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Enoh T. Ebong
Director of U.S. Trade and Development Agency.- Keynote Speech by Director of United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA), Hon. Enoh T. Ebong.
- Fireside Chat with Director United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA), Hon Enoh T. Ebong.
Keynote Speaker
"Enoh T. Ebong is the Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Nominated by President Biden to serve as USTDA’s Director, she was confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate.
As Director, Ms. Ebong leads USTDA in its efforts to develop sustainable infrastructure in emerging economies, while also supporting U.S. jobs through exports.
Ms. Ebong started her public service at USTDA and rose through the ranks as a career civil servant, including as General Counsel and as Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer.
In March 2023, President Biden appointed Ms. Ebong as a Federal government member to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Ms. Ebong’s professional experience includes time in the nonprofit sector, where she
served as the Head of Strategic Partnerships at the Milken Center for Advancing the
American Dream.
Before joining USTDA, she practiced business and finance law, representing public and private companies in offerings, financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance issues.
Ms. Ebong earned her JD from the University of Michigan Law School, a Master of Arts in Communication from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Arts in History, with honors, from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland. She is a member of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bar.
H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze
Permanent Representative to the US. at African Union Mission- Special Guest Remarks by Permanent Representative of African Union Mission to the U.S, H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze.
- Special Remarks by Permanent Representative of Africa Union Mission to the United States,
- Fireside Chat with H.E. Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Permanent Representative of Africa Union to the United States.
Keynote Speaker
H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze is the African Union Ambassador to the United States of America since October 2021. She was nominated by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to lead the African Union Mission in the USA, the first bilateral diplomatic Mission opened by the AU in 2007. Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze is the Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States of America. Her core mandate is to enhance and maintain existing bilateral ties. These ties strengthen democratic institutions, advance trade, and investment, knowledge sharing, promotes peace and security, and mutual relationships between the U.S and all 55 AU member countries based on culture and shared values. A career diplomat with experience that spans the African continent, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze assumed her most recent duties on November 2, 2020. Prior to coming to the U.S., she helped lead diplomacy for more than two decades in a variety of top government positions in her home country – Zimbabwe. Well-known as a “quiet champion of democracy,” Ambassador Suka-Mafudze held ambassadorial positions representing her country in Khartoum Sudan and South Sudan between 2010 and 2019, and most recently in the Republic of Malawi. With a staunch commitment to democracy and the will of the people, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze worked fastidiously with the 55 AU member countries to promote and deepen democracy and democratic elections on the African continent. While Ambassador to Malawi, she chaired the group of regional ambassadors representing the South African Development Community (SADC), a regional Economic Community comprising 16 member states.
In 2007, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze was the Executive Director of Community Development, where she was responsible for the day-to-day running of an organization and technical professional staff who interfaced with the government, civil society, and private sector. She worked to ensure civil society needs were articulated and streamlined in public policies and programs. From 2000 to 2005, Ambassador Suka-Mafudze served as an elected member of Zimbabwe’s Parliament. As one of the few women parliamentarians, she was an influential voice committed to ensuring Zimbabwe’s laws were balanced and served the interests of the poor and other marginalized groups – women, youth, the elder, and children.
Ambassador Suka-Mafudze has a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and the World Order from the University of Leicester, the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Science degree (with Honors) in Sociology and Gender Development from the Women’s University in Africa (WUA). Ambassador Suka-Mafudze is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of French and some Southern African languages, including Shona and Ndebele. Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze is married with four beautiful children.
Dr. Olivier Kamanzi
Co-Founder and Chairman of AFRICA GLOBAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE- Opening Remarks by Co-Founder & Chairman of African Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), Dr. Olivier Kamanzi.
- DINNER GALA & AWARDS NIGHT
- Opening Remarks by Chairman Africa Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), Dr. Olivier Kamanzi
Organizer
Dr. Olivier Kamanzi is a Capital markets expert, and an international Financial Sector Development Consultant, an Inspirational Speaker, and Philanthropist. Mr. Kamanzi was appointed Uganda Trade Representative for US Markets by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on December 16, 2022, in Chicago, United States. He is the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce headquartered in Chicago. Dr. Kamanzi is the Founder and CEO of Globrock Group, a holding company of Globrock Financial, Globrock Trade, and Globrock Technologies.
GlobrockFinancial is a global management Consulting and investment advisory firm with its headquarters in Chicago and its subsidiaries both in the US and in Africa. He is the former
Deputy CEO of Capital Market Authority of Rwanda, former Senior Investment Specialist of Citigroup (Citibank), and an Executive employee at JPMorgan Chase. He is the Founder and Chairman of The Olivier Kamanzi Foundation – a public charitable organization.
