She is a multi-award-winning community engagement strategist with a distinguished record of driving transformative impact across The Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean. Recognized for her multidisciplinary expertise, Dr. Ky Dele is a visionary leader specializing in community-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, behavioral health, and leadership development, leveraging a global network to drive sustainable impact and growth across diverse sectors. Her expertise has driven transformational change for a wide-ranging clientele, including heads of state, diplomatic corps, fortune companies, international organizations, and prominent leaders across sectors. Dr. Dele’s groundbreaking contributions have earned prestigious accolades, including honors from the U.S. White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives, underscoring her profound influence on social and organizational advancement. Her initiatives have generated over one billion media impressions, celebrated by global outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, Huffington Post, USA Today, BET, BBC, The Washington Post, Black Enterprise Magazine, Essence Magazine, Arise, Channels Television, and more. Dr. Dele’s expertise has also been featured on major international television platforms, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, amplifying her global reach.

Wole A. Akande is President/CEO of MV International Inc., a marketing and international trade consulting firm based in Maryland, USA. Mr. Akande has extensive knowledge of African markets/ trades, especially that of Nigeria. For many years, his firm was the sole sub-Saharan Africa representative for the global firm, EuroMoney/Emerging Markets and also the International Herald Tribune. Over the years, he has worked diligently to bring investments into Africa and to enhance African trade with the USA. This has been responsible for bringing millions of dollar investments into West African commerce. Mr. Akande, also a serial entrepreneur, has co-founded a number of firms including; SloweGanzi International Limited, a Washington DC sports and entertainment marketing firm, Slonergy Limited, a Nigerian oil and gas services firm, Slowe Limited, an international trade firm and IESG, a Texas, USA energy service firm that is involved in providing power solutions to Nigeria. Mr. Akande started his career after graduate school as Assistant to the Vice President, Gannett Co., Virginia. Gannett, owner of USA Today, was once the largest media conglomerate in the world with over 500,000 employees and billions of dollars in revenue. Mr. Akande, acutely aware of how politics affects international relationships, stays involved both locally in the USA and across the African continent, providing insight and perspectives especially to the Diaspora audience. To date, he continues to make significant contributions to the development of people-centered policies across Governments. Mr. Akande, an avid chess player, educated with a B.Sc and MBA in marketing is married with three children and two grandchildren.

Femi Olubanwo is an erudite intellectual property practitioner whose diverse commercial practice includes advising on all manner of trade mark issues. He also possesses expertise in copyright matters.

Market observers consider him to be "one of the top intellectual property lawyers. Femi's passion for completeness and perfection makes him a consummate professional. He has been engaged in many domestic and international financing-related transactions. His commitment to exceeding clients' expectations, and the assurance of success in any transaction with which he is identified, places him above the ordinary lawyer.

He earned his LL. B (Hons) from the University of Lagos between 1976 and 1981, followed by his B.L from the Nigerian Law School from 1981 to 1982. His areas of practice include Intellectual Property & Technology, Banking & Loan Syndication, Corporate & Commercial Law, and Project Finance. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys, the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, the International Trademark Association, and the World Trade Course of Nigeria.

Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria from August 2019 to May 2023. He previously served as the first democratically elected governor of Ekiti State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2003, on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress and is a top chieftain in the party. He was appointed Minister of Trade in August 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari following the announcement of his second cabinet. Adebayo has extensive experience in a wide range of disputes & legal and advisory work. His more notable achievements have been in the areas of project finance, oil and gas, contract procurement, and business facilitation. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Bar Association (IBA).

