Kenyan Native Among The 16 Competitors In NBC's New Edition Of 'The Apprentice' Premiering Sep 16

NBC, Donald Trump and Mark Burnett offer 16 economically challenged candidates the opportunity to compete for the ultimate second chance at reviving their careers when the boardroom reopens for a 2-hour premiere on Thursday, September 16 (9-11 p.m. ET). This group of uniquely talented and fiercely competitive candidates will compete over 13 weeks to become "The Apprentice." Each of these 16 candidates is deserving of a fresh start and will have to battle it out with each other as they fight to prove they have the guts and determination to confront the toughness of each challenge and survive Donald Trump's final judgment. Among the candidates - all of whom have been adversely affected by the economic downturn - include the unemployed, struggling business owners and recent college graduates.

"I am very excited to have the civilian version of 'The Apprentice' back on the air this fall," said Donald Trump, executive producer. "The new edition will combine the realities of today's economic downturn with the grittiness, drama and excitement of the original series. Each of this season's 16 contestants has been hit hard by the economy and they are fighting back; fighting for a chance to rebuild their careers and for one savvy contestant, the career opportunity of a lifetime -- to come and work for me. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain!"

This season Trump's mission to put America back to work results in a re-directed focus aimed at improving the lives of all the candidates with more meaningful rewards. Each Project Manager will be awarded a one-on-one meeting with some of America's best-known business leaders and CEOs. The 16 candidates have the opportunity to network with sponsors, executives and guest stars to expand their networking base and create potential new career opportunities.

"I am so proud to be able to bring back the original version of 'The Apprentice,'" said Mark Burnett, the show's creator. "All across America, people are being affected by the economy and some of our most talented are still having a tough time finding employment. Thousands of people applied to be a part of The Apprentice and sixteen of the very best will compete for this incredible career opportunity. All of them embody the fighting, can-do spirit that remind us what the American Dream is all about."

Among the candidates is Liza Mucheru-Wisner, 30, of Corpus Christi, Texas.  Liza was born in Kenya and was part of the Kenyan National Golf team and was recruited to play golf at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She completed her education and received her Masters degree while simultaneously starting an educational technology company. However, her business venture fell victim to the recession and she is struggling to make it a success. Mucheru-Wisner, now a wife and mother of two, works hard to stay connected with her family in Kenya and Ireland and is looking for opportunities to grow and expand her business. She is an avid fan of golf and is a belly dancer and aerobics instructor on the side.
 

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2010/08/26/nbc-donald-trump-and-mark-burnett-introduce-16-candidates-to-compete-on-new-edition-of-the-apprentice-premiering-september-16-9-11-pm-et/20100826nbc01/