Dr. Kamanzi is the President of the Board of Saint Sabina Academy an affiliate of Saint Sabina Catholic Church based in Chicago, United States. He is the Chairman of African Diaspora International Savings Bank - ADIS Bank/ADIL Ltd headquartered in Antigua & Barbuda in the Caribbean Region.
Dr. Kamanzi assisted in the establishment of the Rwandan capital markets industry
and the creation of the Rwanda Capital Market Authority and Rwanda Stock Exchange. He initiated different policies including the East Africa Regional Financial Market Infrastructure Development and Regional Capital Markets harmonization and integration. He assisted in the development and
implementation of the East African Central Depository Systems for securities and
Securities Industry Training Institute (SITI East Africa).
Dr. Kamanzi is a Doctorate in Philosophy Organizational Leadership and Entrepreneurship with specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He holds an MBA in Finance from Ashford University, the Forbes School of Business in Iowa, and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.
Mr. Kamanzi’s hobbies are running, reading, and serving the community by
mentoring youth, providing financial literacy classes, and he teaches Stock Market
Program to 8th Grade.
He appeared in various radio, TV, and Radio, including BBC World Services, Voice of America, CNBC Africa, Reuters, Nation, East African, GhanaWeb, and many more. He has written multiple articles on AfCFTA, Covid-19, financial, and leadership matters.
Denise Ochigbo
Founder of The Career Mompreneur- Welcome Remarks by Founder & President of The Career Mompreneur (TCM) Representative, Denise Ochigbo.
- Welcome Remarks by TCM Representative, Denise Ochigbo.
Organizer
Mrs. Ochigbo is the CEO & Founder of The Career Mompreneur (TCM), a financial coaching business teaching leaders and business owners
how to effectively manage their finances and become access to capital
ready to grow and scale in business.
Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson, Esq
Senior Advisor to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. & Executive Director of Push ExcelHonorary Gala Chair.
Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson currently serves as Senior Advisor to Rev. Jesse L Jackson Sr. and National Executive Director of PUSH For Excellence. She has worked with PUSH as a volunteer and/or staff member since she graduated from law school in 1980. Additionally, Dr. Wilson serves as Senior Pastor of Maple Park United Methodist church.
Her employment record is as diverse as her educational background. Dr. Wilson has taught at every grade level, served as an environmental chemist, a pump engineer, trial lawyer (for 15 years), hosts a weekly cable television broadcast (for 25 years), administered a union based medical center (for 8 years) and has been engaged in the struggle for civil and human rights all of her life.
Dr. Wilson spent most of her adult life as a civil rights advocate. She has utilized her investigative skills developed during her years as an environmental scientist, her negotiating skills developed while practicing as a criminal defense attorney, and her conscience as a Christian, to assist minorities in receiving social justice and economic parity. Additionally, Dr. Wilson’s commitment to youth is unquestionable. She has spent her adult life hiring, mentoring, employing, and establishing internship programs for youth.
Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson currently resides with her husband, Rodney Howard in Chicago, Illinois.Dr. Wilson is a member of several civic and religious organizations including: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., various Legal Associations including American Bar Association, National Bar Association and Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Inc.Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson currently serves as Senior Advisor to Rev. Jesse L Jackson Sr. and National Executive Director of PUSH For Excellence. She has worked with PUSH as a volunteer and/or staff member since she graduated from law school in 1980. Additionally, Dr. Wilson serves as Senior Pastor of Maple Park United Methodist church.
Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, PhD.
Founding & Director General of Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre (BIRDC)- Panel Discussion 1 – Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Strategies from Top Female Executives
- Special Guest Remarks by Director General of Banana Industrial Research & Development Centre (BIRDC) and Secretary General of Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), Rev, Prof, Dr. Florence. I. Maranga, PhD.
Special Guest Speaker
The Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga is currently the Research Team Leader, the Director of Business Enterprise, and the founding Director of the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development Project (PIBID), now succeeded by the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC). PIBID/BIRDC's mission is to provide rural farmers with services, outreach, and research and development opportunities in sustainable banana productivity, business and product process development, product assurance and safety, and process/product technology transfer and commercialization. She has been instrumental in the rollout of BIRDC and is also a founding member of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the former Faculty of Agriculture, Makerere University.
