Dr. Gene Gelgelu

Founder, President, & CEO, African Economic Development Solutions

Gene Gelgelu PhD (MBA), President and CEO. Dr. Gene Gelgelu is a visionary leader. He is founder, president and CEO of African Economic Development Solutions and Little Africa. He has more than 25 years of leadership, operational, creative entrepreneurship, and creative placemaking expertise. Originally from Ethiopia, Gene has deep connections to Minnesota’s African immigrant communities and a unique cultural competency to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and languages. He has a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and an M.B.A in Finance and Doctor of Education in Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Dr. Gene also served as a planning and human rights commissioner for the city of St. Paul from 2010-2017. Gene is Shannon Institute leadership fellow, the Roy Wilkins Community Fellow, the Bush Foundation leadership Fellow, and awarded certificate of completion from Harvard University for the NeighborWorks Achieving Leadership Excellence program. Gene served on many boards and currently serving on MCN.

Dr. Artika Tyner

Keynote Address: Leading for Change — Empowering Inclusive Leaders for Racial and Economic Justice

Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. As a motivational speaker, author, and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community, or school. By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader, she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change. Dr. Tyner’s work is grounded in extensive experience as a law and leadership professor, lawyer, social change agent, researcher, and nonprofit founder and leader. She is well-known as a thought leader, author, and designer of high-profile programs to drive organizational DEI initiatives and create inclusive leaders. Her impact spans Fortune 500 companies, startup tech companies, healthcare providers, government services and agencies, higher education institutions, and grassroots organizations. Dr. Tyner is deftly able to ask the big questions, strategically innovate real solutions, and then lead the way. She intentionally invests her time and energy in inspiring change and welcomes opportunities to present, collaborate, and innovate with key stakeholders seeking to impact social change and do what no one has done before.

Dr. Verna Price

Unlocking Human Potential – Empowering Leaders for Global Transformation

A Global Force for Transformation A dynamic global citizen and motivational force, Dr. Price was born in The Bahamas and has impacted communities worldwide—from Kenya to China, from corporate boardrooms to correctional facilities. Recognized as one of the most motivating professors in her field, her work transcends boundaries, cultures, and industries. Whether engaging high school students, the incarcerated, or Fortune 500 executives, she delivers a universal message of empowerment, resilience, and possibility. Unlocking Human Potential, One Leader at a Time Dr. Verna Cornelia Price is an internationally renowned human potential expert, celebrated keynote speaker, best-selling author, consultant, and leadership coach. Her groundbreaking Power of People™ framework has transformed individuals and organizations worldwide by unlocking potential, inspiring action, and driving meaningful change. At the heart of her work is a powerful construct which she created and developed: every person operates as a Multiplier, Adder, Subtractor, or Divider—and by understanding these dynamics, leaders and teams can amplify strengths, eliminate roadblocks, and cultivate a culture of resilience, engagement, and high performance. Through keynote speeches, executive coaching, and workshops, Dr. Price delivers contagious energy, authenticity, and actionable strategies that leave a lasting impact. Her Power of People™ Approach is more than a leadership model—it is a movement that empowers individuals to step into their power, lead with purpose, and achieve extraordinary results. Acclaimed Author & Transformational Educator A bestselling author, Dr. Price’s books have changed lives across the globe: The Power of People: Four Kinds of People Who Can Change Your Life The Silent Cry: Dealing with Subtractors in Work and Life Change Your Life in 30 Days Decorated Leader with a “Go-Giver” Mindset Dr. Price has founded and led some of the most impactful leadership programs in the nation, including co-founding the Undergraduate Leadership Academic Minor at the University of Minnesota, the largest program of its kind in the world. Mission: EmPOWERment Dr. Price’s mission is to Empower, people to optimize their human potential and become their most excellent self both personally and professionally.

Beatrice Adenodi

Mirror Ink, Inc.

Beatrice Adenodi is an awareness advocate, marketing strategist, and founder/CEO of Mirror Ink, a consultancy focused on powering individuals and organizations to break free from reactive patterns and embrace intentional leadership. With her extensive experience, she helps people identify and overcome limiting behaviors, fostering meaningful change and stronger identities. A sought-after speaker, Beatrice has appeared on notable stages and podcasts, sharing her transformative insights.