Considered an expert in political strategy, Campbell works closely with foreign governments to develop and or improve the relationship with the U.S.government. He is a Commissioner for Maryland Governor Wes Moore's Africa Commission. He has led or was a member of several congressional staff delegations and personal trade missions throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean to foster improved diplomatic, trade and economic relations. As a former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Washington, DC, he is comfortable handling pressure situations. He has been recognized as a hybrid of policy wonk and political operative able to maneuver through both worlds. He serves as a conduit between the U.S. government, U.S. business interest, and foreign representatives. Mr. Campbell was responsible for developing an aggressive strategy to address the issue of agriculture, hunger and its impact on urban communities that helped Congressman Bobby L. Rush received much recognition for his efforts supporting agriculture. Mr. Campbell shaped the foreign policy of former Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, in the House of Representatives, Congressman Gregory Meeks, addressing the deplorable conditions of people of African-descent who reside in Latin America and the Caribbean. He was a key figure in the passing of the Maryland Dream Act leading the GOTV efforts for Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. He has worked on a number of political campaigns nationally and internationally. As Trinidad and Tobago's Chief Lobbyist he was able to help the government renew the Caribbean Basin Initiative that led to improved upstream and downstream petroleum production, access to the carbon credits market, a hemispheric international finance center to discourage money laundering, and Non-NATO Ally Status Member recognition. He was a key figure in the passing of the Maryland Dream Act leading the GOTV efforts for Prince George's and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. He has worked on a number of political campaigns nationally and internationally.

Babatunde Patrick Coker boasts over 30 years of extensive senior managerial and administrative experience from roles within the United Nations, legal practice, and military service. He played a pivotal role in the UN's peacekeeping and peace-building activities across Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ethiopia/Eritrea, and Nepal, fostering disarmament and reintegration of former combatants, civil-military relations, good governance, fair elections, institution building, and effective public information, among other functions. He also served as a spokesperson in multiple UN peacekeeping missions. Notably, as a Senior Security Information Analyst with the UN in Senegal, he contributed significantly to peace and security efforts in the Sahel sub-region. His adeptness in navigating complex political landscapes, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication has earned recognition from the United Nations, other international organizations, national administrations, and civil society groups in various countries. Mr. Coker holds an LLM from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK, along with BL, LLB, and MBA degrees, and a Nigerian Defense Academy Certificate of Education. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the Nigerian Navy and is dedicated to advancing global peace, security, and socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton is social scientist and advocate for sustainable development that improves the environment, economy, society and governance. She was Vice President at the University of Technology, Jamaica (2008 to 2018) and was awarded a Professorship in the Scotiabank Chair in Entrepreneurship and Development. She established and led The MSME Alliance, a network of small business organizations, for ten (10) years. She also established the Institute of Law & Economics and worked as a consultant and public educator on trade, governance, gender and other areas of economic and social development. She has taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels in Jamaica and the US. She was Special Advisor and Trade Policy Consultant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (2000-2003) and served as Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica (May 2006-Sept 2007).

Prof Hamilton is currently CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation and a Board Director for LASCO Manufacturing Limited. She is also Chair of the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance, a regional philanthropic hub seeking to accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially through building climate resilience. She is a Director of the National Integrity Action, a corruption watchdog organization, and advocates for good governance as a member of the Advocates Network. Since 2021, she has been a Distinguished Scholar in The PJ Patterson Centre for African-Caribbean Advocacy. In 2022, she was appointed by President Julius Maada Bio to serve as the Republic of Sierra Leone's first Honorary Consul to Jamaica.

