“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice”

– Bob Marley

National National Guild for Community Arts Education
Kwayera Archer was recognized for her vision and lifelong dedication to youth and family development, community building and social justice; her service to the field; and her commitment to mentoring future arts educators.

Caribbean Life Impact Awards
Kwayera received the Caribbean Life Impact Award for leading the way in social transformation.

National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards
Under Kwayera’s leadership, Ifetayo was recognized as an awardee of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, chosen from a pool of more than 350 nominations. It is the highest national honor awarded to exemplary after-school and out-of-school time programs across the United States. In November 2013, the award was presented to Kwayera by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. The Ifetayo Youth Ensemble also had the exclusive honor of performing at the White House during the award ceremony.

Women of Distinction award
Founder and President Kwayera Archer was recognized for the Women of Distinction award by the State of New York, nominated by Senator Kevin S. Parker. Program Awards.

Community Service Award
Founder and President Kwayera Archer was presented with a Community Service Award from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislator

The New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Award
Ifetayo won The New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Award for Excellent Culturally Based Management. Kwayera was selected for this award in recognition of culturally-based management and communications strategies, based on cultural discussion circles, as well as a focus on results, effective response to emerging issues and communities, and exemplary communications strategies.

African American Youths in Search of Education and Hope Award
Kwayera was selected for the World Mission Foundation’s African American Youths in Search of Education and Hope Award.

Black Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
Kwayera received the Black Rose Award for Black Woman Entrepreneur of the Year

Union Square Award
Kwayera received the prestigious Union Square Award for “visionary founders and organizations responding to society’s most pressing social, political, and economic issues.”