On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Sandra Babu-Boateng hosted the 41st Annual Africa-America Institute (AAI) Awards Gala at the elegant Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The evening, held during the United Nations General Assembly, brought together global leaders, diplomats, philanthropists, and changemakers to celebrate the theme “Honoring Investments in Better Futures and Visionary Minds.”

The awards program highlighted transformative leadership and investment, with the Ford Foundation Mission Investments Program receiving the inaugural Investor Impact Award for its groundbreaking approach to reimagining capital for the common good. Roy Swan, Head of Mission Investments at Ford Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the program. The gala also marked the first under the stewardship of AAI’s new President and CEO, Felicia Appenteng.

In addition to hosting the evening, Sandra moderated a fireside chat with H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, and H.E. Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique. Their conversation explored Africa’s role in shaping sustainable futures and the power of visionary leadership to unite global communities.