Additionally, she served as an Associate Chaplain at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University. Under her leadership, PIBID has become one of tAfrica's most recognized agro-industrial projects receiving numerous accolades at the national level, in the COMESA Region, and across the continent. Prof. Muranga has personally been decorated with several awards, including the pioneer winner of the Presidential Scientific Innovation Excellence Award 2005/06 for her pioneering work utilizing Matooke (banana) as a principal raw material in the food processing industry and promoting its commercialization for food security. She also received the Platinum Winner for the Lifetime Achievement Award in East Africa for 2023/24, and the Valorous Award from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation for her contributions to research and development in the banana value chain. She was recognized among the top women of 2006 by the Management Forum of the British Council, Uganda.
Prof. Florence Muranga has held membership at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS). She has pioneered scientific research on Matooke, securing several competitive grants, including the Africa Career Award (ACA) from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Africa Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) from the Japanese Government which all have been crowned by the PIBID grant from the government of Uganda. She has filed and obtained five patents and a trademark from her research, with six more in progress.
She is an ordained priest of the Church of Uganda, a mother and grandmother of four, and married to Rev. Prof. Dr. M.J.K. Muranga, former Director of the Institute of Languages at Makerere University and Principal of Bishop Burham UCU University College and currently Professor of Languages at Kabale University Uganda. She loves children and productive work.
Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe
Mayor at Banjul, The GambiaSpecial Guest Speaker.
Mayor Rohey was born and raised in Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, where her father, Alagie Malick Lowe was once Mayor.
Rohey made history on the 12th of May 2018 after being elected as the first ever female mayor in The Gambia. She became the Mayor of the City of Banjul after contesting the mayoral election under the banner of the United Democratic Party (UDP; the biggest opposition party in The Gambia) where she is one of the founding members. On the 20th May 2023, she once again recorded a resounding victory at the polls by edging out a seasoned politician in a hotly contested poll to be re-elected at the position of Mayor of the City of Banjul. Rohey is the first mayor to be re-elected in The Gambia as every mayor has ever enjoyed only one term in office.
She lived and studied International Relations at the University of Falun Sweden. While there, she was active in politics and was a member of the party called the ‘Social Democrats’ thus had the opportunity to serve on the Child Welfare Committee of Nyköping Municipality with responsibility of overseeing schools within her jurisdiction for four years.
She has established her own successful businesses in the tourism industry in several cities across the African continent. During all her campaigns for the mayoral position, one of her strongest priorities has been to ensure that the youth and women of Banjul are empowered through skill building and entrepreneurship.
She is well known as a strong advocate of the Sustainable Development Goals which must be achieved through multi-stakeholder partnership and she is a strong believer of “citizens not to be spectators”, but active participants in the democratic processes anywhere they live. She is actively engaged in the political processes of her country, her continent-Africa as well as global politics. Currently she occupies the following positions:
• President of the Local Elected Women’s Network of Africa known by its French acronym as REFELA;
• President of the Africa Capital Cities Sustainability Forum;
• 2nd Vice Chairperson of the Global Parliament of Mayors;
• 2nd Vice President of United Democratic Party of the Gambia;
• Executive Member of the Board of Directors of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, the main referral Hospital in Banjul.
• Founder and President of The Rohey Malick Lowe Women and Girls Empowerment Initiative. The initiative is geared towards supporting the education of boys and girls, investing in the independence of women in business and the empowerment of youths to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
• Rohey recently won two prestigious awards – a special citation from UN Habitat for her engagement in the issues that affect women, and the Global Parliament of Mayors awarded the prestigious Dr. Benjamin Barber Global Cities Award to her..
She speaks English, Swedish, Mandinka as well as Wolof and has a strong social media presence and she is a youth mentor in Banjul and the Gambia as a whole.
Efe Ukala
Founder of ImpactHERHonorary Gala Chair.
Efe is an experienced private equity lawyer and currently serves as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JP Morgan, where she advises institutional investors. She has extensive experience in private and public investments arising out of frontier markets.
Previously, Efe served as a Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer at Kuramo Capital Management, an independent investment management firm focused on alternative assets in emerging and frontier markets, where she advised on numerous cross-border investments deals across Africa and managed the firm’s fund formation processes. At Kuramo, she participated in the firm’s Investment Committee meetings, advised on structuring cross-border private equity transactions, negotiated transactions, and drafted agreements. She managed the legal transaction processes from inception to close and worked on diverse deals ranging from consumer goods to financial services. In addition, Efe also advised the firm and its portfolio companies on compliance and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters.
Efe received her A.B. from the University of Chicago where she was a Jeff Metcalf Fellow and her J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law. Efe is a member of the New York State and New Jersey State Bars. She was an elected member of the University of Chicago Black Alumni Association board and Vice President of the Association of Black Women Attorneys NYC.
Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa
Treasurer General at African National Congress- Keynote Speech by Treasurer General of Africa National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa.
- Fireside Chat with Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, Treasurer General African Nations Congress (ANC) – South Africa.
Keynote Speaker.
Born in Atteridgeville in the City of Tshwane, Dr. Gwendoline Malegwale Ramokgopa considers herself an advocate for an Equitable, Just and Prosperous society for all.
Dr. Gwen is a Medical Doctor with a Masters degree in Public Health from the Medical University of Southern Africa, now Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences.
She previously served as Special Advisor to the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa and as Chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology.
She pursues her Medical Profession as an associate of the University of Pretoria based World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies.
She sits on the Boards of the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association (SAMDP), the Medical Women of South Africa, and the Medical Cooperative Bank.
She has worked as a Medical Officer at the now Dr. George Mukhari Hospital and as a General Medical Practitioner at Pretoria City Centre. She was also the National Health Program Manager at the Independent Development Trust during the transition to democracy and served as a Medical Advisor at the Gauteng Department of Health.
She has also served as the Deputy Minister of Health in the Republic of South Africa, and as the MEC for Health in the Province of Gauteng, South Africa.
Her medical career also enabled her to serve on:
• the boards of NETCARE, Nozala, Workers’ Health, Medipost;
• the Councils of MEDUNSA and the University of Pretoria;
• the City Council of Pretoria and the City of Tshwane as Executive Chairperson and Executive Mayor respectively.
• the Member of the Legislature in Gauteng as Provincial Minister for Health and for Social Development respectively
• the National Government as the Deputy Minister for Health in South Africa
Dr. Ramokgopa is a veteran of the liberation struggle for democracy in South Africa and continues to be involved in extra-parliamentary politics. She has served in numerous leadership roles in the African National Congress inclusive of serving as Deputy Chairperson of the African National Congress in Gauteng.
In December of 2022 she was elected to her current position as the Treasurer General of the African National Congress. She is the first Female to have been elected to this position.
Her activism extends to the promotion of human rights, wellness and shared prosperity for an equitable development.
END.
Roslyn Ngeno
Senior Investment Expert at African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat- Special Guest Remarks by the Senior Investment Expert at Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Roslyn Ngeno.
- Panel Discussion 2 – Empowering Financial Leadership
Special Guest Speaker.
Roslyn Ng’eno is the Senior Investment Expert at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, leading the efforts towards the development, negotiation and implementation of the Protocol on Investment, that has seen the delivery and adoption of the Protocol. Ms. Ng’eno provides technical assistance and strategic guidance to Member States on the formulation and execution of the continental investment protocol.
Ms. Ng’eno has served in various capacities within both intergovernmental organizations and governmental bodies with particular focus on investment regulatory reforms and facilitation strategies. Her expertise lies in the development of National and Regional Investment policies, as well as the negotiation of Bilateral Investment treaties and formulation of regional Investment Treaty Models.
Previously, she served as a technical advisor within the office of the Principal Secretary for Industrialization of Kenya. She has also held the position of Policy Manager at the Kenya Investment Authority, where she coordinated the work on policy advocacy and investor facilitation. She led the development of the Kenya Investment Policy, and her contributions extend to the negotiation of reform oriented regional and continental model Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), including those of the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Union’s Pan African Investment Code (PAIC).
Roslyn Ng’eno has written and made presentations nationally, regionally and internationally on international investment agreements and investment policies.
Demitrus Evans
Ceo of The Evans International Law Firm,LLCSpeaker.
Demitrus Evans, JD, LLM has served as the Secretary of the African Global Chamber of
Commerce for five (5) years. Most notably she is the managing Attorney for TEIL Firms
which began in Westchester in 2009. The firm’s three (3) focus areas are Contract Drafting/
Litigation, Intellectual Property Protection and International Trade. Demitrus also arbitrates for
Cook County Courts and is a Mediator in the Federal District Court. She often is asked to speak
on international contractual matters and does so under issues and Women in Law and Business.
Tigist Reda
Founder of Demera Restaurant, Chicago.Speaker
Tigist Reda founded Demera Restaurant in Chicago, renowned for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Ms. Reda is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC). Born in Tigray, Ethiopia, Tigist grew up during the civil war, learning traditional Ethiopian cooking from a young age in a large household. After immigrating to the United States in 1997, she combined her passion for cooking and entertaining, leading to the opening of Demera Restaurant in 2007.
Tigist is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce. In response to the current conflict in Tigray, she has dedicated herself to supporting survivors of gender-based violence. She collaborates with HPN4TIGRAY to fundraise for mental health services in refugee camps and continues to support these women through medical aid and small business development initiatives.
