DIASPORA DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD

 Dr. Erieka Bennett is the Convening Founder and Head of Mission of the African Union's Diaspora African Forum (DAF), a groundbreaking initiative that connects the African Diaspora with the continent's development. With over 30 years of experience living and working across Africa, Dr. Bennett has been a driving force in bridging the gap between the diaspora and Africa’s future. She played a key role in the development of AGOA and served as an advisor to the architects of NEPAD. A trusted advisor to ECOWAS, Dr. Bennett is also a member of the Advisory Council to the President of Ghana.  

Based in Ghana.

 Mr. Kofi Okyere Darko, affectionately known as KOD, serves as the Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. A visionary leader and trailblazer, KOD has played a pivotal role in strengthening the ties between the global community and Ghana, empowering diaspora engagement on a global scale. With extensive experience spanning media, entrepreneurship, and politics, KOD continues to influence and inspire the development of Ghana and the broader African diaspora. His work has earned him a reputation as a respected figure who connects people, cultures, and opportunities. 

Based in Ghana.

 Dr. Angela Jones, JD is a bold and brilliant strategist currently leading US Charters & the Washington State Initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She also co-founded the Black Futures Co-Op Fund — a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing generational wealth and well-being in Black communities.

Angela is also the author of “The Queen Code Guide to Your Personal Strategic Plan,” a powerful resource that reflects her deep expertise in leadership, legacy building, and purposeful strategy. She has previously served as CEO of Washington STEM and held senior leadership roles at Eastern Washington University and Washington State University — consistently using her voice and vision to drive impact across education and community development.

Angela brings a rare combination of executive insight, cultural wisdom, and a profound commitment to building futures that reflect the brilliance of our people. We are honored to have her as a guiding force at Diaspora District.

Based in the US.

 Mr. Johan Richards is the CEO of JRichards & Associates and serves as a Business Advisor with Stanford Seed, creating pathways for future entrepreneurs throughout Africa and the world. He is also General Partner at Synergos Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on investing in startups across the AgriTech, FinTech, and HealthTech sectors on the African continent. With his extensive experience in business strategy and venture capital, Johan continues to play a key role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation globally. 

Based in South Africa.

 Dr. Tony Bellow is a Food Scientist and Agribusiness Innovator. He served as Principal Scientist at PepsiCo Frito Lay, creating the Baked Lays and Lays Stax branded potato  crisps. Tony holds multiple patents from his time at Frito Lay and the  Kellogg Company, contributing to the development of consumer-ready,  innovative food products.  He is also a Global Market Strategist positioning innovation in the cassava industry to transform Africa.

Based in Nigeria.
 

Mr. Adesegun "Smade" Adeosun Jr. is the visionary and co-founder of Afro Nation. He has been instrumental in bringing Afrobeats to the global stage, transforming the festival into the largest celebration of African music and culture worldwide. Smade is also the CEO of Smade Events and King Smade Beard Oil. His innovative approach and leadership have set new standards in the music and entertainment industries, earning him widespread recognition for his entrepreneurial spirit and impact. With an unwavering dedication to promoting African culture, Smade continues to inspire and influence the global entertainment landscape. 

Based in the UK.

 Mr. Alaa Khalifa is the winner of the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Marketing Award and the CEO of Digital Experts Marketing Consulting. He has also served as the CEO of EgyTrace Traceability and Devenue Consulting USA. A renowned marketing and business strategist, Alaa is known for crafting innovative solutions that drive growth and elevate brands. Based in Egypt and Dubai, he continues to shape the future of marketing with his visionary leadership. 

Based in Egypt and Dubai.

Ms. Jai Abrams is the Executive Director of National Partnerships at Imagine Learning. In this role, she provides strategic leadership and direction for the development of nationwide partnerships to advance the organization’s mission of Empower Potential. Jai focuses on creating alliances with industry leaders, educational organizations, and other stakeholders to foster growth and educational impact for students. Jai also serves as a member of the Imagine Learning Foundation board. As a member of the board, Jai is committed to enhancing the well-being of students and empowering initiatives that prioritize student wellness. 

Based in the US.

 Mr. Joon Baek is a Senior Wealth Advisor and Financial Planner with Cetera Investors. He specializes in comprehensive financial planning, working with a broad range of clients, from corporations managing employee and executive benefits to ultra-high-net-worth individuals on asset management, insurance, and estate planning strategies. Mr. Baek is also committed to advancing entrepreneurship and educational initiatives in Africa, playing a key role in initiatives that empower young entrepreneurs and foster sustainable economic development on the continent. 

Based in the US.

 Ms. Dorcas Pooe is a seasoned Human Capital Transformation Executive and Strategist, with a strong background in driving organizational change across various industries, including EduTech, Sustainability, Energy, Oil & Gas, and Transport & Logistics. Holding an MBA and a BBBEE MDP, Ms. Pooe is recognized for her expertise in aligning human capital strategies with business goals to foster sustainable growth. With a deep commitment to leadership excellence, she has consistently delivered impactful solutions that enhance operational efficiency, talent development, and organizational performance.  

Based in South Africa.

 Mr. Isaiah Brian Sovi is a visionary entrepreneur and esteemed
Speaker. As President and CEO of
Ventures Hub, his influence spans continents,
driving a diverse business empire including
Freight and Logistics, Mining, Fashion, Media,
Entertainment, Tech & Finance. Beyond
business, Sovi's philanthropic heart leads the
IBS Foundation, aiding orphans, vulnerable
children, widows, and the underprivileged.
Isaiah Brian Sovi leads God Embassy, an
international ministry represented in 4
continents. His roles as director of various businesses
IBS Foundation Founder reflect his
commitment to service and impact. 

Based in Zambia and South Africa.