Recognised as the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) Under 40 and the African Travel Top 100 Global Tourism Personalities in 2019, Fabien Anthony is a lifelong entrepreneur and impact investor in the technology, agribusiness, real estate, and entertainment sectors with ventures that have spanned to over 22 countries across four continents. Mr Anthony’s career includes diverse roles in business development and international trade for Fortune 500 firms, high-level political advisory and strategic counsel to national governments and investment promotion agencies, as well as catalysing public and private sector investment for sustainable socioeconomic development.

Mr Anthony is currently the Chief Investment Officer at Africa Equity Group, an investment firm that empowers African enterprises by providing strategic capital, technical assistance, and access to business ecosystems. He previously co-founded AFAR Ventures and AFRO.TV, a leading data, media, and creative agency featured in Forbes Brasil and Exame Magazine. AFAR specializes in trends and insights across emerging diversity markets and serves domestic and international brands such as PEPSICO, Netflix, Sony, Disney, and AFROPUNK, among others.

As an advocate of education and creating new economic opportunities, Mr Anthony also engages as a community development practitioner, working to develop the self-confidence, capabilities and entrepreneurial skills of youth across the Africa and regions of the Diaspora.

Mr Anthony holds a distinguished degree in the field of Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration with advanced studies in International Development and Globalisation. He is fluent in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Creole and conversational in Russian.

Mr Wardere is the founder and executive director of Bulle Consulting, a firm specialised in project management, authentic community engagement, capacity building, change management, strategic planning and partnerships, technical assistance, etc.

He utilises a unique strategy of valuing home cultures when supporting the development of strategic ideas, successful designs and integration of creative, customized, equity-driven programs and services.

Applying Results-Based Management (RBM) that honours internal strengths is also one of the strategies that Mr Wardere uses for both small and large organizations. This tailored RBM approach gives an organization the leverage to hold on to its cultural values and contribute to the achievement of each outcome. Mr Wardere speaks English, Somali, and Swahili.

As the Creator of the I Love Being Black Cultural Movement and Apparel Line, Kumi Rauf believes in lifting as he climbs and giving back to the community by motivating others in attaining their life goals. He is an accomplished social media strategist, taking the “I Love Being Black” Facebook Fan-page from zero to over 6 million “Likes”, becoming the largest Black​-owned Facebook Fan-page in the world, edging out BET for the top spot.

Kumi is an award​-winning businessman with several recognitions under his belt, including being an officer and chair for the National Society of Black Engineers; a recipient of the Urban League Top 40 Under 40 award; awarded most successful app developer by Novacoast; and collegiate track and field athlete. He has shared his knowledge and experience with a diverse mix of audiences via radio appearances, one​on​one seminars, conferences and more.

Kristen Hopkins is an international social entrepreneur dedicated to the holistic development of youth and young adults. As the Founder and CEO of Dangers Of The Mind, LLC, Kristen has developed and implemented Social-Emotional culturally responsive resources in schools, Non-Profit Organizations and has brought her teachings to Haiti and Ghana.

In 2016 Kristen became a recipient of the “30 Under 30 Award for Women of Excellence in Leadership”. Ms. Hopkins is an esteemed author of multiple books, a curriculum and intervention kit for In-School Suspension and youth dentention centers. As a result she has established a lifestyle brand, via virtual coaching, a clothing line and brand ambassadors that embody the DOM movement.

Kristen looks to continue this work and be the voice of responsive resources for our disadvantage youth of this generation and beyond.

Chassidy E. Keys is an international business development consultant, corporate trainer and growth strategist. Her background includes work at Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon and General Motors.

Most recently, she founded Keynect Global to promote tourism in international markets by helping businesses and entrepreneurs grow and developing workforce skills in related industries. She is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for underserved communities around the world.

Idahosa Ness is an American-born educator, public speaker and entrepreneur of Nigerian heritage. His online language-learning methodology called The Mimic Method has been featured on renown publications such as the BBC, Wellness Mama and Fluent in 3 Months, among others.

Idahosa is committed to breaking down the linguistic boundaries that separate African peoples of the Diaspora as he speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese (Mandarin), among others.

Monde Mshudulu is the Founder and Board Chairperson of MHM Media Pty – a leading events, digital marketing, and public relations firm with clients throughout Africa and the world. Mr Mshudulu also chairs South Africa’s Zipmo Consulting – a skills development and professional training institution with a key focus on early childhood development, youth development, artisan development, technical capacity building.

In 2022, he was appointed Special Advisor to the Kwa-Zulu Natal House of Traditional Leaders on matters pertaining to international relations, cooperation, trade and socioeconomic Innovation.

As a graduate from Wits Business School in South Africa, Mr Mshudulu has developed strong political and private sector relationships throughout the SADC Region. His leadership underscores his dedication to fostering collaboration and driving positive change.

