The Society of Emerging African Leaders, a student-run organization created in 2009, will host their second annual award gala on Friday at 8 p.m. in Room 200C of the Student Center. The theme of the gala will be “Africa Rising,” celebrating entrepreneurial efforts of African immigrants in America. Two African business founders will be honored for their achievements along with one current student, Chima Onukwuru.

The keynote speaker of the gala will be Yetunde Odugbesan, the founder of Yetunde Global Consulting LLC, a management consulting firm and the founder and executive director of Young Woman’s Guide. Ventures Magazine Africa recognized Odugbesan as an entrepreneur to watch in 2013.

The two professional awardees are Farai Gundan and Semhar Araia. Gundan is the co-founder and CEO of FaraiMedia LLC, a networking agency for companies that strive to reach African audiences. Araia is the founder and executive director of Diaspora African Women’s Network and won the White House Champion of Change award in 2012.

Onukwuru will be featured to showcase his own work in the community of African entrepreneurs, the creation of his website “Africans Can Gossip.” The site acts as a networking tool for African students, created for the sole purpose of advertising and promoting the events hosted by African organizations at universities. When school is not in session, the website aims to keep users updated on current events, providing information on the latest in entertainment.

The event will be hosted by Ebun Olaloye, an alumnus who created the organization Live Breathe Futbol. The event will provide dinner and refreshments and is free to students.