Chanel T. Rowe is an accomplished lawyer, entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist. Currently, she serves as Senior Counsel at Johnson & Johnson, focusing on litigation policy and risk mitigation. Previously, Ms. Rowe led legal departments as the Founder and Managing Partner of her own law firm and as General Counsel and Partner at a global FinTech company, where she facilitated the sale of over $1 billion in securities. She has also served as Enforcement Counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and as a Judicial Law Clerk to a Senior Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Ms. Rowe began her legal career as a Litigation Associate at two Am Law 100 firms. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her FIU College of Law class, where she also served as Executive Business Editor of the FIU Law Review. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration summa cum laude from Florida Atlantic University, where she tutored at-risk students in mathematics and economics courses. Throughout her career, Ms. Rowe has demonstrated a commitment to education, leadership, and mentorship. She has held several leadership roles on the FIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, including Vice President, and has served on various Florida Bar committees. She is a past chair of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers' Mentoring Committee. In 2021, Ms. Rowe became the first Black woman appointed to the FIU Board of Trustees, as well as the youngest trustee in the history of the State University System of Florida to be confirmed by the Florida Senate. As a Trustee, she oversees the Audit and Compliance Committee. Ms. Rowe is also the newest member of the Board of Directors for the SEED School of Miami, a public college-prep boarding school for underserved students. In 2024, she established the Trustee Chanel T. Rowe Judicial Externship Scholarship and Book Award at the FIU College of Law for high-performing law students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly those from single-parent homes or who are first-generation college graduates. The scholarship provides stipends for students to intern with federal or state court judges, while the book award supports materials. Ms. Rowe hopes the experiential learning offered through the scholarship will encourage recipients to consider careers as judges or judicial law clerks. She has been recognized by various local and national organizations for her achievements, including the 2024 Donor Next Door Award, Florida Trend Magazine's Rising Executives List, the 2023 National Bar Association Presidential Rising Star Award, and the Miami-Dade Bar Association's Top 40 Under 40 Award. She received the 2021 Trailblazer Award from The American Lawyer, and has been listed as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2017 and 2023. Earlier this year, Ms. Rowe was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, a distinction held by only 6% of lawyers.

• Co-founders and producers of world-class conferences such as Socap Global, Silicon Valley Meets the U.N., Closing the Gap, and many others.

• Credited as co-founders and consulting producers for Google Zeitgeist, bringing speakers such as John Legend, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Clinton, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Al Gore, and many more.

• Consulting conference producers for clients such as Yahoo, L’Oreal, and Nokia.

• Former director of International Marketing for Sony Pictures Television, former co-producer of New York Theatre Review for PBS, and producer of 150+ YouTube sessions for Google’s International Science Fair.

• Former editorial director for six technology publications, including lnter@ctive Week, the Internet’s first newspaper.

• Co-founders and producers of world-class conferences such as Socap Global, Silicon Valley Meets the U.N., Closing the Gap, and many others.

• Credited as co-founders and consulting producers for Google Zeitgeist, bringing speakers such as John Legend, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Clinton, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, Al Gore, and many more.

• Consulting conference producers for clients such as Yahoo, L’Oreal, and Nokia.

• Former director of International Marketing for Sony Pictures Television, former co-producer of New York Theatre Review for PBS, and producer of 150+ YouTube sessions for Google’s International Science Fair.

• Former editorial director for six technology publications, including lnter@ctive Week, the Internet’s first newspaper.

Audrey B. Young is a seasoned public relations and risk management communication strategist with an extensive background in public an airs and crisis communications. She is an international advisor to parties in high-stakes government-to-government relations, litigation and investigations. Ms.Young designs strategic communication initiatives for the leaders corporations, governments, coalitions, nongovernmental organizations/NGOs and high-profile individuals. Among other complex and challenging issues, she has advised the leadership of corporations, governments and organizations around the world on issues of private and commercial diplomacy. Ms. Young develops communication and media strategy, messaging and reputation management tactical action plans to advance public policy and commercial-growth objectives. She is an accomplished speaker and presentation trainer and mentor. A longtime public an airs strategist, she works with a wide range of public policy, health and safety experts throughout the world on critical issues where commentary or politics have received more attention than the facts. Working with a team of widely recognized public an airs professionals in key markets around the globe, Ms. Young navigates sensitive broad public policy matters that are playing out globally in mass and social media. Her work with the media on major issues includes interaction with journalists, editors, producers and bloggers who work for CNN, BBC, Reuters, The Associated Press, Bloomberg, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Forbes, Time, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Vanity Fair, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Politico, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, NPR, PBS, Huffington Post and other major business, science, health, medical, higher education and legal news outlets. Ms. Young also serves as a risk and crisis management communication authority for the Financial Services Volunteer Corps (FSVC), advising emerging economy national bank leaders on implementation of effective communications in the wake of regulatory and bank failures that have undermined public confidence in the financial sector. In addition, Ms. Young is National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) trained and certified for managing communications during an accident or incident.