Monalisa is the owner and Managing Director of Artform Factory & Artform Factory Sports a comprehensive luxury custom framing business based in Johannesburg Strijdom Park. Artform Factory specializes in framing and preservation of high-end art pieces, sports memorabilia, mirrors, photos and abstract wall decor. Monalisa is a branding enthusiast, having attained her Brand Building and Management qualifications at Vega School of Brand leadership. She is currently focused on brand communication for International Luxury brands within South African Market by maintaining brand relevance to the high-end African Market.

Monalisa is dedicated to conducting business with a purpose and believes in achieving economic development through education and contributing to skills development and community empowerment.

As the Creator of the I Love Being Black Cultural Movement and Apparel Line, Kumi Rauf believes in lifting as he climbs and giving back to the community by motivating others in attaining their life goals. He is an accomplished social media strategist, taking the “I Love Being Black” Facebook Fan-page from zero to over 6 million “Likes”, becoming the largest Black​-owned Facebook Fan-page in the world, edging out BET for the top spot.

Kumi is an award​-winning businessman with several recognitions under his belt, including being an officer and chair for the National Society of Black Engineers; a recipient of the Urban League Top 40 Under 40 award; awarded most successful app developer by Novacoast; and collegiate track and field athlete. He has shared his knowledge and experience with a diverse mix of audiences via radio appearances, one​on​one seminars, conferences and more.

Kristen Hopkins is an international social entrepreneur dedicated to the holistic development of youth and young adults. As the Founder and CEO of Dangers Of The Mind, LLC, Kristen has developed and implemented Social-Emotional culturally responsive resources in schools, Non-Profit Organizations and has brought her teachings to Haiti and Ghana.

In 2016 Kristen became a recipient of the “30 Under 30 Award for Women of Excellence in Leadership”. Ms. Hopkins is an esteemed author of multiple books, a curriculum and intervention kit for In-School Suspension and youth dentention centers. As a result she has established a lifestyle brand, via virtual coaching, a clothing line and brand ambassadors that embody the DOM movement.

Kristen looks to continue this work and be the voice of responsive resources for our disadvantage youth of this generation and beyond.

Sheke leads initiatives to connect the African diaspora with global platforms through cultural diplomacy, policy advocacy, and sustainable partnerships. With a background in Economics and Social Work (B.A. in Economics & Sociology, M.S.W.), she applies a holistic, systems-based approach to community wellbeing and transformative change.

An experienced liaison and project manager, Sheke has led cross-sector collaborations that bridge local action with global impact. She contributes to multiple think tanks, working with thought leaders to develop policies that empower African diaspora communities and promote inclusive development. Her leadership in project design, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery has been instrumental in advancing equitable, culturally responsive services.

Sheke is also the founder of Sunstone Wellness, a mental health and wellbeing practice rooted in trauma-informed and culturally safe approaches. Through Qscape Africa, she champions creative empowerment for African communities worldwide, curating stories, events, and experiences that center identity, innovation, and resilience.

Fluent in English and Swahili and conversational in German, Sheke thrives in multilingual, multicultural environments—building relationships, mobilising resources, and advancing bold, inclusive visions for global African empowerment.

Abdihakim Othman has over 15 years of experience working in the private and development sector with a vast understanding of the project management cycle.

Currently, Mr Othman supports and manages TVET program teams, leading the process of assessing local community collaboration and identifying new partners, by designing and developing community-related livelihood activities with Shaqodoon Organization in Somali/Somaliland and Kenya.

In the past, he worked with an investment company in Dubai, where he developed sales and marketing strategies that ensure business growth within the financial services sector. Abdihakim is also the Business Development/Partnership Director for Caafisom and is responsible for the growth of Caafisom by bringing new processes and strategies that ensure business growth. Abdihakim is also the Co-Founder of Geezi Trading and Franksom, a company that exports Somaliland/Puntland natural resins to European markets. His technical knowledge and 8+ years of experience in Somalia and Somaliland’s harsh market are commendable.

Recognized as one of the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40 in politics and governance, Dr. Chevy Eugene is an Assistant Professor of Black Political Thought at Dalhousie University, Canada and the co-lead for PAC’s AfriCaribbean Research Coalition (ARC). ARC’s main objective is to study and inform bilateral agreements between Africa and the Caribbean using a decolonial framework. Moreover, Dr. Eugene’s research takes up the historical struggles for reparations by conceptualizing it as a liberation praxis for enslavement, colonialism, and neocolonialism in new worldmaking.

Sheran “Sharon” Palacio, Ms P or Shar-P is a Belmopan pioneer having lived here since the age of thirteen in the 70s. Her early introduction into the political arena is quite colourful and goes back to the 2003 when she first served as a PUP City Councilor in Belmopan. However, this does not mean that her political history is only marked by wins and not losses. In 2006 she lost the position of City Councilor in a PUP Convention. Still this did not deter her, and Sharon Palacio continued to work for the benefit of her party and the people of Belmopan.