Fatima Lawson

Principal

Dr. Fatima Lawson is a consummate educator, who hails from Northern Nigeria. She earned her BA and 1st Master's Degrees in Nigeria and another Master's and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She sees her career in education as an extension of her life’s purpose, which also explains her passion for advocacy, especially for the education of the disadvantaged. Working in both private and public educational settings, she has taught in all levels of schooling: college/university, secondary, and elementary schools. She often says that one of the highlights of her career as an educator is helping to start one of the most successful language immersion schools in Saint Paul, where she served as its principal for 12 years, and now starting a polytechnic program in her current school! She is especially interested in making sure that every child, rich or poor, gets the best possible educational access and opportunities. She is a very active member of various community organizations in Minnesota and beyond, and the recipient of many academic and community awards.    Today, as a Minnesota-based educator, she understands the issues confronting young people beyond her immediate vicinity. She was invited to South Africa by the U.S. State Department in March 2023 to participate in an international symposium as a Mandela-Washington Reciprocal exchange fellow, and to lead workshops/discussion on Youth Education and Empowerment, while supporting the development of future leaders. Dr. Fatima’s visionary leadership and groundbreaking work are evident in the impact that she has made not only nationally but also globally. She is a proud recipient of one of 2024 African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) Lifetime Achievement Awards. She was also named Minnesota’s NAESP 2024 National Distinguished Principal!  She is extremely grateful, humbled and proud to be named among the best principals in the United States!

Watchen Bruce

CEO, Baltimore Community Lending

Watchen Harris Bruce is the President and CEO of Baltimore Community Lending BCL), a  nonprofit mission-based lender and certified Community Development Financial Institution  (CDFI). BCL provides loans and technical assistance to small businesses and real estate  developers in Baltimore's underserved and disadvantaged low-income communities.    With an impressive over forty-year career, Ms. Bruce has amassed a wealth of experience in  banking, development finance, small business lending, economic development, international  development, renewal energy, training, technical assistance, and leadership development. Her extensive development finance experience, nationally and internationally, is a testament to her expertise. Before joining BCL, she served as Managing Director/Chief of Party of a USAID funded project, the “Investing for Business Expansion” (IBEX) project, Access to Finance, Economic Development, Renewal Energy, and a Business Development project in Liberia for five years. She also served as Deputy Managing Director/Chief of Party for another USAID funded project, “Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity (LADA),” for 3 years. On the national level, Ms. Bruce served as Vice President at several national banks in the U.S., including PNC Bank, Fleet Bank, and JPMorgan Chase, and as a Management Consultant for NeighborWorks America.  She is a graduate of Leadership Boston & Baltimore. She serves on the Maryland Community  Development Network and Morning Star Baptist Church Five CDC boards. She is also a board member of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, a Board member of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Consumer Advisory Board member, and lastly, a member of Maryland Clean Energy Center’s C3 Fund Investment Oversight Committee. Awarded a 12-month certificate of completion for the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence Program, 3/2024, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education.  Ms. Bruce is pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Development and leadership through Grand Canyon University, and she has completed all the requirements except the dissertation. She holds a master’s in business management from Cambridge College in Massachusetts, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Planning and Management from the University of Massachusetts, and a BA in French from the University of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire.

Sika Lawson

Founder + CEO, Makolaa

Sika Lawson is a versatile visionary and esteemed leader working in the intersections of finance, business strategy, and technology. Guided by her favorite word, “legacy,” she is deeply passionate about helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses into profitable enterprises that serve as vehicles for building generational wealth. In her role as Founder and CEO of Makolaa and Makolaa Media House, she is driven by a deep passion for the power of entrepreneurship, community building, and empowering small Black-owned businesses and the local communities they serve through the power of group economics.

Sizi Goyah

Director, Mathematics & The Sciences, Minneapolis Public Schools

I am Sizi Goyah, the Director of Mathematics & The Sciences at Minneapolis Public Schools. My journey began in Lofa County, Liberia, where I was born to young parents filled with dreams. Amid the challenges of sustained civil wars, I immigrated to the United States in search of a better life. This experience has instilled in me a deep resilience and determination to make a positive impact in the field of education. My career in education commenced in Liberia, where I taught elementary science and junior high school mathematics. It was during this time that my passion for igniting a love for mathematics in young minds first took root. After relocating to the United States, I pursued degrees in Mathematics, Engineering, and Education, equipping myself with a unique blend of analytical, technical, and pedagogical skills. Two years ago, I began my journey with Minneapolis Public Schools as the Director of Mathematics, K-12. In my current role, I lead the development and implementation of comprehensive K-12 mathematics and science curricula, with the goal of enhancing student learning outcomes and fostering a passion for STEM subjects. One of my proudest achievements was serving as one of three Co-chairs on the MN 2022 Math Standards Committee, where I significantly contributed to advancing state-wide educational standards. Additionally, I served as the Math Department Chair at Brooklyn Center High School for over five years, creating an environment where both students and educators thrived. I was also honored to be a keynote speaker at the Spring Conference of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM), sharing my journey and inspiring others in the field. Known for my collaborative approach and strong leadership skills, I strive to foster a positive and productive work environment. I am also happily married to Teresa Goyah, whose support and inspiration fuel my endeavors.