Throughout his career, Tom McMahon has distinguished himself as a trusted strategic communications advisor and spokesperson for executives across diverse industries, consistently earning a reputation as a reliable source for reporters, editors, and producers. With a background as a broadcaster and Capitol Hill press secretary, Tom brings a deep understanding of effectively communicating key messages to crucial stakeholders, including customers, shareholders, and policymakers, all while navigating the fast-paced and deadline-driven nature of the media landscape. Tom's journey began in radio as the general manager of WEGL-FM, the public station at Auburn University, where he earned his degree in communication. He transitioned to the role of assistant radio and TV editor at Auburn University Relations, hosting daily radio programs that covered academic, athletic, and student programs on campus for stations throughout Alabama and neighboring states. Recognizing his well-established relationships with state and national media, Tom was hired as the press secretary for U.S. Rep. Bill Nichols of Alabama and later served in the same capacity for U.S. Sen. Howell Heflin. For nearly a decade on Capitol Hill, he acted as the chief spokesperson for both members of Congress and key Senate committees, demonstrating his adeptness in handling diverse communication responsibilities. Moving to the private sector, Tom joined Powell Tate, a prominent public a airs firm in Washington, where he served as vice president, advising clients on relationship-building with industry associations, issue coalitions, think tanks, media, analysts, and influencers. He was recruited by Brodeur Partners to establish its Public A airs and Issues Management practice in Washington, managing communications for clients at the intersection of technology and public policy. Entering the corporate world, Tom continued his impact as the director of communications at Qwest Communications, one of the nation's largest telecommunications providers. Advocating for regulations to expand broadband coverage, he maintained contacts with national media and government officials. Later, at Motorola Solutions, he leveraged those connections to promote the modernization of communication services for public safety and first responders. Today, Tom continues to be a communications advisor to government and corporate executives. After serving as Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs at the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), he consults for the Unmanned Systems Center at the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation. Additionally, he advises clients in the theater world, contributing to several high-profile productions, including publicizing a documentary during a global climate change festival in Europe and supporting a director who won Best Drama and Best Play at the Capital Fringe Festival. Tom has also actively contributed to the National Press Club, serving on the Board of Governors and chairing its Communicators Committee.

Ron will be responsible for acquisition management, new development opportunities, and expanding capital blueprint and portfolio in the hospitality space. Ron has over two decades of sales and operational experience, from door-to-door sales to leading his teams to Hotel of the Year in several different verticals. After playing basketball abroad and having a successful career in Italy and playing a vital role in basketball in China. Ron worked his way up from sales manager to regional director of sales to regional vice president of sales and marketing before taking on the role of Vice President of Business Development for Aimbridge Hospitality. Since his inception in the hospitality industry, Ron has been a driving force, creating value for Aimbridge’s bottom line via actionable results and people-first leadership. Several of Ron’s portfolio has exceeded GOP, Market Share, and RevPAR Penetration across 4 of 8 verticals at Aimbridge over his career.

Jan Du Plain began her career on her father's award-winning weekly newspaper in California followed by a stint at a well-known literary agency in Hollywood, representing authors, screenwriters and actors for motion picture companies. In the late 60's she worked as the Public Relations Liaison for CBS Cinema Center Films in NYC, in the early 70's, she served as the first official public relations director of historic Ford's Theatre, followed by 15 years as the public relations director for WETA TV and Radio, the third largest public broadcasting station in the United States. As WETA's public relations director, Ms. Du Plain secured success in extensive press coverage on Washington Post TV Week front page cover stories, hosted numerous special events to launch new productions and spearheaded Washington, D.C. publicity efforts for the world premiere of documentary filmmaker, Ken Burns' multiple award-winning TV series, The Civil War. From 1975-1978, Du Plain launched the first Office on Women for the National Council on Alcoholism and served as the primary spokesperson for the organization. While leading the organization, she developed state, local, and international chapters, initiated U.S. Congressional hearings, lectured and worked with such luminaries as Oscar-winning actress Mercedes McCambridge, Joan Kennedy (Senator Ted Kennedy's wife), Senator Harold Hughes (creator of the National Institutes of Health, Mental Health and Alcohol & Drugs) and Susan B. Anthony (grandniece and namesake of the famous suffragist). In 1995, she opened Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc, an international Public Relations and Special Events company that represents a variety of media and cultural organizations.