Miss Palacio holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from the Universidad Central de Villas in Cuba. Sharon’s passion is farming and specializes in producing soursop and coconut. She has served for 18 faithful years as Director of Student Services at the University of Belize where she was able to increase her global connections and help numerous students. Miss Palacio is well known for her role in the fight against Diabetes and for successfully operating a home-based business from 2004 to the current date called Youth for World Peace (YWP) homestay Network which provides business support unities to many fellow Belmopanese. She has been titled “Champion of the Americas” which enables her to recruit groups and provide Belizeans the opportunity to study and working Canada. She is presently appointed as a liaison for the Cross River State Carnival Commission for international groups from the Caribbean and Central America.

Mr. Cabezas is an Afro-Colombian leader with a distinguished career in economic and social empowerment, human rights advocacy, and historical scholarship. He brings a wealth of experience to this role, serving as the National Representative for Black communities and constituents in the Colombian Congress from 2022 to 2026. With over two decades of dedicated service, Mr. Cabezas has been a tireless advocate for the empowerment and rights of Black people within Colombia.

He has served on esteemed bodies such as the high-level advisory commission and the national space for prior consultation of Black, Afro-Colombian, Palenquera, and Raizal communities. He has also led initiatives on inter-culturality, inclusive urban development, and ethno-education, fostering dialogue and collaboration both within Colombia and across borders.

Prior to being elected to Colombia’s Congress, Cha Dorina Hernández was a teacher, craftswoman and ethno-educational leader. With over 83,000 votes, she was the first Palenquera (Afro-Colombian ethnic group) woman to reach the House of Representatives.
Since her adolescence, and for more than four decades, Cha Dorina Hernández has fought to preserve the Palenque culture in Colombia. Through her work as an educator and social leader in her community, she was recognised for her work during the Drum Festival and Cultural Expressions of Palenque, and contributed to UNESCO’s declaration of the municipality as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

Cha was one of the original leaders to form the organization Procesos de Comunidades Negras (PCN), a group instrumental in protecting the human and land rights of the Afro-Colombian population.

Aline made history as the first black woman to hold the position of Secretary of Culture for the City of São Paulo. Her outstanding work in this position earned her the Black Race Trophy for the 2022 Virada Cultural do Pertencimento. She also received the Arcanjo Award twice, first in 2021, for her pioneering spirit and significant contribution to the artistic sector, and second in 2022, for her work in decentralizing and diversifying public notices and her involvement in creating and executing the Virada Cultural do Pertencimento.

Aline has extensive experience in cultural management, promotion, production, and organization for over a decade. Her experience was acquired during her tenure with the São Paulo State Department of Culture, where she served as the President of the Technical Commission for the Evaluation of Cultural Projects, Arts Festivals, Circulation of Theater, and Black Culture by PROAC Edicts, as well as the manager of Proac ICMS.

At TV Cultura, the largest public television broadcaster in the country, Aline participated in several initiatives that contributed to the development of significant projects. Among them is “TerraDois,” which was awarded the 2017 APCA Award for Best TV Program. Additionally, she was part of the group responsible for defining and improving the channel’s programming using incentive laws.

Formerly, she served as the Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the City of São Paulo and was the General Director of the Ruth Cardoso Youth Cultural Center (CCJ), the largest cultural center dedicated to youth in Latin America, located in the periphery.

Priscilla Cadette is from São Paulo and is a lyrical singer, mentor, and manager with more 10 years of experience in the creative economy and industries. Previously, she lived in Manaus for 8 years where she sang at Teatro Amazonas and also lived in Rio de Janeiro for 8 years where she studied cultural production at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music. She is the CEO of Artemis, Pan-African Vision, Founder of Cadette Consulting and Alumni of the first class of Antler Brasil.

Priscilla has coordinated and developed projects and events with large companies and institutions such as Facebook, Netflix, Google, Petrobras, Furnas, Vivo, EDF Forte Fluminense, Parque Lage and Sala Cecília Meireles, Museu AfroBrasil, among others. In addition she mentors young talent from startups in the Brazilian market, entrepreneurs, and innovation business consultants and has extensive experience with institutional relations, and interpersonal relationships. Her expertise is in implementing and managing projects and fundraising.

Priscilla is dedicated to conducting business with purpose, believes in achieving economic development through education, and contributes to the development of skills and empowerment in the Afro-descendant community. She intends to continue this work and seek sustainable growth methods to reduce inequality, and scarcity in Brazil and the diaspora and create more opportunities for upcoming generations. Her greatest inspiration is the women in her family who have always reminded her of the importance of affection, generosity, and female empowerment.