Bolade Akinropo

Licensed Financial Professional

Bolade Akinropo is a Licensed Financial Professional with a passion for helping individuals and families achieve financial independence. As CEO of Wealth Builder Financial Services, she provides personalized financial strategies rooted in education, empowerment, and long-term planning. A Chartered Accountant and PMP-certified consultant with a Master’s in Accounting and Finance, Bolade brings decades of experience in the financial services industry to her work. Originally from Nigeria, she spent much of her life in the UK and now lives in suburban Minnesota. Outside of her professional life, Bolade is a proud mom of two young adults who enjoys traveling, staying active, baking, and planning events—all with a touch of creativity and heart.

Gemechu Kurfessa

DrPH

Dr. Gemechu received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, Master of Health Science and doctoral degree in Preventive Care from Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA. He currently serves in Los Angeles, CA as Healthcare Provider. He has served as a moderator on our health conferences in the past. Dr. Gemechu has also participated in numerous educational and medical missions to Oromia, Ethiopia. He is a persistent advocate for justice, peace and progress. He considers it a unique calling and privilege to serve the underserved and to partake in the process of knowledge transfer.

Amina Adan

EA Parent Organizer

Amina Adan is a Somali American community organizer, and an educator with over a decade of experience leading advocacy in education, childcare, and immigrant communities. A former school director, she now organizes parents and childcare providers through ISAIAH to advance equity in public policy. Amina is passionate about storytelling, policy change, and building spaces where African families feel seen, heard, and powerful. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Policy Administration to deepen her impact in public leadership.

Otema Yirenkyi

Co-Founder, Nviron Hive

With over 25 years of experience in the technology and telecoms sector, I am a passionate leader who drives growth and transformation across global markets. As the Area Vice President at Salesforce, I was responsible for creating and executing the go-to-market plan for the Africa region, driving new logo acquisition and scaling the team, In the Mediterranean I delivered 30%+ year-on-year growth whilst expanding the large enterprise segment. My core competencies include strategy, sales and marketing, project management, and entrepreneurship. I have a track record of leading large-scale and complex sales deals and change initiatives focused on digital transformation. I am also a published author, a patent holder, and a Gold Stevie Award winner. I am motivated by creating positive impact, fostering innovation, and empowering teams to achieve their full potential.

Fola Badewa

VP of Mortgage, Guaranteed Rate Affinity

Fola Badewa is a highly respected mortgage lender with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Known for her passion for educating homebuyers, Fola simplifies the mortgage process and empowers clients to make confident, informed decisions. She leads a dedicated team at Guaranteed Rate Affinity and collaborates closely with real estate agents and industry professionals to ensure a smooth, personalized homebuying experience. Whether working with first-time buyers or seasoned investors, Fola is committed to providing exceptional service, strategic solutions, and lasting financial impact.

Yusra Mohamud

Founder of Yuspire/ Business Advisor

Yusra Mohamud is a community engagement leader with a background in banking and  community activism and has created lasting change in Minnesota. After spending seven years in commercial banking, she channeled her expertise into meaningful social impact.As a board member of Generation Hope, she advocates for addiction recovery and destigmatization, driven by personal family experience. Her YouTube podcast "Eat and Talk MN" emerged as a vital platform following George Floyd's murder, elevating diverse voices across the Twin Cities.Her work earned her the Humanitarian of the Year award and recognition from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Featured on CBS News, Fox 9 Good Day, and in publications like Sahan Journal, Yusra continues to build bridges through her consulting firm Yuspire and community initiatives.

Stephen Wreh-Wilson

Manager, Business Development and Housing, African Economic Development Solutions

Stephen Wreh-Wilson is a respected community builder, human rights advocate, and economic development strategist with more than three decades of experience advancing justice, leadership, and opportunity across Liberia and African diaspora communities in the United States. His professional journey began in war-torn Liberia, where he documented human rights violations through the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission—amplifying the voices of victims during one of the country’s darkest periods. Since resettling in the U.S., Stephen has remained committed to social justice, leading initiatives that empower African immigrant communities through homeownership, financial literacy, small business development, and leadership training. He currently serves as Business and Housing Programs Manager at African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS), where he develops and directs strategies to build wealth, stability, and economic mobility for historically underserved populations. His previous leadership roles include positions at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, the African Development Center, and as a Graduate Assistant at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Liberia, a master’s degree in Communication Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s in Human Resource Management from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He is certified in Financial Capability through the NeighborWorks Training Institute and in Human-Centered Design through the LUMA Institute. His advanced training includes international human rights advocacy (Columbia University), grassroots leadership (Carter Center of Emory University), community economic development (Metropolitan State University), and commercial real estate and strategic planning (University of St. Thomas and NeighborWorks America). Stephen has served on the boards of the Minnesota Homeownership Center, Hunger Solutions, and the City of Lakes Community Land Trust, and remains an active leader and mentor in African and immigrant communities.

