As the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance enters its second decade, a distinctive culture of giving has taken root among Harambeans, combining both financial support and dedicated volunteerism. Inspired by the enduring philanthropy seen at institutions like Harvard University, this culture is not only fueling the Alliance’s growth and sustainability but also laying a foundation for a lasting legacy that will amplify its impact for generations to come.
The Emergence of a Giving Culture
This spirit of generosity has been evident in countless contributions by Harambeans over the years. In 2015, over 15 Harambeans united to raise more than $10,000, with donations ranging from $50 to $1,000, to support the institutionalization of the Alliance. This landmark campaign transformed Harambeans from a passionate volunteer network into a fully staffed organization and established the Harambeans Prosperity Fund, a rules-based co-investment vehicle that invests $100,000 in Harambean-led ventures. So significant was this gesture that every donor’s name was immortalized on a perpetual plaque displayed in the Gold Room of the Mount Washington Hotel, with their names honored annually as a testament to the power of collective commitment.
Acts of generosity continued to define the Alliance’s growth. In 2021, Velani Mboweni H’18 sponsored travel expenses for incoming Harambeans who otherwise could not afford to attend their induction ceremony in Bretton Woods, ensuring that financial barriers did not limit the Alliance’s diversity and reach. In 2022, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji H’10 established the Aboyeji Medal for Servant Leadership, honoring those who embody the core values of the community. The following year, a group of Harambeans raised $29,000 to support the Harambeans Global Summit, a milestone achievement by what became known as the Founders Club. Most recently, in 2024, Idris Bello H’11 donated an inscribed bell to symbolize the Alliance’s unity and ongoing mission.
A Visionary Leap: The $10 Million Pledge
In 2025, the 18th class of Harambeans elevated Harambeans Giving to unprecedented heights. Representing his class at the Bretton Woods Banquet, Kwehnui Tawah H’25 issued a bold vision. By 2035, the Class of 2025 would return not only to celebrate a decade of entrepreneurial success and deep collaboration but also to make a landmark ten million dollar donation to the Harambeans Prosperity Fund. This pledge would secure the Alliance’s mission for future generations, empowering Harambeans yet unborn to carry forward the torch of innovation and leadership across Africa. Through this commitment, the class would leave an enduring legacy of generosity and impact, inspiring all who follow.
Volunteerism: The Heartbeat Of The Alliance
Long before financial contributions defined the culture, volunteerism was the lifeblood of the Alliance. In its early days, when resources were scarce, Harambeans generously donated their time and expertise by leading knowledge sessions, reviewing thousands of applications, and interviewing prospective members to ensure the highest standards of selection. This spirit continues today, with members like Esther Nwachukwu H’23 serving as Admissions Fellow, sustaining the tradition of dedicated service that underpins the Alliance’s strength.
Lessons From Harvard: Building A Lasting Culture
The foundation of Harambeans Giving draws inspiration from the insights of Founder and Chairman Okendo Lewis-Gayle, who learned invaluable lessons about fundraising and alumni engagement during his time at Harvard University. Reflecting on his conversations with Tamara Elliott Rogers, a key architect of Harvard’s $9.6 billion capital campaign, Lewis-Gayle recognized that Harvard’s success was not the result of a single campaign but the product of a decades-long culture of giving. This philosophy, centered on consistent, sustained support, has profoundly shaped Harambeans’ approach to building a lasting legacy.
Planting Seeds For The Future
By nurturing both financial generosity and volunteer commitment, Harambeans are ensuring that the Alliance will continue to thrive with the resources and spirit necessary to create meaningful change across Africa and beyond. As Lewis-Gayle poignantly reflected on a Latin phrase etched on a fireplace in a Harvard room frequented by Harambeans, Alteri seculo, meaning “He who plants trees labors for the benefit of future generations,” the seeds planted in these formative years hold the promise of a flourishing legacy. Though it remains to be seen if Harambeans’ culture of giving will grow to rival that of Harvard, its roots are deep, and its branches will continue to provide shade and sustenance to generations of Harambeans yet unborn.