Amber Johns, JD, LLM, CIPM, CIPP/E
Global Data Privacy & Corporate Counsel at AJohns GlobalSpeaker
Mrs. Agnes Kitumba
Founder and CEO of The Arise CollectionsAgnes N Kitumba is a social entrepreneur, CEO, mentor, wife, mother of 4 children, and dog lover!
With 10 plus years driving exceptional operational performance end-to-end in startups, she is a proven leader of diverse global teams; having led supply chain planning for Sseko from 2010 to 2017 and East Africa; Sseko business integration between Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda units.
She is the founder and CEO of The Arise Kollections; an ethical leather and textile value-addition company. Arise manufactures and exports leather and textile high-end products like bags, sandals, apparel, jewelry, and home décor items. Under her leadership during Sseko designs operations, more than 300 girls were skilled and sent to University, and more than 100 permanent jobs created.
The company also runs a youth Gap Year Program. Through her work and commitment, she is making a significant impact on the lives of Ugandan women and youth with hundreds having accessed mentoring and training programs, eventually receiving scholarships to pursue higher education.
Amongst her many recognitions Aggie has featured as the African - Modern day woman during the 2014 US-Africa Leaders' Summit Spousal Program in Washington DC, USA. She is passionate about manufacturing, gardening, planting trees, exports, and spending.
She believes in empowerment for all and using each one's talent to bring out the best in others.
Her personal motto being: "Stand up for yourself and those who cannot."
D. Yvonne Rivers
CEO of Phoebe Marketing GroupSpeaker
Since 1997, in Washington, DC, Yvonne has successfully implemented a venue for aspiring business owners to receive feedback and funding opportunities. Yvonne has been spotlighted in Black Enterprise Magazine, Walker’s Legacy, and other media outlets. DC Shark Tank has now become ‘Phoebe Pitch Tank Competition’. Yvonne has been a business speaker on conferences and webinars across the Globe.
Yvonne has developed grass roots collaboration with community organizations to establish a mentorship and micro-enterprise program for women through Phoebe Women Network since 2002. She established the Nonprofit Boot Camp in 2005 to provide training and technical assistance to emerging and established nonprofits through consulting and webinar training reaching over 1250 students.
She is experienced in coordinating and promoting events for nonprofit community organizations and conducting business workshops for Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Yvonne, also known as Phoebe, is an organized, articulate self-starter with a proven ability to develop positive business relationships using public relations skills. Phoebe planned and hosted two global conferences , She Power Conference in Nairobi , Kenya in 2022 and 2023 at Strathmore University which included a Fireside Chat, Keynote by Kenyan government official , She Power Pitch Competition and Expo and Trade Deal Room for over 250 African women .
Dr. Deloris Thomas
President & COO at Joseph Business SchoolSpeaker
Dr. Deloris Thomas serves as President of The Joseph
Center® executing the vision to eradicate poverty through entrepreneurship. Her responsibilities include the strategic and global operational leadership for the nationally accredited Joseph Business School and its related entities.
Dr. Thomas traveled to over 60 countries expanding the flagship entrepreneurial program to 22
locations across six continents, and empowering people to become successful entrepreneurs.
Previously, Dr. Thomas held leadership positions in brand management and strategic
planning at Fortune 500 companies such as Xerox, Kraft Foods, and Sears Roebuck &
Company.
Dr. Thomas was selected for a Notable Woman in Education Award in the May 28, 2018
edition of Crain’s Chicago Business. Dr. Thomas authored the book, Awaken to Leadership
and is a contributing author for the book titled, Organizational Metaphors – Faith as Key to
Functional Organizations: Chapter Nine, Vineyard as a Metaphor.
Dr. Thomas holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Bentley University, a Master’s in
Business Administration from Harvard University Graduate School of Business, and a Ph.D.
in organizational leadership from Regent University. Dr. Thomas is happily married with
children.
Dr. Elizabeth Wachira
Professor at A & M CommerceSpeaker
Dr. Elizabeth Wachira, affectionately known as 'Dr. E,' serves as an Associate Professor and Public Health Program Director at Texas A&M University-Commerce, bringing over 15 years of experience in nursing, health promotion, and education. Recently tenured, Dr. E is the first Black woman to achieve this milestone in her department. Her career in academia is driven by her belief that education should catalyze personal and societal transformation. From teaching to service, she consistently seeks opportunities to facilitate meaningful conversations and create spaces that empower individuals to discover and pursue their authentic purpose.
As a scholar, Dr. E’s research aims to inform and expand our understanding of health inequities, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected in academic and policy-making circles. Her work extends to initiatives centered on women’s empowerment, mental health promotion, and clergy health.