Rahel Nardos

MD, MCR

Dr. Nardos is an associate professor in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and the inaugural director of global women’s health at the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota. Dr Nardos is originally from Ethiopia and came to the US as a scholarship student at Franklin& Marshall College. She received her medical degree from Yale University, completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University and her urogynecology fellowship and a master's degree in clinical research from Oregon Health & Science University.   Driven by a passion for women's healthcare, she has a long track record as a leader in clinical care, healthcare education and innovation, research and capacity building both locally and globally. Throughout her career, Dr. Nardos has focused on building global partnerships for team-based compassionate and safe surgical care for women. She played a pivotal role in launching and supporting surgical training programs in several countries on the African continent.  Dr Nardos is deeply committed to service through her leadership work on various humanitarian and academic boards, committees and councils including the DEI council at the University of Minnesota’s Medical School, the executive board of Worldwide Fistula Fund, board of directors of Global Perm NW, the G4 Alliance, the United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub and Global Surgery Foundation. Dr. Nardos has garnered recognition for her clinical and leadership work, receiving accolades such as the Distinguished Physician Award (Kaiser Permanente 2018), Minnesota Top Doctor  (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), University of Minnesota Physicians Clinical Excellence 2024 honoree, and a Bush fellow (2022). She is an alumni of the Women Lift Global Health leadership program and resides in Minneapolis, MN, with her husband and two children.

Lafayette Butler-Robinson

CEO,Easy as 123 Daycare Consultants LLC

Easy as 123 Daycare Consultants, LLC specializes in consulting and training services. We support these organizations by offering expert guidance, operational consulting, and tailored training programs. Our focus is on enhancing the quality of care and education through professional development, regulatory compliance support, curriculum development, and best practice implementation. We work closely with child care centers, preschools, home-based providers, adult care, and autism centers to ensure a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children. Easy as 123 Daycare Consultants are certified trainers for American Red Cross and National Child Passenger Safety Technician, and currently working to obtain our CDA Professional Development Specialist.

Modoh Wanda

CEO, African Fashion Week MN

Modoh (mahn-dough) Wanda is the chief executive officer of the non-profit organization African Fashion Week MN, which made its premiere debut September 9th through the 14th of 2024. She is a former pageant state titleholder being crowned the 2023 Miss Minnesota Supermodel through Supermodels Unlimited Magazine. At the age of four years old she began her modeling career in print and commercial work for the American Girl Doll brand leading up until now where she has become a sought out runway model walking in every major U.S. city as well as in Europe. Her exclusive runway formal collection “Modoh by Modoh” is set to release in 2025.

Tabitha Mpamira

Mutera Founder, Speaker. Healer. Educator,

Dr. Tabitha Mpamira is an executive director and founder of Mutera Global Healing. She is a respected expert, facilitator, and speaker on mental health, sexual and gender-based violence, and survivor resilience. Tabitha brings a long working history in the mental healthcare industry, community organizing, and policy reform.   Tabitha’s work has been widely recognized and vividly depicted by Now This and in the documentary Victors: Singing to the Lions, which has been screened globally, including at the United Nations Association – New York City. Tabitha was recognized by Global Citizen in 2018 when she won the People’s Choice Waislitz Award and has been nominated for the Global Young Leaders of the World Economic Forum. She has been invited to speak across the globe; recent examples include her speech at the Vatican about the urgency of working to end sexual violence, Harvard University, and MasterCard Foundation.  Tabitha’s widely viewed TEDx Talk focuses on the transforming or transferring of trauma. Her presentations leverage her years of experience working as a mental health therapist, motivational speaker, activist and consultant.   In addition, Tabitha founded Mutera previously known as EDJA, an organization providing free medical, legal, and mental health services to survivors of sexual assault in East Africa. Mutera has sparked rapid change by supporting hundreds of survivors and bringing perpetrators to justice, as well as providing self-care and vicarious trauma workshops to individuals at the front lines of trauma.