She served on the executive team which launched Cultural Tourism DC's (Ctdc) inaugural PASSPORT DC, a month city-wide cultural celebration of Washington's international and diplomatic community and continues in the role of Embassy Liaison today. The State Department is a strategic partner and PASSPORT DC is now listed as one of the most popular events in the nation's capital by Events USA. For almost 1O years, she recruited the 20 embassies that participated in the Embassy Chef Challenge and will be responsible for relaunching and recruiting embassies for the International Children's Festival in 2018. She also currently serves as the Embassy Liaison for the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, participating in the 300 international events that are mandated by congress annually, including Winter national, their most popular annual signature event featuring over 30 embassies. Jan received several awards including the National Press Club's highest service award (Bernie Krug Award), several Vivian Awards in appreciation for her excellent service with the International Correspondents Committee at the National Press Club and the 2012 Alice Paul Award, Women & Politics Institute, School of Public A.airs, American University.

Felix Chevalier is an Attorney and International and Domestic Market Entry Specialist. He guides U.S. and foreign-based companies into the U.S., South American, Central American, and Caribbean markets.

Felix has worked with companies in a cross section of industries including energy, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, engineering, and technology. Past and present clients include AT&T, Southwest Airlines, United States Gypsum Corp., Aramark, HDR, and United Healthcare. Felix is adept at facilitating business development and structuring public-private partnerships by leveraging his business, political, and legal experience, and relationships. Felix has extensive relationships with the international diplomatic community, government officials and funding institutions he utilizes for client interests. He has facilitated official delegations and international trade missions, representing companies, local governments, and national associations. Felix has been a speaker at several major U.S. institutions and at international industry conferences in Bogota, Colombia; Panama City, Panama; Havana, Cuba; and the U.S. He has also been profiled in the Houston Business Journal, Cuba Trade Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and other publications. Felix is the co-founder of Key PAC, a political action committee, which convenes business and community leaders with political leaders. He is also a Managing Director at Urban Capital Network, an investment firm providing more diverse investors access to exclusive high tier venture capital backed early-stage companies. Felix received his law degree from St. John's University School of Law, Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz College and completed an Executive Education Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. The son of Cuban immigrants, he is fluent in Spanish.

Jason Ulyatta Martin is an international business leader and project developer with significant experience as a management consultant, as an entrepreneur and in commercial real estate and infrastructure. Mr. Martin is a Managing Director of the international consulting and development firm MCCGUSA LTD. in New York and the Chairman of its subsidiaries in Guyana and South Africa. He is also an Executive Managing Director of Arvo Real Estate in Houston, Texas. His clients and projects include hospital systems, hotel developments, universities, government agencies, corporations, non governmental organizations, technology, finance and start up companies. He is directly involved in development and investment projects in Guyana, South America and Africa involving business and economic development, agriculture, mining, technology, health systems, and the energy supply chain and logistics. A Certified Management Consultant (CMC), he is also a member of The Project Management Institute and the Construction Management Association of America and is a licensed real estate broker in several states of the United States and in other countries. Mr. Martin serves on the board of The Mademan Foundation and the Advisory Boards of Rescuing Living Cuisine and the Guyana Cancer Society, and previously on the boards of Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and The Council for Unity. He sits on the boards/financial committees of several health care and private companies in the USA, Guyana and Nigeria and has been honored by the Caribbean, African American, Latino and general business and non profit communities in the USA and by the Adansi Council of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana where he serves as an Ambassador to the Diaspora and is an at-large member of the traditional council. He is a graduate of New York University's Stern School of Business and holds certificates in Japanese business and management from Sanno University, Nagoya, Japan, and from the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business in New Hampshire, USA.

