By Misornu A. Dzobo

On December 18th, 2010, the Volta Association of Washington, DC at its annual Association’s Christmas Party/Dinner swore in its first female President, Ms Doris Dzameshie. The well attended event was held at the Long Branch Community Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Ms. Doris Dzameshie made history when she won as the first female President in the general elections held on November 7th, 2010.

Prior to the swearing-in-ceremonies, the outgoing President, Mr. Edwin Agbonyitor, under whose leadership the Association hosted the most successful CEANA (Council of Ewe Associations of North America) Convention, outlined some of the achievements of the Association during his farewell address.

o Volta Association hosted the best and most successful CEANA Convention last September. Nearly 1,000 participants attended; many of whom left with a lasting memory of the 2010 convention. The convention set the benchmark of how CEANA convention should be organized. The fashion and cultural shows on Friday night of the convention were unprecedented.
o The Association successfully celebrated its 25th anniversary and fundraising.
o The Association partnered with a number of African community leaders and organizations to set up the African Cultural and Resource Center.
o Volta Association had the first ever Youth Reunion in August of 2009. Over 60 families attended.
o The organization’s name changed so it can access the full benefit of tax exempt status.
o The Association’s constitution was amended in order to address the present challenges of our organization after 25 years of existence.
o Volta Association went online www.voltaassociation.org in July of 2009. Among other benefits, the website facilitated payments of the 2010 convention fees, donations and membership forms download.
o Membership grew significantly. About 90 new members joined the association between 2009-2010
o Volta Association newsletter was re-launched.
o We introduced a number of awards (Founders & First Chairman Award, Community Leadership Award, Youth Leadership Award and The Most Outstanding and Active New Member Award) to recognize volunteerism and contributions of individuals and institutions.
o The Association revenues grew significantly.
o We have worked to create new relationships and renewed or improve old ones in and outside of our community.

Mr. Agbonyitor encouraged the new administration to build upon his team’s achievements.

In her inaugural speech, after the swearing in by Rev. Dr. Peter Agbelie of the Universal Evangelical Church, Maryland, Ms. Dzameshie said her vision is to create a program that will encourage succession planning for the next generation. Succession planning is a deliberate process of preparing for the orderly transition of talents; in this case, the Ewe culture and tradition. In order to implement this program, the association will be working with the Executive Director of the African Cultural and Resource Center on revenue generating ventures to ensure the program is self-supporting. The other focus will be on introducing technology driven programs that will benefit members of the community.

Additional members of the new leadership sworn in were:

Chris Nuworsoo,Vice President,
Misornu A. Dzobo, Secretary
Ernest Kpodo, Treasurer
Afi Vodi Dua, Youth Ambassador
Kafui Agboh, Organizing Team Co-Chair
Fred Kofi Adzinku, Organizing Team Chair
Simon-Davis Nutakor, Financial Secretary
Vincent H Kosi, Organizing Team Member
Adzo Eseli Nutakor, Coordinator, Volta Ensemble