Vanessa Adebayo

Founder, Africas Mental Health Matters

Vanessa Adebayo is a seasoned international development and program management professional with 9 years of experience. She has led high-impact initiatives in global health, education, economic development, and grassroots community engagement. Vanessa has worked with organizations such as World Connect, Save the Children, the Milken Institute, UN Global Compact, and Impact Hub Lagos, managing multi-sector programs, partnerships, and funding strategies. She is the founder of Africa’s Mental Health Matters, promoting mental health awareness across Africa and the diaspora; The Seasoned Woman podcast, inspiring women to love God, themselves, and others; and Connected Spaces, a platform fostering intentional networking for young professionals in Africa. Vanessa holds an MPH in Global Health from New York University.

Korma Aguh

Artistic Director/Owner at Afrocontigbo

Korma Aguh-Stuckmayer is the visionary founder of Afro-Cont-Igbo, a dynamic African Contemporary Igbo dance company based in the Twin Cities. A proud daughter of the Igbo tribe of Nigeria, Korma blends traditional West African rhythms, storytelling, and movement with modern dance styles to create joyful, high-energy choreography that promotes cultural pride, healing, and holistic wellness. Since founding Afro-Cont-Igbo in 2014, Korma has become a vibrant presence in Minnesota’s cultural and artistic landscape. She has taught and performed with her group throughout the state, appearing at events such as the Minnesota Fringe Festival, Little Africa Festival, Igbo Festival in Brooklyn Center, the Haitian Festival, and halftime shows for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Her work has also brought her into collaboration with groups like Titambe West African Drum and Dance Company, further amplifying the rhythms and traditions of West Africa through collective performance and education. Driven by a passion for movement and a deep commitment to community, Korma creates inclusive spaces that welcome people of all backgrounds—especially women, families, and youth. Whether in a studio, on stage, or in the streets, she uses dance as a powerful tool to connect, uplift, and celebrate the richness and resilience of African heritage.

Yadesa Bojia

Graphic Designer

Yadesa Bojia (Yaaddeessaa Booji'aa) born July 9, 1970, in Ambo, Ethiopia is a Seattle-based Ethiopian graphic designer and artist. Bojia has exhibited regionally since 2006. In 2010, he rose to international acclaim when his design was selected for the African Union's flag. Bojia has shown his work in exhibitions, completed commissioned works, and given public talks about the themes of his work, including human rights, minority rights, Africa, and justice. Bojia's style as a painter draws on African impressionism.

Mamady Konneh

Executive Director, WeNetworkNow

Mamady Konneh is the Founder and Executive Director of WeNetworkNow, a non-profit that supports individuals of African descent through mentorship and professional development programs. With over a decade of security industry experience across SaaS, healthcare, finance, and retail, Mamady shares his expertise as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Minnesota, where he teaches Cloud Security and Strategy. He authored a research paper on building a secure digital identification for Guinea Conakry, which he presented at an international conference in Marseille, France, in 2018. Mamady’s commitment to fostering a community of change-makers earned him the 2021 Minnesota Outstanding Refugee Award. His work continues to bridge technology, education, and community to drive inclusive progress and innovation.

Desta Gelgelu

Economics Faculty,North Hennepin Community College

Dr. Desta A. Gelgelu is an economics professor at North Hennepin Community College and Metropolitan State University. He holds a BSc from Addis Ababa University, an MA and PhD in Economics from the University of Pune, India, and an MBA in Finance from Metropolitan State University, Minnesota. His academic focus is on monetary and international economics, with a special interest in the economic revitalization and integration of East Africa. Prior to moving to the U.S., Dr. Desta A. Gelgelu served as a professor, academic dean, and acting president at Ethiopia Adventist College, where he led its transition to a four-year institution and mentored hundreds of students. who are now entrepreneurs, serving in different capacities in financial institutions, government, and non-government organizations. With extensive experience working across cultures and a deep commitment to education, Dr. Desta A. Gelgelu advocates for the transformative power of knowledge and skill dissemination.

Violet Jennings

Financial Manager/Co-owner, Redwood Real Estate LLC

My name is Violet Jennings, I am a financial management analyst and co-owner of a small real estate management company. In my professional career, I’ve supported contracts valued at over $58 million, which taught me the importance of building systems to manage resources effectively over time. I believe personal finance works the same way—without clear habits and tools, we risk losing the very resources we work so hard to earn. Born and raised in Zambia, I immigrated to the U.S. and began learning about personal finance out of necessity. Today, I use that experience to guide others—especially fellow immigrants—on their path to financial stability and growth. I focus on financial literacy, saving, investing, building and maintaining credit, and helping people understand their relationship with money so they can move from simply surviving to truly thriving. To me, money is not just currency—it’s a tool. It empowers us to build the lives we dream of, support our families, and create something lasting for the next generation.