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.

Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, fondly called “Mama Diaspora,” is renowned for her outstanding advocacy for Nigerians in the Diaspora. A former journalist and three-term lawmaker, she championed numerous bills of which many have become laws today. These include the Violence Against person’s bill, the Freedom of Information Bill and a bill to name the National Women centre after the late Mrs Maryam Babangida 

As the pioneer Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, she has led major national interventions, including the evacuation of Nigerians from conflict zones in Ukraine, China, India ,Saudi Arabia ,Sudan, Libya, South Africa,Ghana,Mali ,amongst many others ,and provided critical support during the COVID-19 pandemic. She brought diaspora issues to the front burner with introduction of programs like the annual Nigerian diaspora investment summit , Presidential town hall engagements ,strengthening of  Nigerias Diaspora day which takes place July 25 every year and creation of a diaspora data base and portal. 

A recipient of the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), she has also been honoured with over 500 awards including the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS), Bridge Builders Award (Ghana, 2024), and The Guardian Award for Most Outstanding Female-led Federal Commission.She is also a holder of two honorary doctorate degrees from two of Nigeria’s foremost Universities

Married with children, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa remains a symbol of hope, leadership, compassion and commitment to Nigerians at home and abroad.

Councilmember Byron D. Amos is a seasoned public servant, community builder, and lifelong advocate for equitable development in Atlanta. A proud son of Vine City, he brings more than 25 years of experience in entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and public education to his service on the Atlanta City Council, where he represents District 3 and works to advance inclusive growth, public safety, and community empowerment.

Currently serving on the Atlanta City Council, Councilmember Amos is widely recognized for his commitment to ensuring that residents—rather than politics—shape the future of their neighborhoods. His leadership is grounded in lived experience and driven by a deep understanding of the structural challenges facing urban communities.

In addition to his public service, Byron is the Chief Executive Officer of Capacity Builders Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on civic engagement, workforce development, and community revitalization. He is also the founder of End All Threat Security, a respected firm that has provided protective services for nationally recognized artists, public officials, and high-profile leaders for more than two decades.

Prior to his election to City Council, Byron served on the Atlanta Board of Education, where he represented District 2 and led transformative initiatives in public education. During his tenure, he championed the reintroduction of vocational and technical education pathways and played a key role in advancing Atlanta Public Schools’ first comprehensive Equity Policy—focused on closing achievement gaps and expanding opportunity for all students.

Across every sector he has served, Councilmember Amos has demonstrated a consistent commitment to strengthening institutions, expanding access to resources, and fostering collaboration between government, business, and community stakeholders. His work reflects a belief that sustainable progress is built through accountability, partnership, and local leadership.

Grounded in Atlanta’s historic Westside and engaged in shaping the city’s future, Byron D. Amos represents a new generation of civic leaders dedicated to building safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, and a more equitable economy for generations to come.

 Sydney  R. Jordan, Ph.D. is an accomplished education and technology leader  with more than 20 years of experience advancing learning outcomes  through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and community  engagement. As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at  21stCenturyEd, he collaborates with educators, policymakers, and  industry leaders to deliver solutions that improve student achievement  and support equity in education.

Previously,  Dr. Jordan held leadership roles at Imagine Learning, Scholastic and  Pearson, where he guided teams, shaped policy-aligned initiatives, and  built long-term collaborations with schools and districts nationwide. A  published author and active member of numerous educational  organizations, he is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership  development, and empowering communities through education.

Based in the USA.

Dr. Monique Couvson is an award-winning author, scholar, and social impact executive whose work sits at the intersection of education, civil rights, juvenile justice, and philanthropy. With more than three decades of experience advancing equity and institutional reform, she is widely recognized as a leading national voice on the wellbeing, leadership, and protection of girls and gender-expansive youth of color.

Dr. Couvson currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Grantmakers for Girls of Color (G4GC), a premier philanthropic intermediary dedicated to resourcing grassroots movements and organizations that center the wisdom, leadership, and lived experiences of marginalized young people. Under her leadership, G4GC has strengthened the national infrastructure supporting gender and racial justice, mobilizing philanthropic capital to drive systems change and community-led solutions.

Her work has earned national recognition, including being named a racial justice “Closer” by TIME in 2025 and one of the nation’s most influential African Americans by The Root 100 in 2022.

A prolific and best-selling author, Dr. Couvson has written seven books addressing education, criminalization, and gender equity. Her works include Girls, Unlimited: How to Invest in Our Daughters with More than Money, Charisma’s Turn, and Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, which have shaped national conversations on opportunity, belonging, and justice.

In addition to her scholarly and executive leadership, Dr. Couvson is an Executive Producer and co-writer of the documentary film PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools, which has been widely used as a tool for advocacy, policy reform, and professional development across education and justice systems.

Across academia, philanthropy, media, and public policy, Dr. Couvson is recognized for her ability to translate research into action, elevate community expertise, and build cross-sector coalitions that drive lasting institutional change. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that girls and gender-expansive youth are not only protected, but fully empowered to thrive as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Grounded in scholarship and driven by impact, Dr. Monique Couvson represents a new generation of transformational leaders advancing equity through knowledge, investment, and movement-building.

Daniel Azure is a global partnerships and strategy executive whose work sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. He currently serves as Head of Strategic Alliances at Streamline I.T EMEA, where he leads the development of high-impact partnerships across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in support of innovative digital and renewable energy solutions.