As president of Ratliff Enterprises, Inc., which manages a portfolio of diversified holdings in real estate, digital media, financial services, and sport & nutritional supplements. Partnered with GAA Global Asset Alternative to build a Courtyard Marriott and Hilton Inn and Suites in Atlanta Georgia. Currently have a partnership with Hilton and Marriott brand. Currently have a partnership with Mr. Everything Restaurant Bar and Grill and Papa John's pizza in the Atlanta area. A 16-year National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran, Theo Ratliff is a standout athlete, family man, businessman, and philanthropist. A 2001 NBA All-Star, Theo has consistently been one of the League's premier shot blockers, leading the league for 3 straight seasons-he was also a leading contender to win the 2003-2004 coveted title, Defensive Player of the Year. Theo has a hyper-intense yearning to use his role-model status to make the world a better place. Theo Ratliff served as an executive board member for the NBA players union for 13 years. Compelled by his passion for youth development, he founded The Theo Ratliff Activity Center in Demopolis, Alabama, a 21,685 square feet facility to provide social and educational support for the youth and adults in the community. A major contributor to several charities, Theo attended the University of Wyoming, where he majored in Communications; and completed executive coursework at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Theo is very active in community outreach. Utilizing his 'pro-athlete status' as a mechanism to motivate literacy and sportsmanship, Ratliff became a radiant source of inspiration. His contributions, coupled with a federal grant aided in the development of the" Theo Ratliff Activity Center" that substantially improved the quality of life for at risk children and low and moderate-income families. This facility provides essential social, human resource and recreation services for Demopolis and the surrounding areas. While serving as an executive board member for NBA players union, Theo Ratliff engaged in various domestic and international goodwill projects.

Mr. Charles H. DeBow, III is the Executive Director for the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). Over the past 20 years he has gained extensive experience as the liaison to the NBCC Global Federation of Chambers in North, Central, and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. The NBCC has evolved as a global advocate on behalf of Black businesses. The National Black Chamber of Commerce® is dedicated to economically empowering, sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship, capitalistic activity within the United States, and via interaction with the Black Diaspora. Mr. DeBow has focused work on the unconventional challenges confronting African American small businesses, its advocacy, and opportunities, along with the operational challenges of non-profit organizations. Responsibilities include concept, implementation, administration, and management of programs. He also directs policies, initiatives, advocacy for public policy concerns, and represents the NBCC periodically on congressional subcommittees. Currently serving as the Co-Chairman of Economic Opportunity of the U.S. State Department’s U.S.—Colombia Action Plan on Racial & Ethnic Equality (CAPREE)—a program conceived to provide solutions for conflict resolution for the Colombian Civil War. Charles H. DeBow, III is the son of one of the original Tuskegee Airman, Charles H. DeBow, Jr. He is a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business. He has spent over 13 years in various capacities with CBS Records and 10 years as a marketing consultant developing campaigns for clients Michael Jackson, Prince, Janet Jackson, Sade, Earth, Wind & Fire, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, and many more. The music industry experience provided a foundation for a legacy based on consumer marketing. Today the NBCC is developing solutions to support commerce in the Covid Economic Crisis for Black Small Businesses. We are striving for entrepreneurial diversity with infrastructure development, ITC, housing, energy, agri-business, cannabis, manufacturing, and natural resources with emphasis on socially responsive and inclusive practices.

Segun Adeyina resides in Grayson, Georgia. He graduated from Federal Government College Ilorin in 1986. He earned a bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Lagos in 1988, a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Akron in 1994, and a master's degree in Management Information Systems from Lawrence Technological University in 1999. His career includes roles as an IT domain planner/liaison with General Motors, a technical project manager with Comerica Bank, and the principal consultant with Urban Resource Center. He has served on the Gwinnett County Tree Advisory Committee and the boards of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas and African World Expo.

He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2022, representing District 110, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. In 2020, he was a Democratic candidate for District 1 of the Gwinnett County School Board. He is currently the executive director of the Nigerian American Public Advisory Committee U.S.A., focusing on promoting voter education and registration within immigrant communities. He holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States.

