“Everyone deserves to live with dignity and security.” – Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem
The textile industry is undergoing significant transformations, driven by changing consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and advancements in technology. In this dynamic landscape, strong leadership is essential. Leaders in the textile sector are vital in encouraging innovation, improving operational efficiencies, and adopting sustainable practices. By creating a culture of adaptability and ongoing improvement, these leaders steer the industry toward a more sustainable and competitive future.
One such leader is Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem, President of Elite Archives, who exemplifies this transformative leadership. Her commitment to quality and innovation elevates industry standards and empowers women through job creation and initiatives like daycare centers. As the head of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), she provides essential resources and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs while actively advocating for the textile sector on a national scale. Through her efforts, Dr. Caroline is shaping the future of the textile industry and inspiring a new generation of women to take the business lead.
Early Ambitions in Textiles
Dr. Caroline’s journey as a woman entrepreneur has been filled with challenges. From a young age, her passion for fashion and textiles drove her to study business management, focusing on finance and marketing to prepare for her dream of owning a clothing manufacturing plant. Driven by determination and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, she established a swimwear factory targeting the U.S. market. In this venture, she collaborated with foreign investors and expertly navigated challenges through effective negotiation and calculated risk-taking.
These experiences in the U.S. market honed Caroline’s problem-solving skills and prepared her to respond swiftly to client inquiries and address sensitive employee issues with confidence. When she joined a 12-member board, she found herself as the only woman in a predominantly male environment, facing significant pressure. However, Caroline leveraged her unique perspective and expertise, rising to prominence as a leader in Cameroon’s textile sector. Eventually, she became president of the Cotton, Textile, and Clothing (CTC) sector, where she successfully reorganized the industry and made a lasting impact on public policy.
The Art of Multitasking
For Dr. Caroline, balancing multiple responsibilities is challenging and energizing. She thrives on variety, seeing it as key to staying engaged and successful. With a passion for sports, excellence, and quality work, she skillfully juggles her roles while cherishing home as a family sanctuary.
Navigating various activities across different sectors requires a delicate balance. Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem prefers to stay in the same industry while pursuing diverse initiatives. While running her industrial business, she also started a swimwear brand for France. She handled orders for America and worked on her designs at the same time. This required a lot of effort, with Dr. Caroline spending around 16 hours a day to stabilize her business.
In the end, she decided to focus solely on industrial production, streamlining her efforts despite the demanding nature of the work. This commitment was necessary to stabilize her business and ensure its success.
Insights from Experience
After leaving the industrial sector, Dr. Caroline shifted to philanthropy and social services. She oversees impactful initiatives as the Chair of the African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), where she promotes female entrepreneurship. With G100, she supports migrants and refugees. Through the Joseph SACK Foundation, she advocates for girls’ education. Dr. Caroline also leads new technology initiatives with EZ PARK and Elite Archives. Additionally, she serves as Chair of the Audit and Remuneration Committee for a prominent African microfinance company.
These experiences have helped her build trust and credibility in the Cameroonian business landscape. For nearly 14 years, Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem has dedicated herself to social initiatives, especially through AWEP. Established in 2010, AWEP empowers African women entrepreneurs by providing funding and resources. In 2011, she founded AWEP Cameroon and was elected President of AWEP Central Africa three years later. The organization supports young Cameroonians by offering business coaching, mentorship, and visibility for their entrepreneurial initiatives.
Training the Next Generation
Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem created the SAVE (Support to African and Vulnerable Entrepreneurs) impact fund. This fund addresses financing challenges through selection, training, financing, and follow-up. This initiative has trained and financed young girls with the help of an incubator training center. They plan to train at least 5,000 people aged 18 to 35 in partnership with the Cameroon Ministry for Youth.
AWEP complements these efforts by providing mentorship from business executives in areas like finance and public speaking. They launched the AWEP AWARD in 2020 to recognize outstanding projects by young women and host open days for free coaching and fundraising awareness. Dr. Caroline and AWEP also raise funds for projects, such as creating sheepfolds in rural areas. They organize trade fairs to showcase members’ products and provide training in export practices. They collaborate with chambers of commerce for resource access and engage young boys in discussions on gender equity and inclusivity, emphasizing men’s supportive roles.
Understanding Community Needs
For business leaders wanting to make a positive social impact, it is essential to identify a social cause that resonates with them. They should choose a cause that genuinely matters, not just something trendy or well-funded. Once they select a cause, leaders must understand the needs and challenges faced by the communities they want to support. It is crucial to engage with these communities, listen to their voices, and involve them in creating solutions.
Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem has worked hard to advocate for French-speaking AWEP chapters internationally, especially with the U.S. government. Her efforts have empowered women across Africa. In 2023, she received the Honoris Causa distinction for her commitment to this cause. The AWEP program has helped create jobs, establish women’s business associations, and support women-led businesses with access to capital and skills development.
Dr. Caroline is also the Global Chair for G100, where she leads the rural development and migrant resettlement team. Recently, she organized a conference with the support of the Cameroon’s First Lady. The conference focused on the challenges faced by vulnerable groups in Central Africa. It led to recommendations presented as a side event at the Commission on the Status of Women and created partnerships to build homes for displaced individuals.
Scholarships for Change
Dr. Caroline’s business philosophy focuses on innovation, empathy, and inclusivity. It shows her strong commitment to empowering young girls through education. Her entrepreneurial spirit and energy create a culture of innovation in her companies. She is attentive and focuses on others, which promotes a collaborative leadership style. Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem sees education as a key to change and helps these girls become agents of transformation in their communities. In Africa, financial challenges often limit access to education. Her efforts help young girls achieve the economic independence needed for greater justice. Dr. Caroline’s values guide her daily, motivating the creation of environments where everyone can thrive and reach their potential.
Creating a Just and Equitable World
Committed to social justice, Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem builds homes for migrants and displaced individuals, providing safe environments for those who have lost everything. She feels a strong responsibility to share her good fortune, believing that access to basic needs is a fundamental right. Housing stability is essential in her view. In her conference presentation, she stated that inspiring speeches need to be followed by real actions. She believes that a practical approach is necessary to create real change in the lives of those in need.
Dr. Caroline is deeply committed to creating a world where everyone can thrive, driven by her belief in removing barriers to gender equality and fostering a society grounded in solidarity and mutual support. Her dedication to these values guides her actions and fuels her unwavering determination.
Hosting Influential Conferences
Dr. Caroline’s business success has made it possible to fund and expand social initiatives. This success provides the resources needed to attend important conferences, connect with philanthropists, and advocate for meaningful causes. She has hosted prestigious conferences, such as one in Cameroon under the First Lady’s patronage, attended by UN representatives and prominent ministers, lending her credibility and inspiring trust.
Her global advocacy includes hosting conferences in New York alongside UN CSW68, attracting investment for building homes for displaced women and migrants. She secured scholarships for disadvantaged girls and created the AWEP Award to support young women’s innovative projects. Her entrepreneurial success has facilitated strategic partnerships and attracted funding, advancing her efforts in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Celebrating Excellence
Dr. Caroline’s most rewarding experience was receiving the Honoris Causa distinction from Jharkhand Rai University. This honor was awarded on the same day as the recognition given to former French Minister Ségolène Royal. This recognition highlights her commitment to empowering young girls and her dedication to community development, showcasing her achievements as an inspiring example for others to follow.
Patience as a Virtue
Leaders should be prepared to invest significant time in advocacy and build political connections, as politics plays a vital role in driving impactful social change. By leveraging their business acumen and resources, they can develop sustainable initiatives that address immediate needs while fostering long-term positive change. Leading by example is equally important; demonstrating that social responsibility is a core value of the organization will inspire employees, partners, and stakeholders to adopt the same mindset. Lastly, commitment and patience are essential, as social impact initiatives often take time to yield results. By focusing on the bigger picture and remaining resilient, leaders will find that the impact they create is well worth the effort.
Entrepreneurship with a Purpose
Dr. Caroline Sack Kendem aims to leave a legacy of innovation, empowerment, and inclusivity. She aspires to leave a lasting legacy not just for her successful enterprises but for uplifting women and young girls. Through her businesses, she promotes innovation and resilience, aligning entrepreneurial success with social responsibility. Her initiatives—scholarships, housing projects, and inclusive programs— provide resources and opportunities for women. Dr. Caroline emphasizes STEM for young girls in developing countries and invests in new technologies like digital parking and archiving to show how innovation drives change. Philanthropically, she supports African countries with resources and assistance, aspiring to foster education, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all.
Celebrating Women-Led Innovations
In 2020, AWEP Cameroon launched the AWEP AWARDS, a biennial pitch competition for women-led SMEs aged 18 to 35. The first event was supported by the President of the Senate, with subsequent competitions backed by the Prime Minister. Five out of six finalists have become independent international ambassadors for their initiatives, such as ADINKRA, ASAAB COOKER, GOVINZO, and others transforming into respected leaders and pioneers in their fields. AWEP actively promotes the AWEP AWARD on social media to boost visibility for the top ten projects. Looking ahead to the 2025 edition, the Minister of Youth has confirmed high patronage, and a new feature will introduce a roadshow for the three best projects to attract investment from company leaders.