2011 Mwape Peer Awards Winners: The following individuals were announced as winners for the 2011 Mwape Peer Awards at at a gala night award ceremonies held at Columbia University in New York City. The winners from each category were selected by a Selection Committee of Peers in each category.

1. Bankers Award
• Caleb Fundanga, PhD (Zambia), for controlling inflation, stabilizing currency and encouraging diversification as Bank of Zambia Governor.
2. Economics Award
• Richard Mbewe, PhD (Poland), for spearheading Zambian investments and being a world class economist whose words affect many.
3. Engineering Award
• Prof. E. Clive Chirwa (UK), for being a world acclaimed engineer and an outstanding crashworthiness research expert.
4. Law Award
• Munyonzwe Hamalengwa, Esq. (Canada), for being an outstanding world class law practitioner.
5. Leadership Award
• Adjoa Ameyaa Parker, MBA (USA/Germany), for leading European investments into Zambia while working entirely outside of the AID /NGO framework.
6. Professional Award
• Lungwani Muungo, PhD (Zambia), as the "father" of Pharmaceutical Higher Education in Zambia.
7. Journalism Award
• Gershom Ndhovu (UK) for standing up and reporting the truth even when truth is not popular.
8. Physician Award
• Dr. Edwin Mavunika Mapara (UK), for being an AIDucator in the field of HIV/AIDS and TB around the world.
9. Research Award
• Prof. Thomson Sinkala (Zambia) for providing guidance in research in the field of biofuels in Zambia.
10. Rising Star Award
• Rungano Nyoni (UK) for writing, directing, and producing "Mwansa the Great" a short film in Zambian language.

Mwape Peer Awards is now NOT accepting nominations for the 2011 Peer Awards, which recognizes individuals in Zambia and the Diaspora who have played pivotal roles in our communities. Mwape Peer Awards is a symbol of Excellence! Winners are selected by the Selection Committee of Peers (Experts) to reflect the significance roles they have taken in their respective fields. Awards will be given in the following categories:

1. Banking: Bankers Award honoring an influential and inspirational individual in the banking sector.
2. Economics: Economist Award honoring an economist who combines academic recognition with active participation in public policy.
3. Education: Teacher Award honoring exceptional men and women in the teaching profession. Good teachers are critical to a strong school system.
4. Engineering: Engineering Award honoring exceptional achievement through innovation in any field of engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, sanitation, water, etc.)
5. Law: Lawyer Award celebrating the distinguished careers of an individual whose world-class practice and commitment to law is an inspiration to the rest of the legal profession.
6. Leadership: Leadership Award for showing extra-ordinary leadership skills in any field.
7. Professional: Professional Award honoring professional excellence among scholars, authors, musicians, project managers, architectures, lecturer, nurses, etc.
8. Media: Journalist Award honoring a journalist who through his/her work contribute to a better public understanding of the benefits of information communications in today?s world.
9. Medicine: Physician Award honoring clinical physician who consistently achieve high standards in the practice of medicine by finding innovative ways of delivering quality medical care despite budget constraints. Is looked upon as role model by peers and is a valuable resource.
10. Research: Research Award is intended to foster the development of promising investigators in any field.
11. Talent: Rising Star Award honoring exceptional accomplishments by persons 30 years old or younger in any field.

Nominations Deadline: July 31, 2011.

All nominations must be submitted via the electronic form below.

Here are guidelines for submitting nominations.

* Focus on the individual. Mwape Peer Awards recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals, not groups or projects.

* Focus on the impact. Explain how a nominee's work made a significant difference, either in the organization or the community at large. Do not vote for someone for simply doing his/her job. While personal achievement is great, consider the impact on society.

* Focus on recent achievements. Mwape Peer Awards is not a lifetime achievement award.

* Look for the unsung heroes. Keep an eye out for an individual who, without the benefit of visibility or influence, made a difference through his/her creativity, energy and sheer tenacity.

Here are tips for filling out the form:

• Be sure to include information on supporting nominator. Do not list someone who is unaware of the nomination.
• Make sure that either the primary or the supporting nominator was born or lived in Zambia.
• Remember this award is for work done primarily in 2010 or 2011. Provide time references as appropriate.
• Do not duplicate the content of a nomination submitted by someone else.
• Please observe the limits on word counts.

"Congratulations for what you are doing and for the up-coming Awards." -Dr. Mbikushita-Lewanika, Former Zambian Ambassador, Washington, DC.

"This is a noble deed. The more we recognize and embrace heroes in our society, the broader the avenue of hope and achievement we create for our future generation." -Brian

"Awards like this have been on my mind for a very long time having recognized the fact in Zambia only pre-independence stone throwers ever get honoured. You and me know that among us, many post-independence "heroes" have emerged in many areas of human endeavour never even given a wink of acknowledgment by government let alone their peers.

Many of these people are tucked away in far away lands where if not recognized at least well remunerated compared to the shabby treatment back home. Yes James, this is well thought out initiative." -Gershom

"Fantastic idea." - Amos

"This is an excellent idea that is long overdue. I am amazed often at some of the things Zambians have achieved but never receive any recognition." - Dr. Tembo

"I must applaud you and family for this great initiative." - Jose

"I hope we can inspire and educate our future generations. This is indeed a grand idea and many thanks for your good works in the diaspora." - Dr. Njovu

"Brilliant initiative indeed" - Phield

"I am delighted by the job you are doing." -David

"This is another of your excellent ideas." -Dr. Ntungo