As a community mobilizer and faith leader, Dr. E actively engages in initiatives fostering a culture of belonging, wellbeing, and commitment to others. She passionately works to empower and mobilize communities, particularly youth, to reach their greatest potential despite societal odds. Her community engagement reflects her dedication to breaking conventional boundaries and inspiring others to embrace originality boldly. Currently, she focuses on creating spaces for women of diverse ages and backgrounds to connect, be empowered, and supported to bloom into the greatest version of themselves. She does this through the BecomingEngaged book club and hosting “The Bloom Experience”.
Dr. Tamia Bethea Williams
Life Mastery Consultant at Mary Morrissey’s Life Mastery InstituteSpeaker
Hailing from the vibrant town of Latta, South Carolina, Dr. Bethea-Williams now calls the dynamic Long Island, NY, her home base. A multifaceted individual, she holds a Bachelor's degree with a focus on Education, complemented by a major in Advertising and Public Relations. Not one to be confined by convention, she is also a licensed Cosmetologist and a Master in Body & Brain Training.
Dr. Bethea-Williams's journey to the summit of success reached new heights as she ascended to the esteemed position of Lead Master Trainer for a top MLM organization, a feat that placed her third globally under the mentorship of the renowned transformational leader, Mr. Isobe. Her credentials as a Certified Motivational Speaker, Teacher, Trainer, and Coach with the prestigious John C Maxwell Group attest to her unwavering commitment to empowering and inspiring others.
Embracing a holistic approach to personal development, she serves as a Life Mastery Consultant with the esteemed Mary Morrissey's Life Mastery Institute, recently achieving the prestigious title of Gold Life Mastery Consultant. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she has expanded her expertise as an International Certified Hypnotherapist through intensive study with the esteemed therapist Marisa Peer.
A trailblazer in the field of Counseling Psychology and Metaphysical Science, Dr. Bethea-Williams was honored with the esteemed title of Renaissance Woman by the Sweet Mother Foundation in 2019. Her illustrious career spans over three decades in the MLM industry, where she has garnered accolades as one of the top producers, achieving the remarkable milestone of surpassing a million dollars in earnings.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Bethea-Williams cherishes her roles as a devoted mother of three, a loving grandmother of three, and the cherished wife of Anthony Williams. Her creative endeavors extend to the silver screen, where she has showcased her talents as an Executive Producer and actress in the acclaimed movie "Chiro Killer," alongside her involvement in the production of "Slamma Jamma."
An accomplished author, Dr. Bethea-Williams has penned the inspirational works "I WAS BLESSED WITH ANGELS" and several training manuals for the MLM industry. Her influence extends to the airwaves, where she has hosted captivating radio shows on Tune In Radio and Bold Brave Media, sharing her wisdom and insights with a global audience.
As her star continues to rise, Dr. Bethea-Williams is set to make her mark on the big screen with an upcoming movie produced by Richard Kern, slated for release in theaters worldwide by the end of 2026. Her latest venture, the radio show "On A Roll/Keeping it Real with Dr. Tamia," promises to captivate audiences with her boundless energy and profound wisdom. In all she does, Dr. Tamia Bethea-Williams exemplifies excellence, passion, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others to reach their full potential.
Awisi (Quartey) Bustos
CEO of Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (IABGC/The Alliance).Speaker
Awisi (Quartey) Bustos is a passionate and results-driven leader with over 13 years of executive-level management, government relations, policy, advocacy, and legal experience. Her areas of expertise are in human rights, human services, youth development, disability rights, community action, coalition building, multi-state outreach, multi-state service collaboration and program implementation.
She is a first-generation Ghanaian American who was born in Benin Cotonou and raised in Ghana, Ethiopia, Cuba, Belgium and the United States. She is fluent and literate in five languages including French, Spanish, Ga, and Twi (Ghanaian Languages). Awisi holds a B.A. in Political Science, French, Spanish, and International Studies from Purdue University, and a J.D. from UIC John Marshall Law School.
Growing up as the eldest daughter of a Ghanaian diplomat and lifelong civil servant, Awisi has lived and schooled in various countries throughout the world which has helped shape both who she is and her drive to help others. Throughout her professional career, she has worked tirelessly in various roles as a public servant and human rights advocate.
