INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
The International Decade for People of African Descent was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly and adopted in Resolution 68/237 in December 2013. The Decade, which will run from 2015 – 2024, is intended to, inter alia :
promote respect and protection of the human rights of people of African Descent;
promote improved awareness of the “heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies;” and
adopt and strengthen national, regional and international frameworks that speak to the protection of the rights of people of African descent and address the ongoing deprivation/denial of said rights.
There is a widely accepted need to address the persistent marginalization of the more than 200 million people of African Descent living outside of the African continent. In a bid to promote the rights of Afro-descendants and highlight the challenges they face, the United Nations (along with foundations, NGOs, civil society and the private sector) has committed to undertaking and supporting activities at the national, regional and international levels. These activities are intended to, in part, combat racism, intolerance and discrimination. Considering the UN General Assembly’s stated focus on justice, recognition and development, as well as the particular aim to elevate “women, girls and young males,” these activities will ensure their access and participation in a just and equal society.
Proposed Activities
A central aspect of the activities to be undertaken by Aspire Artemis and our partners are specifically aimed at better integrating underserved Afro-descendant communities into meaningful development discourses and programs.
The activities proposed by the Aspire Artemis Foundation will inform and empower people of African descent to exercise the full enjoyment of the their economic, social, rights as well as assist in the promotion of a broader understanding and respect for the diverse cultures and contributions of peoples of African descent. Taken in their entirety, these events reflect the UN’s stated objective that activities undertaken as part of the International Decade should, inter alia:
(a) Take measures to raise awareness about the International Decade, including through awareness-raising campaigns, and organizing and supporting other activities, bearing in mind the theme of the Decade; ...
(f) Incorporate human rights into development programmes, including in the areas of access to and enjoyment of the rights to education, employment, health, housing, land and labour; …
(h) Support initiatives and projects aimed at honouring and preserving the historical memory of people of African descent;
(i) Use the Decade as an opportunity to engage with people of African descent on appropriate and effective measures to halt and reverse the lasting consequences of slavery, the slave trade and the transatlantic slave trade in captured African people and, to this end, ensure the participation of and consultation with non-governmental organizations, other stakeholders and civil society at large; …
k) Give due consideration to the goals and objectives aimed at the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance against people of African descent in the discussions held by the United Nations on the post-2015 development agenda.
To partner with us and have further details about the ongoing activities as well as a copy of the concept note, please email us at info@aspireartemis.org.
2020 HIGH-LEVEL EVENT PROGRAM
*This event contains musical performances Registration for this event is REQUIRED and will be through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/amplifying-african-diaspora-voices-and-culture-for-collective-action-tickets-122616293635
International Decade for People of African Descent
High Level Event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly
Celebrating 75 years of the work of the United Nations
Theme: Amplifying African Diaspora voices and culture for collective action:
The power of stories in changing mindsets.
30 September 2020 4-9 PM EST
16:00 Stage setting and Welcome:
· Ms. Hermina Johnny, Founder of Aspire Artemis Foundation.
16:05 Welcome message by the Co-sponsor:
· Her Excellency, Ms. Vanessa Frazier - Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations
16:10 Video of MANSA Magazine highlighting the power and importance of positive storytelling. The magazine endeavors to recreate and reshape the narrative of African voices while giving Afro-descendants the ownership of their own stories.
16:15 Welcome Introduction and inspirational remarks by the Master of Ceremony
· Ms. Maggie Mutesi, Senior Business Correspondent at BBC News Service, and Founder of MANSA Magazine.
16: 20 Addresses:
· Her Highness Princess Mina Leghari of Pakistan
· His Highness Prince Ermias of Ethiopia, President of the Imperial Crown Council
· His Highness Prince Khaled al- senussi of Libya
· Mr. Harold Robinson- UNFPA Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean
16:45 Special Address: Ms. Pam Onyanyo, CEO/Founder at SkyEnergy Africa
Linking the International Decade of Action to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with a focus on how storytelling and recounting accomplishments could reshape the narrative of people of African descent. (Pre- recorded video submission and live interaction)
16:50 Special Address: Ms.Chidi Koldsweat, Technical Expert, Founder, Donors For Africa
Linking the ambitions of the Decade with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on equality and the role of the private sector.