Experienced professional with more than 20 years of expertise in business leadership, renowned commentator, and prolific writer on Africa's socio- economic development, international relations, and strategic communications. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing projects in demanding and fast-paced environments. Proficient in crafting impactful messaging, cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, and delivering comprehensive training and capacity-building initiatives to diverse audiences. Additionally, a published author, offering unique insights and perspectives through written works.

As the CEO of SZA Holding, LLC, and Amazan Entertainment Group, LLC (AEG), Mr. Amazan brings over three decades of unparalleled expertise to the intersection of Wall Street, Construction, and Private Enterprise. His remarkable journey has seen him navigate the intricate realms of finance, construction, and entertainment, transforming his enterprises into formidable industry competitors. With a stellar track record cultivated through key roles at prestigious financial institutions such as Deutsche Bank Asset Management Group, IFS, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Prudential Securities, Mr. Amazan has honed his tenacious business skills and instincts. His dynamic leadership at Deutsche Bank, where he served as Vice President overseeing the Asset Management Group, exemplifies his ability to seamlessly blend the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship. Not content with traditional boundaries, Mr. Amazan’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Amazan Entertainment Group, Inc., where his 23 years of finance experience converged with his passion for movies. Under his guidance, AEG emerged as a major player in the film and television industry, handling every aspect from script development to production, financing, marketing, and distribution. AEG’s collaborative ventures with industry giants such as One Ten East, Golden Ocean, BBC, CCTV, and STAR TV stand as a testament to Mr. Amazan’s global impact. Rooted in a strong work ethic cultivated within his industrious family, Mr. Amazan’s journey began with hands-on experience in the construction business. Managing projects, ensuring timeliness, and maintaining budgetary constraints became second nature to him, skills that seamlessly translated into the high-stakes world of finance after earning a degree in Finance from Mercy College.

Despite his unwavering commitment to business development, Mr. Amazan’s heart beats with a passion for giving back to the community. His altruistic endeavors include mentorship roles with Big Brother Big Sister of NYC and Pencil’s Principal-for-a-day Mentor Program. He actively supports numerous non-profit organizations, including Teach for America, Missoni Ovarian Cancer Society, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation, and New York Cares. Residing in Jersey City, NJ, Mr. Amazan’s wealth of experience and commitment exemplifies the perfect synergy of a successful entrepreneur, dedicated philanthropist, and influential leader.

Frank A. Bello is currently the Chief Investment Officer for Howard University, bringing over 30 years of expertise in accounting, corporate finance, pension plans, investment banking, treasury, and investment portfolio management across both profit and non-profit sectors. Previously, he served as Director of Treasury and Trustee for the Chicago Transit Authority Pension and Supplemental Retirement Plan, and as Chief Investment Officer for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Before that, he was Deputy Treasurer for the City of Chicago, where he was responsible as a proxy trustee over $1 billion in pension funds' assets invested by money managers across various asset classes, including bonds, equities, real estate, oil and gas, commodities, and alternative assets like hedge funds, private equity, infrastructure, and emerging markets. Mr. Bello also held the role of Chief Financial Officer and Controller for Indecorp, Inc. and its subsidiary banks, Independence and Drexel Bank of Chicago. In that capacity, he represented the bank in bond issues exceeding $2 billion on behalf of the city as trustee. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois and an MBA in Finance from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Additionally, Mr. Bello is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. With strong relationships with financial institutions, asset management firms, and private investors, including wealthy family offices, private equity, and international investors, Mr. Bello has a proven ability to structure deals for placement with funding sources.

