very high honour in Quebec. She received it for helping businesses connect between North America and Africa. She was also recognized for encouraging diversity in business.
- In 2018, she was named "Business World Personality of the Year." This award was given at the Gala Dynastie show.