16:55 Special Address: Ms. Otema Yirenkyi, Vice President Global Engagement, MD Africa Region & Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee at Project Management Institute
Personal account of the role of inclusion in Amplifying African Diaspora Voices and culture for collective action: The power of stories in changing mindsets. What is the role of the private sector in reaching the UN SDGs and the goals of the International Decade for People of African Descent (Pre- recorded video submission)
17:00 Video interlude – time to reflect on inclusion and empowerment – Video of students speaking on the significance of the International Decade for People of African Descent and how it relates to their lives and their placement in society.
17:10 Panel: Strategic Partnerships. After an introduction and remarks by the moderator, the speaker will reflect on and discuss how their experiences can empower a drive towards equality and creating economies of scale.
Moderator: Mr. Kamil Olufowobi, Founder &CEO Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD)
Panelists:
· Mr.Kojo Annan, Managing Partner, Vector Global, Chairman Made in Africa (Son of Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan)
· Ms. Kome Emuh, Chief Operating Officer, Goldman Sachs
· Ms. Chimere Cisse, Global PR Consultant & Founder at CISSÉ, Contributing Editor at Luxury Society
· Dr. Uche Isiugo, Founder & CEO -InfraNergy & Managing Partner at Emerging Infrastructure Capital.
17:50 - 18:00 BREAK TIME
18:00 Keynote Address: Mr. Olivier Arrindell, Ambassador at large of the Ecumenical Knights of Malta, CEO of Ava Airways
Linking the ambitions of the International Decade for People of African Descent with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on empowerment through storytelling and role models, skills development and training.
18: 10 Video interlude: PurelyCOE and Ministry of Tourism Antigua. Time to reflect on the SDGs – Partner promo video – the importance of storytelling in amplifying voices of people of Afro-descent.
18:20 Panel: Agency, Voice & Empowerment. After an introduction and remarks by the moderator, the speakers will reflect on and discuss how building back smart can be better achieved through diversity.
Moderator: Dr. Aisha Jones, Executive Director, Biotech R&D Institute Jamaica
Panelists:
- Dr. Nevada Winrow, Neuroscientist and Founder - Black Girls Dive Foundation
- Ms. Janira Obregon, Disability activist, Model
- Ms. Consolee Nishimwe, Author, Motivational Speaker and a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
- Ms. Wendy Garcia, Chief Diversity Officer, Office of New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer
19:00 - 19:10 BREAK TIME
19:10 Keynote Address: Dr. Hadiyah NicoleGreen, Founder, Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation. Linking the ambitions of The International Decade for People of African Descent with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on STEAM and innovation.
Musical interlude–UNFPA promo video reflecting on the decade and Afrodescendent culture
19:20 Panel: Creativity and Innovation.After an introduction and remarks by the moderator, the speakers will reflect on and discuss their experiences with bringing innovations that achieved change.
Moderator:Ms. Emily Craven, Founder, StoryCity
Panelists:
- Ms. Jeanette Uddoh, Head of Innovation, Access Bank Plc
- Mr. Idrisse Ahamed, CEO Groupe A Capital Invest, Former Comoros Diplomat for Economic Affairs
- Ms. Natalie Singh, Enterprise Channel Director, Microsoft
- Mr. Hollis Meminger, Hollywood film cinematographer, Founder of Bridgebuilder Cinematic Arts
20:00 Special Address:Personal account of the role of inclusion, amplifying voices and storytelling and its impact on empowering the African diaspora. The role of women CEOs in advancing society. Dr. Anino Emuwa, Founder - Avandis Consulting (Pre- recorded video submission)
20:10 Special Announcements and call to action
· Ms. Hermina Johnny, Founder, Aspire Artemis Foundation
· Ms. Harsha Bennur, Director of Partner Technology US OCP, Microsoft
· Ms. Chaitra Vedullapalli & Ms. Karen Fassio Co-Founders of Women in Cloud
· Mr. Ram Dutt, CEO, Meylah
20:30 Musical session commences
WAYI Performance (Pre-recorded video)
SPECIAL VIEWING: Video submitted by French artists Théo de Gueltzl and Octave Marsal created for the 75th Anniversary celebration of Bob Marley’s birth.
Brief performance from Boddhi Satva to be followed by an after party at 9:30PM EST
20:50 Conclusion and wrap-up by the Master of Ceremony
Speaker Bios in order of appearance.