In this role, Daniel is responsible for identifying, structuring, and scaling strategic alliances that drive market expansion, accelerate technology adoption, and strengthen regional ecosystems. Known for his ability to translate complex technologies into commercially viable partnerships, he works closely with corporate leaders, government stakeholders, and industry partners to deliver solutions aligned with long-term economic and environmental priorities.

With deep expertise in emerging technologies, including generative AI, and a strong foundation in organizational leadership, Daniel brings a forward-looking approach to business development and ecosystem building. His work focuses on integrating strategic partnerships into regionally responsive go-to-market strategies that support sustainable growth and institutional transformation.

Beyond his operational leadership, Daniel is recognized for his relationship-driven approach to collaboration and his ability to convene diverse stakeholders around shared objectives. He consistently leverages trust, insight, and strategic clarity to unlock new opportunities and create durable value across borders.

Globally engaged and impact-oriented, Daniel Azure represents a new generation of leaders advancing innovation through partnership, positioning technology and sustainability as drivers of inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.

Alvin Bekoe is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, media executive, and investor whose work sits at the intersection of culture, capital, and global opportunity. He is the Chief Executive Officer of BBnZ Live, a leading Ghanaian entertainment and creative enterprise known for shaping influential brands, amplifying African talent, and driving commercially successful media and cultural ventures.

Through his leadership, Alvin has built a reputation for transforming storytelling into strategy—leveraging media, partnerships, and market insight to create platforms that elevate African excellence while attracting global attention and investment. His expanding media footprint includes involvement across influential broadcast and digital platforms such as Guide Radio and DGN, reinforcing his commitment to strengthening Ghana’s media ecosystem and shaping narratives at scale.

In addition to his media leadership, Alvin is an active investor and collaborator in Ghana’s growing lifestyle and real-estate ecosystem. He is part of the investor group behind renowned developments such as Sanbra City, a large-scale, diaspora-focused community initiative, and Polo Beach Club, a destination recognized for redefining luxury leisure and hospitality in Ghana. These investments reflect his commitment to projects that blend culture, community, and sustainable economic growth.

Alvin has also been visibly involved in global diaspora-facing initiatives connected to Earn Your Leisure, further positioning him as a connector between African markets and international networks of entrepreneurs, creatives, and investors.

Grounded in Ghana and globally engaged, Alvin Bekoe represents a new generation of African leaders using media, investment, and strategic partnerships to shape narratives, build ownership, and drive cross-border collaboration.

Ms. Esther Mesidor, Esq. is the Owner and Managing Attorney of E. Albert Law LLC, a boutique law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, and a recognized pioneer in the highly specialized area of excess and surplus funds recovery. As one of the premier—and few—law firms dedicated to this niche practice, Attorney Mesidor has successfully recovered millions of dollars for former property owners and their families following foreclosure, ensuring rightful funds are reclaimed rather than left unclaimed.

A graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Attorney Mesidor brings elite legal training, strategic insight, and meticulous execution to every matter she handles. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, a background that strengthens her ability to educate, empower, and advocate for clients with clarity and compassion—particularly in complex and overlooked areas of the law.

Beyond her legal practice, Attorney Mesidor is a thought leader within the Haitian community, committed to empowerment, education, and economic justice. She is a passionate advocate for children and for underserved and often overlooked populations, using her platform to amplify voices, expand access to resources, and create pathways for long-term stability and generational impact.

Attorney Mesidor also serves as a Board Member of New Kiskeya Christian School, supporting faith-based education and community development. Through her work, leadership, and advocacy, she has established herself as a trusted authority and changemaker—transforming overlooked legal rights into meaningful financial recovery and lasting empowerment.

Christina Ivette is a financial strategist, educator, and founder whose work focuses on empowering individuals and families to achieve generational wealth through asset protection, trust creation, and strategic financial planning. She serves as Chief Executive Officer of 7 Ways to Wealth, a financial literacy and wealth-building organization dedicated to helping people understand and leverage the tools that secure and grow their financial legacy. 

At the helm of 7 Ways to Wealth, Christina has developed educational programs and coaching frameworks that demystify complex topics such as trust structures, asset protection, tax efficiency, and credit optimization. She is the creator of The Wealthy Trustee Program, a signature curriculum used to guide clients and participants through the process of establishing trusts, protecting assets, and integrating wealth-building strategies into long-term financial plans. 

Christina’s approach blends practical financial techniques with a focus on stewardship and intentional legacy planning, helping individuals transition from traditional wealth accumulation practices to frameworks that prioritize sustainability and multigenerational impact. Her work also leverages strategic partnerships across legal, accounting, and financial advising sectors to amplify the effectiveness of the guidance she offers. 

In addition to her executive leadership, Christina engages audiences through educational content, workshops, and community-focused initiatives that break down barriers to financial understanding. Her platforms—including digital seminars and social-media–driven financial literacy content—aim to make wealth-building accessible, actionable, and relevant for everyday investors and entrepreneurs alike. 

Grounded in financial empowerment and advocateship, Christina Ivette represents a modern voice in wealth education — one committed to equipping people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to protect their assets, build financial resilience, and create generational prosperity.

Niquelle L. Cotton is a CEO and strategy leader with over 25 years of experience in education technology and workforce development. She leads Q-Factor Consulting, LLC, helping K-12 institutions and Fortune 500 companies improve outcomes through human capital development, systems improvement, and transformative technologies.

She specializes in business growth, strategic partnerships, and education innovation—particularly supporting underserved communities. Niquelle is also a public speaker, community advocate, and member of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, with strong expertise in urban education markets.