Williams will visit Kenya this week to help open The Serena Williams Secondary School – an institute she helped fund. The school – which was built through a partnership between the Build African Schools initiative and Hewlett Packard — will open in Matooni in just 3 short days and is designed to empower African students through education.

Dickson Mutaiti, the Director of Projects at Build African Schools in Kenya, said: “We are indeed honored to have Ms Williams visit Kenya at this momentous time in American history when we have a new President elect who has roots in Kenya. During her visit, Ms Williams will officially open a secondary school put up in her name, to give chance to needy primary school students who want to pursue secondary school education.”

So a big thumbs up to Serena Williams for putting her money where her mouth is and helping fund a beautiful new school!

via: looktothestars.org

When Ugly Betty first premiered, I was steadfast against watching it. Much in the same way I suppose that I railed against Grey’s Anatomy. However, much like Grey’s I was quickly won over by the writing and humor. It’s a hilarious and self-mocking view of the fashion industry that ridiculously twists and turns in more ways than some soap operas could ever dream of. Highly recommended — but I digress…

On a recent episode, character Betty Suarez (played by America Ferrera) carried a large multi-colored Rebagz Tie-Tote. Much like the Ecoist brand we love to promote, these bags are made from recycled materials; specifically juice packs and nylon rice bags. Other celebrities that enjoy the line include Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Heidi Klum, Halle Berry, Sheryl Crow and Serena Williams. Needless to say, the owners of the company are thrilled that so many people are going the recycled route when it comes to fashion acccessories. From the release,

“‘We’re so happy that our Rebagz bags are gaining recognition,’ says Stevens-Heebner. ‘We were both thrilled and surprised to see America Ferrera with her bag on ‘Ugly Betty’ and to be invited to participate in the Pasadena Museum of History’s exhibit.’ The response to Rebagz’s introductory line last summer, ‘…was amazing,” she says, ‘and we’ve added even more exciting eco-friendly designs for 2008.’”

For more information on the Rebagz line, check out their official website.