Ms Hermina Johnny – Founder, Aspire Artemis Foundation
Ms. Hermina Johnny is a leader in driving collective action. She is a humanitarian specialized in gender, human rights, sustainable development, inter-agency coordination and internal communications. Ms. Johnny has worked in several capacities within the United Nations system and its specialized agencies and programmes on a wide array of economic, social and political affairs. Ms. Johnny has written several reports for the UN Secretary General as well as served as focal point on inputs to drafting sessions for reports, outcome documents, and other United Nations instruments, including for high level conferences. She conducted substantial research studies as well as wrote guidance notes and papers, which had strong implications for the future of inter-agency coordination. Ms. Johnny formulated key partnerships with stakeholders, the private sector, civil society and businesses on climate change policy and coordination.
Ms. Johnny has worked with the European Parliament and the International Organisation for Migration as well as had extensive experience working in the private sector. She conducted a substantial amount of outreach activities for the private sector and supported CEOs and Executive management in elaborating strategies for market expansion managing all pre-launch aspects of new business development including sales, marketing, product design, risk assessment and compliance. She has taught English and written chapters for English language learning books, as well as for skits, intensive programmes and listen-and-learn tapes. Her teaching experience ranges from teaching English at John Cabot University and the American University of Rome, law firms, as well as to diplomats, and executives at big banks and pharmaceutical companies in the Czech Republic. Ms. Johnny has also worked in the area of Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions and other legal areas.
Ms. Johnny believes passionately in youth development and building strong communities. She also volunteers her free time to community service, mentoring youth, leadership development, and speaking out on the need for equality, justice, human rights, and women's empowerment. A native of Saint Lucia who has lived in several countries at different stages of development, her multiracial background, and her passion for playing her small part in building a better world for all, has given her unique insight into finding local solutions to facing global challenges.
Through her foundation, The Aspire Artemis Foundation, one of the key issues she is working on is to level the playing field & increase the participation of women in STEM based studies & careers. She has recently launched a set of Global innovation & digital transformation symposia in collaboration through a multi-stakeholder partnership approach, which includes the likes of Microsoft & Private sector companies, civil society organizations and different UN organizations.
H. E. Ms. Vanessa Frazier - Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations
Her Excellency Ms. Vanessa Frazier until recently served as Malta's Ambassador to Italy, with concurrent accreditation to San Marino and to the Rome-based United Nations agencies.
She was previously Malta’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) until October 2013. Before that she held the post of defence attaché inside the Office of the Prime Minister.
Frazier’s first diplomatic appointment was as First Secretary in 1994, when she served as a Desk Officer for the United States and the Americas, as well as the Mediterranean Department.
Having begun her career as a student diplomat in 1992, Frazier was subsequently posted to Malta’s Embassies in Washington, D.C., Rome, Brussels and London.
She holds a master’s degree in diplomatic studies from the University of Malta, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business management and French from Luther College in the United States.
Ms. Maggie Mutesi, Senior Business Correspondent at BBC News Service, and Founder of MANSA Magazine
Maggie Mutesi is an award-winning Broadcast journalist with BBC Africa where she presents the daily Africa business show “Money Daily” covering stories from across the continent. She has previously worked with CNBC Africa as a business anchor and producer, where she also emerged as the 2017 best Female journalist. She recently launched Mansa Magazine, which is committed to factual and balanced telling of distinctly African stories.
Her Highness Princess Mina Leghari of Pakistan, Founder of Gul e Fatima NGO
Her Highness Princess Mina Ehsan Leghari is a Politician, former MNA (Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan), founder of Gul e Fatima NGO, Head of the Governing body of South Punjab Institute of Science and Technology and the author of " Dynamics of Power Politics in South Punjab".
Leghari was born in Afghanistan. After the Soviet invasion, she left Afghanistan and along with her family traveled to Pakistan en route to Delhi where they stayed for a year. Due to deteriorating political conditions in Afghanistan, the entire family moved to Germany via London as refugees, finally settling in the East Bay region of California, USA.
Leghari graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts in International Relations. During this time she married to Jaffer Khan Leghari, a prominent figure of Pakistan's leading political family. She then permanently settled in Pakistan. In 2015, she completed her PhD degree from Punjab University in Political Science.
She has been MNA (Member of National Assembly of Pakistan) during the General Musharraf era. She also worked as Chairperson for Tourism where she held this position for five significant years.
His Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie of Ethiopia, President of the Imperial Crown Council
His Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassis is the only son of Prince Sahle Selassie of Ethiopia and Princess Mahisente Habte Mariam . He is the grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and furthermore of Dejazmach Habte Mariam Gebre-Igziabiher, the heir to the former Welega kingdom of Leqa Naqamte, and later served as governor of Welega province. Currently the prince is ninth in the line of succession to the vacant imperial throne.