Some of her professional experiences include currently serving as the CEO & Executive Director for the Illinois Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, serving as the Senior Policy Advisor to Secretary Grace Hou of the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Northwest Illinois Coordinator for United States Senator, Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, Director of Policy and Training for Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Extern Law Clerk for the Honorable Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis of the Illinois Supreme Court, a Constituent Affairs Fellow under former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and interning at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In her spare time, Awisi likes to volunteer her time to non-profit organizations in her community such as the Boys & Girls Clubs. She also enjoys reading, playing tennis, ping pong and traveling. She lives in Springfield Illinois with her husband and ffour-year-oldson.
Monica Cooper
President and CEO of Make It Happen EntertainmentSpeaker
Monica R. Cooper has worked in front of the camera and behind it for over 30+ years.
Monica was born in Baton Rouge, La. Raised in Pittsburgh, PA and studied theater at the University of North Carolina. She started her career in the entertainment industry as an actress performing in local theater and national commercials. Unable to find reliable representation, Monica formed her own model and talent management agency which she ran successfully for 4 years, ultimately finding a niche in discovering talent as a casting before making the leap of faith to relocate to the entertainment capital.
Upon moving to Los Angeles, she immediately began casting films and television projects such as Panther, Posse, Moesha, The Parkers, Friday, The Steve Harvey Show, Ned and Stacey, Civil Brand, The Wash and Waist Deep to name a few.
While casting, she found a fervent desire to be more involved in the creative process as a Producer. This led her to form the film and television entertainment production company, Make It Happen Entertainment to develop, package and produce "in- house" with the best in the business. The company's home base is in Los Angeles with production teams globally. Recent casting and producing works include "MR-9" with Frank Grillo, Michael Jai White and Abm Sumon and "Skeletons in the Closet" with Terrance Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. and numerous projects currently in development.
Along with educating and providing opportunities for our next generation of filmmakers, her personal passion, is to find a cure for breast cancer. After losing her mother to the disease, she formed The Silent Majority Breast Cancer Foundation (www.smbcf.org) whose goal, is to raise awareness and funding for research, mentorship programs for youth and families and providing hope for more survivors.
She is also the founder and visionary behind the development of Peaceful Tides Health & Wellness Centre. (www.peacefultides.org) A 360 health and wellbeing facility being developed globally.
Appreccia D. Faulkner
Founder and CEO of Global Strategists AssociationSpeaker
Appreccia D. Faulkner is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Strategists Association, an international nonprofit striving to increase global engagement among the African Diaspora. She founded the organization in 2013 to promote diversity, racial equity, inclusion and justice in global affairs. The organization is committed to Changing The Face of Global Affairs
Appreccia is a 2023 International Career Advancement Program fellow with the University of Denver/Aspen Institute focused on diversifying global leadership, 2021 Truman National Security Project Fellow and a 2020 Emerging Leader with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. She is a 2019 Global Ambassador with the Institute of Economics and Peace hosted by the Global Peace Index and a 2019 Fellow at Upswell hosted by Independent Sector. She has hosted and curated several thought provoking events designed to platform emerging and established Black leaders on today's most foreign and domestic issues. Under Appreccia's tutelage Global Strategists Association has partnered with University of Chicago, U.S. Department of State, and many other local and global institutions.
In 2017 she was one of seven Co-Chairs for The United State of Women Galvanize Chicago conference. The three day event was attended by over one thousand women looking to contribute to public policy and America's political posterity. She travels the country speaking on disruptive leadership, Black diplomacy, racial equity in foreign policy, and the importance of democratizing global affairs.
Appreccia is a native Chicagoan who graduated from Kennedy-King College with an Associates and later studied Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington D.C. before obtaining her Bachelors Degree at Chicago State University. She is currently a regular contributor on WJOU's radio program 'Reimagining Our World' where she discusses the importance of civic engagement and Black diplomacy. "
Sheila Dantzler
Realtor at Jameson Sotheby's International RealtySpeaker
“You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give”. Sheila Dantzler is one of the top producing realtors to be of service. Sheila Dantzler is an accomplished real estate professional with a stellar track record spanning nearly two decades. Her dedication to her clients is evident in her numerous accolades and achievements. Since embarking on her real estate career in July 2005, she has consistently delivered exceptional service, closing hundreds of transactions along the way.
Prior to joining Jameson Sotheby’s International, Sheila distinguished herself as one of the top-selling brokers at a nationwide firm, earning competitive awards in multiple years. Her excellence in the field has been recognized by esteemed organizations such as the Chicago Association of Realtors, where she was named among the elite "Top Producers" on multiple occasions.
Sheila's expertise has garnered attention from major media outlets, including USA Today, Chicago Sun Times, Crains Chicago Business, Fox Chicago 32, and HGTV (House Hunters and Good Buy/Bad Buy), where she has been featured as a real estate expert. Her commitment to professionalism extends beyond her client interactions; she actively contributes to the real estate community as the Public Policy Chair for the Chicago Association of Realtors and Past Chair of the Professional Standards Committee.
