Here is a post from 2010 Compass Fellow Nick Maida:

My name is Nick Maida, student at Georgetown University and founder of Africa Unite. This time next week things are going to be a little bit different to say the least. I will be half way around the globe in one of the most impoverished nations in the world, Ethiopia, in an effort to work towards the launching of Africa Unite. The experience will prove to be an eye-opening one. I have repeatedly been told, “no matter what expectations you may have, you are going to be shocked.” The two-week trip will be filled with opportunities to network and work with microfinance institutions, NGOs, and possible business partners.  However, the intangibles cannot be overlooked in building relationships and making ineffably valuable contacts.  The African business culture is very much relationship-oriented and the process of becoming an insider, rather than outsider, is a process that will certainly extend past the short two-week trip.  I will be staying in a home in Addis Ababa, the capit

al, and the city of Dima with a friend whose extended family lives there.

I approach this trip with a great deal of excitement. The emergence into the culture, living with a local family, and the opportunity to get an insider’s perspective will be invaluable to furthering the success of Africa Unite. And needless to say, it will be an amazing adventure and a lot of fun.  The Africa Unite website is now up and running at www.AfricaUniteOnline.com. I will be blogging and posting video on a daily basis so that you can follow my trip. I hope you will come along for the ride.