Prince Ermias was educated in Ethiopia, Great Britain, and the United States. In England, he received his education at Old Ride Preparatory School, and then at Haileybury College. He obtained a BA degree in the social studies, with an emphasis in economics, from the University of California, in Santa Barbara. He continued his education at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy between 1983 and 1985.
Prince Ermias is fluent in Amharic, English and German
Prince Ermias currently serves as the President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia in exile. The Crown Council has pursued a mission devoted to the promoting a cultural and humanitarian role. Prince Ermias is also patron of the Haile Selassie Fund for Children in Need which continues to sponsor student scholarships, and the St. George of Lalibela Foundation.
His Excellency Prince Khaled al- senussi of Libya
His Highness Khaled bin Sayyid Idris al-Senussi is a defense, security and business advisory expert. He is the son of Prince Idris bin Abdullah al-Senussi and Spanish aristocrat Ana María Quiñones Fernández, now known as Princess Ana María al-Senussi i. Prince Kaled is the founder of Global Youth Compass based in Geneva Switzerland. He has worked with the European Company of Strategic Intelligence, Tiger Swan Inc. Prince Khaled has also served in the Jordanian Special Forces 71st Counter-Terrorism Battalion. Prince Khaled enjoys traveling, learning about and getting acquainted with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures globally.
Mr. Harold Robinson- UNFPA Regional Director, Latin America and the Caribbean
A national of Costa Rica, Harold has had over 28 years of extensive experience in international development, collaborative partnerships, and strategic organizational management in the UN system. He first joined UNFPA in 1991 as a National Programme Officer in Costa Rica for three years before serving with UNDP as a Junior Professional in Zimbabwe (1994-1995); Assistant Representative in El Salvador (1995-1997), Deputy Representative in Honduras (1998-1999), in Jamaica (1999-2000) and as Programme Advisor at HQ (2001-2005). He returned to UNFPA in 2005 as Director of the Sub Regional Office for LACRO and Representative in Jamaica. He served as Representative for Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay from 2009 before reassigning to Headquarters as Chief, Post 2015 Development Agenda Branch in 2014.
Harold became UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative in Panama in 2017 and currently, as the UN Resident Coordinator, coordinates the UNCT towards the UNDAF results and leads the strengthening of the Resident Coordinator Office and the coordination function as part of the UNDS reform agenda.
Harold has an MSc degree in Economics from the University of California as well as a BSc degree in Engineering from the Universidad de Costa Rica. He is passionate about fighting inequality in all its forms.
Ms. Pam Onyanyo, CEO/Founder at SkyEnergy Africa
Pam is an accomplished executive and successful entrepreneur with business acumen spanning more than 20 years of leadership and international business experience. She's the CEO/Founder of SkyEnergy, a Renewable Energy company in Nairobi, Kenya. She has been featured in business-week 07 as an up and coming woman entrepreneur to watch in North America. Prior to founding SkyEnergy she Co-founded Renewvia Energy Kenya Ltd., a solar development company in Kenya.. She took Renewvia from an unknown start-up solar company to a successful mini grid developer in Kenya. Her accomplishment in the Mini grid sector is accredited to her understanding of community need and working closely with respective entities within the national and county governments, including regulators, to understand regulatory process and guiding principles in the Mini grid sector and energy industry in Kenya. As the founding principal of SkyEnery, she is responsible for the overall management and operations of SkyEnery as she is positioning SE to be one of the premier and innovative renewable energy developers in the region and within SSA. She founded Cedar Investment Group US-based firm focused on Foreign Direct Investment "FDI" for developing nations. Through her firm she successfully closed multi-million dollars in project finance for businesses in Sub Saharan Africa. She has held numerous executive positions at global companies such as IBM and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She is an advocate of Renewable Energy and Climate Change. She's passionate about technology and innovation and is constantly seeking and collaborating with technology innovators to find ways of integrating solar Mini off-grid with other Renewable Energy solutions to bring "affordable, reliable" and environmentally safe to rural communities in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her passion to empower underserved communities in Africa is evident through her work in the Mini grid sector where she electrified two Island communities on Lake Victoria in Kenya.
Ms. Chidi Koldsweat, Technical Expert, Founder, Donors For Africa
An International development professional with over 11 years experience who helps philanthropy organizations, non-profits and social enterprises globally, access funding and build sustainable organizations. Through independent research, grant writing and an institutional growth strategy, she assists organizations in identifying the gaps that truncates growth and influences their income generating activities. Her passion for sustainable development and social innovators has earned her several awards including as a finalist for Africa's Most Influential Woman in Business & Government for Civil Society Organizations.
