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 from Cameroon and Canada. She is known for starting several companies, including Afrique Expansion and the beauty brands Kariliss and Kariderm. Kariderm was special because it was the first shea butter product in the world to get an organic certification.
In 2014, she received a high honor called the National Order of Quebec. In 2021, Justin Trudeau, who was the Prime Minister at the time, chose her to become a Canadian Senator for Quebec. As a Senator, she helps make laws and represents her region in the Canadian government.
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Early Life and Education
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.
In 1986, she moved to Quebec, Canada. She studied business at the University of Quebec at Montreal. In 1992, she earned her first degree in tourism management. The next year, in 1993, she completed her master's degree in marketing research.
Career Highlights
Amina Gerba has had a busy career helping businesses grow and supporting her community. From 2014 to 2015, she was the president of the Rotary Club of Old Montreal. This club helps people in the community.
In 2013, she was chosen for a special program in the United States called the International Visitor Leadership Program. This program brings leaders from around the world to learn and share ideas.
In 2015, Amina Gerba helped start the first Technovation Challenge in Montreal. This program encourages girls to study STEM subjects like science and technology.
In 2018, she became the head of a new government agency called Entreprendre Ici. This agency helps different kinds of business owners succeed. It works to make sure everyone has a fair chance in business.
Gerba also serves on the boards of several important groups. These include the Canadian Council on Africa and the African Business Roundtable. She also helps guide the University of Quebec at Montreal.
Afrique Expansion
In 1995, Amina Gerba started a company called 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 2017, Gerba organized a big event in Cameroon under the Afrique Expansion name. This event focused on making the digital economy stronger in the country. Many important people and companies attended.
Afrique Expansion Forum
In 2003, she created a special event called Forum Africa. It is now known as Afrique Expansion Forum. This event happens every two years. It brings people together to talk about how to help African businesses grow.
Many important speakers have attended this forum over the years. Large organizations like the World Bank and the African Development Bank also send representatives.
Kariderm and Kariliss Beauty Products
Amina Gerba started two beauty companies in Laval, Quebec. She founded Kariderm in 1996 and Kariliss in 2011. Kariderm makes skin-care products, and Kariliss makes hair-care products. Both use shea butter.
Kariderm was the first shea butter product to get an organic certification from ECOCERT. This means it meets strict standards for being natural and good for the environment. Her companies also help 2,000 women in Burkina Faso. These women are part of a group called the Songtaaba Cooperative. They receive money from sales and support from a special program Gerba created.
Awards and Recognition
Amina Gerba has received many awards for her hard work and success.
- In 2010, she was named Entrepreneur of the Year by a group called Gala de REPAF.
- In 2012, she received a special recognition prize from the University of Quebec at Montreal.
- In 2014, she was made a Knight of the National Order of Quebec. This honor recognized her efforts in building business ties between North America and Africa. It also celebrated her work in supporting different kinds of entrepreneurs.
- In 2018, she was named "Business World Personality of the Year" at the Gala Dynastie awards show.
