Peoria Area World Affairs Council will host Bridging the Divides: Crafting Strong Partnerships with Africa at the ISU Alumni Center (located at 1101 Main Street in Normal) beginning at 6 pm. Chidi Blyden, Principal at Culturally Bound, leads a team focused on development, security, and stability for building relations between the US and the African continent. Paired with a buffet dinner featuring traditional African delights, she discusses how non-profit organizations, businesses, and governments can find innovative solutions for mutual benefits. With an impressive career that includes serving as Deputy Under Secretary for Defense for Africa and Deputy Executive Director of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Ms. Blyden can support her belief that "Africa is not hard, but complex." This event is co-sponsored by the ISU Varner International Business Institute. Cost to attend is $35 for members and $45 for the public (including the buffet dinner) and are available at
https://peoria-area-world-affairs-council.square.site
Ms. Blyden will meet with students for a "lunch and learn" opportunity in Westlake Hall at Bradley University at noon on September 8. This event is open to the public. 