Ms. Otema Yirenkyi, Vice President Global Engagement, MD Africa Region & Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee at Project Management Institute
Otema is a passionate leader with more than 20 years of experience leading global teams, transforming organisations, and delivering business results within the technology and telecoms sector.
Currently she is Vice President, Global Engagement at Project Management Institute with a strong focus on stakeholder growth and customer delight and a mission to solidify PMI’s global impact through regionalization. In addition to orchestrating PMI’s end-to-end go-to-market approach, she is committed to and responsible for energizing and supporting stakeholders in Africa.
Otema is also Founder & CEO of Nexinnova, leading the acceleration of scale ups for tech- and technology-enabled companies and ecosystem-based companies in Africa. She was previously, a senior leader at Vodafone and Microsoft.
Mr. Kamil Olufowobi, Founder &CEO Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD)
Kamil is a true embodiment of "Thinking Globally and Acting Locally," he's lived, schooled, worked and/or visited 30+ countries on 5 continents. He generally considers himself a "global citizen" with a passion for Africa. He has been studying and practicing the act of connectology which is the connecting of two or more people for the purpose of sharing ideas, information and resources to create WIN-WIN outcomes. It is with this purpose that he has created MIPAD, a magazine that highlights the most influential people of African Descent globally.
He has a master’s degree in Global Affairs with concentrations in Economics, International Relations and International Law from the Center for Global Change and Governance at Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA.
With over 15 years of global work experiences, he has developed solid global commercial acumen with a proven track record to lead teams and deliver outstanding results.
Mr. Kojo Annan, Managing Partner, Vector Global, Chairman Made in Africa (Son of Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan)
Mr Annan is the son of Former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. He has invested in various startups and founded Africa10, a social enterprise focusing on the development of African youth through sports and education. Africa10 fosters excellence, innovation and leadership. He is also the Chairman of Made in Africa, a global fashion company rooted in Africa.
Ms. Kome Emuh, Chief Operating Officer, Operations Engineering Division, Goldman Sachs
Kome is COO of Global Markets Operations Engineering at Goldman Sachs, New York. Prior to her current role, Kome led the technology risk governance programs, focused on information and cybersecurity policy. Kome has assumed a number of executive management and strategy roles, working as Chief Of Staff for the Head of European Technology at Goldman Sachs and Chief Of Staff for the Global Head of Operations at JP Morgan in London.
Kome graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Business, Finance and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is advisory board member of The L8Bloomers. Her passion lies in mentoring young black professionals in Fintech and building pipeline talent.
Ms. Chimere Cisse, Global PR Consultant & Founder at CISSÉ, Contributing Editor at Luxury Society
Ms. Chimere Cisse is a Global Public Relations Consultant and Founder at CISSÉ where clients include mission-driven and innovative organisations including the United Nation’s Ethical Fashion Initiative. She is a Contributing Editor at Luxury Society and her production and editorial work has appeared in titles from AD to Vogue. Prior to these roles Chimere served as Global PR & Strategic Communications Manager at Burberry and PR Manager at Hearst UK, where she handled consumer and corporate PR for the organisation, including titles ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar UK. Her career has included marketing roles at Visa and at talent and brand building agency Unsigned Group. Chimere has recently joined University of East London as a guest lecturer and regularly contributes to foundations bridging cultural understanding through art having curated art auctions and exhibitions for both philanthropic causes and for brands including Sony Ericsson and Evian.
Dr. Uche Isiugo, Founder & CEO -InfraNergy & Managing Partner at Emerging Infrastructure Capital.
Dr. Uche Isiugo is the Founder & CEO of InfraNergy and Managing Partner of Emerging Infrastructure Capital. Operating at the intersection of financing and renewable energy development in emerging markets, Uche has a track record in investments and deployment of Solar PV, Wind, and Battery Energy Storage projects.
Uche has had broad responsibility in commercial, asset management, project development and wholesale power marketing, previously as Director at Key Capture Energy, and prior to that, as Portfolio Manager at NextEra Energy. At NextEra, he was the Lead Portfolio Manager of the utility scale energy storage portfolio group. As a pioneer in commercializing energy storage, Uche managed the largest U.S. portfolio of battery storage projects (11 projects exceeding 140 MW) in deregulated markets at the time. Prior to his Lead role, he was in the Portfolio Project Finance group where he jointly managed an 11 GW portfolio of over $10 billion Solar & Wind project finance, which garnered the BMO Innovation Award. The portfolio included a variety of investor tax equity, back leverage and construction loan structures.