As a former member of parliament and justice of the peace Rolfe Commissiong has worked in both the private and public sectors in Bermuda for three decades. He has had extensive experience at the local level in the areas of communications, advertising and telecommunications in the private sector as founder and president of Black Star Communications Ltd. (1996-2007). Moreover, over the last eight years he was an elected member of parliament’s lower house, in the house of assembly for the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party government up until 2020. The most notable achievements while a government legislator was his advocacy around the threat posed by increasing levels of income inequality in the country and related labour market issues. Growing levels of Income inequality and its intersection with pre-existing racial disparities has been a key issue in Bermuda. Mr. Commissiong was also instrumental in the PLP government ‘s decision to implement a living wage in Bermuda by way of his advocacy and leadership as chairman of the joint parliamentary committee in the parliament charged with producing a final report on the implementation of a living wage for Bermuda which was successfully carried by way of a unanimous vote in both houses of the parliament. He has also served as a consultant and advisor to two Premier’s of Bermuda from 2005 to 2012 primarily in the areas of policy formulation including social and racial equity issues. He was successful in convincing the government to secure the services of Columbia University’s Professor Ronald L. Mincy to conduct a comparative study of Bermuda’s young black males and their same age peers which was published in 2010 as incidences of gang formation and deadly gang related violence began to emerge on island. Prior to this period, he was a well-known social and political activist and public intellectual frequently featured in the 1990’s and beyond as a columnist in most of Bermuda’s newspapers on a consistent basis. Mr. Rolfe Commissiong would also before entering elected politics serve as a delegate for the Pan African movement at the United Nations sponsored World Conference against Racism and Xenophobia in Durban South Africa (2001). Additionally, upon the invitation of the Premier of Bermuda in 2005 he would join the Bermuda Independence Commission charged with exploring the relevant issues as it relates to Bermuda’s self-determination as an independent nation. He would go on to lead the commission’s delegation in discussions with the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

Subsequently, he received the “Queen's Honour” from Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom for his service to the commission. Mr. Rolfe Commissiong has also worked on two winning election campaign committees and has extensive links to the Caribbean through family and other networks particularly in Barbados and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Executive Secretary of the Afro-American Council (COPAFRO). President/CEO of Mutual Opportunities Bank (BMO). Senior Advisor to Dr. Epsy Campbell Barr, first African-American woman to be Vice President in the Americas. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential Afro-descendant leaders in the world (MIPAD, NY-2022). Former International Consultant of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN/2010-2012). Former Advisor to the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia (Presidential Program on Human Rights 2012-2014). His expertise and leadership have led him to lead social processes in the area of Integration for the Political and Economic Development of Afro-descendant Populations in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and he has served as an articulator of processes in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, the United States, Brazil, the Caribbean and part of the African Continent.

His Excellency Sidique Abou-Bakar Wai is Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United States of America and High Commissioner to Canada. For over twenty years, Ambassador Sidique Abou-Bakar Wai has been discharging several high-profile leadership responsibilities in the United States of America in spheres of diplomacy, public safety, public healthcare advocacy, community relations, and social empowerment. He is likewise the former President of the United African Congress and Community Affairs Analyst and former adviser to the Executive of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) headquartered in New York City. The United African Congress is the Pan African umbrella organization that represents the interests of 3.5 million continental African immigrants residing in America. On the other hand, the NYPD is among the largest police law enforcement in the country with approximately 40,000 uniformed members of service and 25,000 civilians.

Mr. Olayinka Akinkugbe is the Chairman of FanMilk Nigeria Plc, where he oversees corporate governance and growth strategy for one of West Africa's leading dairy and nutrition firms. He is a former Executive Director at UAC of Nigeria Plc, one of Nigeria's oldest and most respected conglomerates, and has served as a Board Member and Advisor to organizations focused on agribusiness innovation, manufacturing policy, and regional trade facilitation.

A strong champion of public-private partnerships, Mr. Akinkugbe has led large-scale operational and logistics transformation initiatives across the food and FMCG sectors, driving industrial expansion and youth-led supply chain entrepreneurship. He has played a central role in shaping Nigeria's private sector response to Africa's regional trade integration efforts and is widely regarded as a champion for AfCFTA-driven trade, youth inclusion in value chains, and private capital mobilization in support of economic transformation. Mr. Akinkugbe's work bridges business interests with social impact, consistently advocating for gender equity and skills development in industrial hubs across Africa.