One of Dantzler’s most significant professional accomplishments was being ranked in the top 1.5% of realtors nationwide based on production by RealTrends magazine - 2023.
With more than 19 years in the real estate industry, she sees more than 90% of her clients come from referrals. With a client focused approach, Sheila has always been a strong advocate for her clients – pricing, promotion, positioning, and protecting the client’s needs are the priority in every transaction.
As an immigrant from Uganda, Sheila is driven by a personal mission to help others achieve the American Dream of homeownership. She and her husband, Eric Dantzler, are not only successful real estate professionals but also owners of R&D Builders, a construction company, where they develop high-quality properties in the communities of Bronzeville and Fuller Park. They are the owners and operator of Bronzeville Salon Suites, an 18 unit building that leases space to beauty and wellness professionals that run their own businesses from their suite.
Sheila holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Grambling State University, was the former Miss Black USA 1995, and serves as an active member of Jack and Jill of America; an organization that focuses on creating innovative activities to nurture children into compassionate and knowledgeable future leaders. When not working and managing her various businesses, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her daughter and husband.
With her client-focused approach, extensive experience, and passion for community development, Sheila Dantzler continues to make a significant impact in the real estate industry and beyond.
Catherine Franklin
CPA at JFO Group LLCModerator
Catherine Franklin is a wife and mother of two adventurous boys who keep her on her toes. She resides in Heath, Texas; a suburb of the city of Dallas. She loves homemaking and decorating, traveling, horseback riding and movies.
In her profession, Mrs Franklin is a certified public accountant with over 20 years of experience. Most recently she worked as a Director of Tax and Compliance at a Private Wealth Management firm before leaving in November 2021, to establish a private practice and focus on her family. In her private practice she provides Concierge CFO services helping business owners to flourish financially.
Mrs. Franklin believes that to whom much is given, much is required. She is passionate about seeing women flourish. It is from this premise that she endeavors to help women Master Money through training and coaching.
She has served in many organizations supporting women including being President of Queens Ministry USA, a Christian women empowerment ministry. She also served as an advisory board member and finance expert trainer of the women's mentoring organization - Woman Act Now. Ms. Franklin has authored articles featured in Epitome Magazine, Live Magazine and Thrive Magazine.
Mrs. Franklin was recognized as one of the top 40 inspirational Kenyan Women in Diaspora by African Warrior Magazine. She has also been recognized and awarded a national statesman award by I-Change Nations. She holds a master's degree in Business Administration and a BA in Professional Accounting & MIS from Texas A & M University Commerce.
Henrietta Nairuba Wamala
Former President at Ugandan North American AssociationHenrietta Nairuba Wamala is a revolutionary and dynamic leader in the diaspora and healthcare technology sectors, currently serving as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) at Edward-Elmhurst Health in Illinois. She has held several leadership roles, including Vice President of the Uganda Women in Illinois, President Emeritus of the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA), and twice as Executive Secretary for UNAA.
Henrietta is also the President and CEO of UG Tourism Consult and runs the Rise4Her Women’s Initiative & Empowerment Program, advocating for Ugandan and other immigrant women. She has successfully spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives, such as the Whole Day Trade and Investment Forum, Health and Educational initiatives, and supports the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA). Henrietta played a crucial role in organizing the inaugural Uganda-USA Business, Trade, and Investment Forum attended by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Chicago in 2022. Additionally, she is a board member of the Friends of Pharmbiotrac Foundation at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and she remains passionate about community service, effective leadership, and problem-solving.Henrietta Nairuba Wamala is a revolutionary and dynamic leader in the diaspora and healthcare technology sectors, currently serving as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) at Edward-Elmhurst Health in Illinois. She has held several leadership roles, including Vice President of the Uganda Women in Illinois, President Emeritus of the Ugandan North American Association (UNAA), and twice as Executive Secretary for UNAA.
Henrietta is also the President and CEO of UG Tourism Consult and runs the Rise4Her Women’s Initiative & Empowerment Program, advocating for Ugandan and other immigrant women. She has successfully spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives, such as the Whole Day Trade and Investment Forum, Health and Educational initiatives, and supports the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA). Henrietta played a crucial role in organizing the inaugural Uganda-USA Business, Trade, and Investment Forum attended by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Chicago in 2022. Additionally, she is a board member of the Friends of Pharmbiotrac Foundation at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and she remains passionate about community service, effective leadership, and problem-solving.