Prior to joining NextEra Energy, Uche worked in several U.S. Fortune 100 companies, including Citigroup, Boeing and Chevron. He was in the Citigroup EMEA investment banking team, where he supported the execution of key mandates, including power asset acquisition bids and the then-largest Eurobond ($300 million) in Nigeria. Preceding his work at Citigroup, he was employed for several years at Boeing Company where he provided corporate financial analysis and guided investment decisions for airplane development and commercial programs. Uche has worked as an Adjunct Professor teaching Mergers & Acquisitions in the MBA Program at Florida Atlantic University.
Uche holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Economics from Temple University in Philadelphia, an MBA from Seattle Pacific University, and a Ph.D. in Financial Economics from the University of New Orleans.
Mr. Olivier Arrindell, Ambassador at large of the Ecumenical Knights of Malta, CEO of Ava Airways
Olivier Arrindell was the Managing Director of Financial Planning, Investor Relations, & Corporate Planning for Grace Aviation Holdings, LLC, and in December of 2019 was appointed as the CEO of Ava Airways by its Board of Directors. During his career, Mr. Arrindell has been instrumental in several initiatives including the development of Antigua & Barbuda's new International Airport and many others, in addition, he has led the communications efforts around Grace Aviation's company’s investment negotiation with investment partners and debt offerings. Most recently, he played a key role in the development and communication of Ava Airways balanced capital deployment strategy plan for its commercial airline plans which have resulted in favorable terms and conditions through a dividend principle policy. Prior to joining Ava Airways and leveraging his professional experience and business acumen, Mr. Arrindell became one of the youngest members of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.
Mr. Arrindell's ongoing success in Latina America, Central America, North America, and the Caribbean has been facilitated by his knowledge of financial management, Strategic Alliances, airline/aviation strategist, and a track record of successfully pulling together exceptional teams and business partners.]
Dr. Aisha Jones, Executive Director, Biotech R&D Institute Jamaica
Dr Aisha Jones is the Executive Director of the Biotech R & D Institute based in Kingston, Jamaica. It is a premier research organization advancing Jamaican innovation. Dr Jones is also a trained biologist and ecologist. Her professional work has spanned the areas of science education, ICT, alternative energy, solid waste management and island biodiversity.
Dr. Nevada Winrow, Neuroscientist and Founder - Black Girls Dive Foundation
Dr. Nevada Winrow is a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine-trained Pediatric Neuropsychologist and has served as a clinical practitioner, and a Professor and administrator in higher education for over a decade in roles as Dean, Provost, and Senior Executive Vice President. She has served as a Board of Trustee of two HBCUs and served as a member of the Fulbright Scholars Review Board and the Board of Examiners for Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, our nation's highest honor that is bestowed by the President of the United States. Nevada is the alumna of several institutions that include Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Howard University, and Lincoln University and completed fellowships in Neuroradiology, Psychoneuroimmunology, Cognitive Neuroscience and Neurochemistry.
She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and is member-affiliated with many professional organizations. She is a member of Marryland Cival Air Patrol (CAP) and serves as a CAP aerospace educator. With an astrological sign of Pisces, she was destined to love the water. Nevada is a PADI Master Scuba Diver, an associate member of the Women's Diving Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. She currently serves as the National Chairwoman of the Youth programs for the National Association of Black Scuba Divers.
Ms. Janira Obregon, Disability activist, Model
Janira Obregon is a model and disability activist. Janira has cerebral Palsy and Spastic Quadriplegia, which affects her four limbs. Despite her disability, Janira strives to be the best she can be. She graduated 4thin her high school class, the only Senior with a disability. She went on to obtain an Associate’s in Paralegal Studies from LaGuardia Community College, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. While there, I became part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society for Students with Disabilities. She then graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she majored in English and minored in Law. Ms Obregon aspires to attend law school in the future.
In 2015, Janira participated in the NY Miss Amazing Pageant. Miss Amazing is a pageant that celebrates the abilities of girls and women with disabilities. In that year, she also won the title of Teen Queen and got the chance to represent NY at the national pageant in LA, in which she placed 1st Runner-Up. In 2017 she won the title of Jr. Miss Queen at the same pageant.
Ms. Consolee Nishimwe, Author, Motivational Speaker and a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
Consolee Nishimwe is an Author, a Motivational Speaker and a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda when she was fourteen years old. She suffered physical and emotional torture during her three months in hiding and miraculously survived with her mother and younger sister.
Today, Consolee is a committed speaker on the genocide, a defender of women rights and an advocate for other genocide survivors. She released her memoir Tested to the Limit: A Genocide Survivor’s Story of Pain, Resilience and Hope.
In recognition of her courage and accomplishments, Consolee was awarded the 2013 ASALH (The Study of African American Life and History) Living Legacy Award, What better looks like Award, and the recognition award from New York City Council. She was hailed by the Together for Girls Organization in SAFE Magazine Issue #1, as one of 50 Global Heroes who help stop sexual violence against children.
Ms. Wendy Garcia, Chief Diversity Officer, Office of New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer
Experienced Chief Diversity Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the government relations industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Fundraising, Policy Analysis, Strategic Planning, and Research. Strong professional with a Master's degree focused in Urban Policy Analysis and Management/ Economic Development from The New School.
Dr. Hadiyah Nicole Green, Founder, Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation
Dr. Hadiyah-NicoleGreen isAmerican medical physicist known for her development of a novel cancer treatment using laser-activated nanoparticle.Dr. Green is one of the first African American women in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in physics. After serving two years at Tuskegee University in the Departments of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering, she is currently an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine in the Department of Surgery.
With more than ten years of interdisciplinary research experience, Dr. Green specializes in developing targeted cancer therapies using lasers and nanoparticles. Her expertise lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, immunotherapy, and precision medicine. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) awarded Dr. Green a $1.1 million grant for research of her 4-in-1 system for early detection, imaging, targeting, and selective treatment of head and neck cancers. In all, this more than $200 million research endeavor could lead to saving some of the 8.8 million people who die each year from cancer worldwide.
Beyond her academic role, she founded a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation (oralee.org) – named in memory of her late aunt who raised her. Dr. Green has intertwined her life’s purpose into the mission of the organization: to change the way cancer is treated and reduce the suffering of cancer patients by providing a treatment that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, effective.
Ms. Emily Craven, Founder, StoryCity
Emily Craven is the founder/CEO of the Story City GPS app, a unique storytelling app that allows participants to take part in a story set in the location they are standing. She is also a writer, speaker, and producer. Emily has won several Innovation Awards for her Story City project, which creates locative stories such as real life choose-your-adventure stories in cities. She has spoken to teenagers, teachers, journalists and writers across Australia (keynotes, workshops and master classes) on eBooks, and digital/multi-media storytelling, and was the Digital Writer in Residence at the Brisbane State High School.
Ms. Jeanette Uddoh, Head of Innovation, Access Bank Plc
Ms. Uddoh is the Head of Innovation at Access Bank, the largest bank in Nigeria and Africa's leading bank by customer base. She is a self driven, result oriented, problem solving and high achieving innovation leader. She possesses a wealth of experience ranging from innovation, analytics, banking operations optimisation, and process improvement, at both Group and Branch operations levels.
An International award winning Innovation Leader, in her spare time, she volunteers as the Chief Strategist, Africa Rising - Women In Innovation, the #1 community for African and Neo-African Women in Innovation championing the cause of African women innovators.
Mr. Idrisse Ahamed, CEO Groupe A Capital Invest, Former Comoros Diplomat for Economic Affairs
Ms. Natalie Singh, Enterprise Channel Director, Microsoft
Experienced Channel Director with a demonstrated history in the technology industry. Known as a visionary who has consistently taken an innovative approach to achieve objectives, manage, and motivate people while focusing on customer and partner satisfaction and financial results. Recognized as a progressive leader and has received numerous awards and commendations within tenure at both HP and Microsoft.
Mr. Hollis Meminger, Hollywood film cinematographer, Founder of Bridgebuilder Cinematic Arts
Hollis Meminger is a renowned cinematographer with numerous film and television credits such as: The Blacklist (NBC), Narcos (Netflix) and Younger (TVLand). He is also a passionate documentarian, focusing on projects which feature the marginalized community. He is also the founder of Bridgebuilder Cinematic Arts. Bridgebuilder Cinematic Arts Program (BCAP) is a nonprofit founded in 2016 to introduce young women and men of color to careers in film and television.
With locations in New York City, Baltimore, and St. Louis, BCAP has managed to secure itself as a fully immersive summer program that teaches both hard and soft skills while providing a holistic approach to individual development. They believe in creating an environment of learning where young minds are able to explore creative ways to tell their own stories. This was an idea which came to fruition with the help of some of his trusted friends. They launched their first program at KIPPNYC in the Bronx and have been growing ever since. They are also at Ben Franklin High school in Brooklyn as well as Curtis Bay Baltimore.
Dr. Anino Emuwa, Founder - Avandis Consulting
Dr Anino Emuwa is an international management consultant with over twenty-five years’ professional experience in Europe and Africa.She is former corporate banker with Citibank, Anino is the founder and managing director of Avandis Consulting in France and Nigeria, providing strategy and financial advisory services to entrepreneurs and business leaders, and consulting on bilateral commercial activities.
Dr Emuwa is committed to working towards the growth and development of a class of entrepreneurial women business leaders in Africa. She is dedicated to helping them improve their management skills and to secure funding, since the small businesses sector is the path to employment creation, innovation and economic growth which the continent needs.
Ms. Harsha Bennur, Director, Partner Technology, Microsoft
Harsha Bennur is a results driven, meticulous and highly motivated technology leader executing Digital Transformation engagements across partner and customer segments with a proven track of quality deliverables and high customer satisfaction. She has held a number of progressively responsible, managerial roles at Microsoft. Currently, she is the Director of Partner Technology Strategy for US Public Sector Partners. In this role she works with strategists to oversee business growth amongst Microsoft’s Public Sector partners. Bennur holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science.
Wayi
Belgian singer-songwriter, Sarah Mulowayi, known simply as WAYI, has been praised for her effortless elegance and sensual voice by Sir Elton John and respected media outlets such as Refinery29, ELLE France, DJ BOOTH, High Snobiety, Red Bull Elektropedia.
She grew up in a Congolese home in Belgium and traces her early music exposure to gospel music from African churches. The now 26- year old began singing at the age of 12 at her school choir and soon became very passionate about pursuing it further. Wayi speaks English, French and Dutch. In 2019, she released the EP Love in Progress.
Théo de Gueltzl
Originally from Paris, Théo de Gueltzl studied fine art at Central St Martins in London, graduating in 2014. Initially focusing on illustration, he developed a long-standing partnership with Hermès, contributing intricate drawings for their textile designs. Documenting his travels through photography became a parallel obsession.
His approach to photography explores sculptural form, the surrounding world and a sensitive, in depth investigation of human stories and character. Rooted in the authenticity of travel documentary, Theo’s fashion and still-life imagery embraces an other-worldly aesthetic, intertwining his interests in the environment and fine art. At the heart of his practice is an empathetic approach to celebrate the cultures, communities and landscapes he encounters, as well as the exercise of creating new structures to capture fashion within.
He continues to develop his illustration practice. He most recently completed an animated video of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, commissioned by the Marley family to mark what would have been his 75th birthday.
Amongst many solo and group exhibitions, de Gueltzl has exhibited at Red Hook labs in New York as part of their new artists show in 2017. In October 2020, he will show a new series of personal work taken in Los Angeles on the cusp of the Covid-19 lockdown. He is regularly published by M le Magazine du Monde, and includes Hermès and Moncler amongst his commissioned work.
Octave Marsal
Octave Marsal is a French drawing artist born in 1990.
In 2017, he graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master of Arts.
In 2014, he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Art from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.
He was shortlisted for the 2014 Lowe Nova Award for Creative Talent at Central Saint Martins College for the collaborative installation LAB created with Théo de Gueltzl.
Boddhi Satva
Boddhi Satva has been branded the father of Ancestral Soul. Hailing from the Central African Republic, Boddhi is a DJ/Producer that is not only changing the way people perceive dance music, but the way they experience it as well.
He has been showcased on Coca Cola’s Coke Studio Africa and his music has been released by prominent independent record labels including Osunlade’s Yoruba Records, Bob Sinclair’s Yellow, and Dixon’s Innervisions.
Boddhi has been traveling to all four corners of the world. From open air festivals, to the most renowned underground venues, including residencies in Europe, North America, & Asia. Between hit releases with Nigerian pop star Davido on Naughty and UK’s Legendary soul man Omar Lyefook MBE on Benefit, Boddhi keeps expanding his repertoire with his wide global reach. With all this Boddhi manages to be a cultural ambassador of good music and a testament for the tenacity of the human spirit.