Frank Bryant
Mr. Frank Bryant is the visionary Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Liquid Barrier/Voices Of Africa, a global platform dedicated to amplifying the voices, experiences, and aspirations of young African women and women in the diaspora. This dynamic community fosters open dialogue on crucial topics, including environmental sustainability, climate change, politics, health and reproductive care, technology, economics, and education. By uniting accomplished young African women and others, the platform inspires collaboration on initiatives aimed at propelling the African continent towards a brighter, more equitable future. Professionally, Mr. Bryant brings over two decades of experience as a technical writer, business analyst, and project manager. He has worked with industry-leading organizations such as AT&T, AIG, Standard & Poor’s, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Cardinal Health, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Bryant is an avid ice hockey player and enjoys exploring the arts. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
April Griffith Taylor
Ms. April Griffith Taylor, hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, is an accomplished Human Resources Leader with over three decades of expertise in Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Currently, she serves as a Senior HR Consultant with The Perkins T. Shelton Group and imparts her knowledge by teaching Human Resources Management at Columbus State Community College. Ms. Taylor's influence extends beyond her professional roles, as she has actively contributed to the National Black MBA Association and NewsReel Magazine for the Blind. Recognized by “Who’s Who in Black Columbus,” she has utilized her corporate influence to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Corporate America. In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Taylor is a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council at the United Way of Central Ohio and dedicates her time to community service and her local church. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Mass Communications and Journalism from Indiana State University and an MBA from Ashland University. Furthermore, she is credentialed with a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, underscoring her commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in her field.
Oyetola Oduyemi
Ms. Oyetola Oduyemi, a distinguished non-executive director at TengvoX Consulting and senior director at The END Fund, is dedicated to advancing sustainable health solutions through collaboration with private, philanthropic, and public sectors. She is highly skilled in public policy influence, strategic partnership building, and leading advocacy efforts across African nations. Recognized as a leader in business sustainability and sustainable development, Ms. Oduyemi serves as a trustee for several not-for-profit boards and provides advisory services to for-profit boards on business sustainability. Her expertise shines in corporate governance, corporate affairs, and aligning business objectives with sustainable outcomes. Ms. Oduyemi's career spans multiple industries, including financial services, energy, and telecommunications, where she has held regional roles across diverse markets. She utilizes her legal training and extensive private sector experience to cultivate a network of champions dedicated to the sustainable advancement of Africa. In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Oduyemi is a PhD researcher at Warwick Business School, focusing on business purpose as a driver of sustainable development. She holds a Master of Laws and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Warwick and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. Her unwavering commitment to Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility underscores her dedication to creating positive change.
Kome Otobo
Ms. Kome Otobo (LL.B., LL.M.) is a distinguished author, writer, and project management professional, boasting over 17 years of comprehensive organizational experience. Her career is marked by substantial operational exposure, gained through her work with both national and multinational corporations. Presently, Ms. Otobo serves as the Managing Editor of Malthouse Press Nigeria, a bespoke publishing house in West Africa. She is also a Senior Project Manager at Incubator Africa, a development agency dedicated to advancing education, health, and governance. Additionally, she is a Gender Equality Ambassador and Mentor for the EQUALZ Mentorship Hub, an organization committed to empowering women through mentorship, education, and awareness programs. An avid reader with a profound interest in creative and design thinking, Ms. Otobo attended Cheltenham Ladies’ College. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from King’s College London and a Master’s degree in Law (LL.M.) from Queen Mary University of London.
Amb. Dr. Tracey Chizoba Fletcher
Ambassador Tracey Chizoba Fletcher, an accomplished and award-winning author and skilled book editor, has made significant contributions to the literary world with her diverse range of published works. Her books span various genres, such as the short story collection Feminine Shades, the crime thriller The Chase, the African fantasy The Wrong Turn, the romantic suspense novel Love and Money, and the historical fiction Jade. Her short stories have been featured in esteemed online publications, and she has penned insightful articles for national and international platforms, serving as a columnist for Rainbow Magazine and Trumpet Magazine. Beyond her literary achievements, Ambassador Fletcher is the Founder and CEO of Zoba’s Facilities, a self-publishing company, and co-founder of Illino Media, a creative platform for writers. She holds significant positions such as Global Advisor and Executive Board Member at the Royal Communion of Global Gospel Preachers and Country Chair for Nigeria in the G100 Million Mission. Ambassador Fletcher also collaborates with Sokokuu Africa, contributing to SME onboarding and AfCFTA policies as a Research and Policy Fellow at Pan African Business Labs. Her commitment to global causes is evident through her roles as an Ambassador for Culture and Human Rights under Books for Peace and an SDG and Sustainable Procurement Ambassador with iso20400plus Ltd. Her unwavering dedication to literature, entrepreneurship, and social impact truly exemplifies the spirit of a distinguished ambassador.
Deborah Power
Ms. Deborah Power is a compassionate and honest leader, deeply committed to humanity and leadership excellence. As a Global Goodwill Ambassador, she has dedicated herself to making a positive impact across various business domains. With a distinguished career as a Transformational Change Consultant, Ms. Power has played critical roles in significant infrastructure overhauls and change management projects. Recognized as the United Nations' Face of the Globe for Global Peace, Ms. Power excels in strategic thinking, clear communication, and exceptional stakeholder management.
Anastasia Mwelu Makunu, MBA
Ms. Anastasia Mwelu Makunu's life journey began in Machakos, Kenya, and continued in a quaint village with her grandparents. These contrasting experiences shaped her belief in education as the ultimate gift for any child. Guided by her scholarly grandfather, she embraced education with determination, recognizing its power to break free from societal limitations. Ms. Makunu's resolute focus led her to university, where she pursued dreams beyond traditional expectations, aiming to contribute to the world through formal education. Her educational journey has propelled her into diverse industries, including airlines, telecommunications, fintech, wellness, and financial planning. Currently, as a Communications and Development Policy Specialist at Jesuits Africa, she collaborates to alleviate human suffering through policies that uphold human rights, dignity, peace, and social justice. Ms. Makunu actively participates in social justice and environmental campaigns, advocating for global change at platforms like COP27 and COP28. Additionally, she mentors young leaders and volunteers with the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya. Her academic achievements, professional experiences, and unwavering commitment to human rights advocacy exemplify resilience, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.
Teresha Young
Ms. Teresha Young is an award-winning, accredited, and certified International Wellness & Relationship Coach based in the UK with a global client base. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Young specialises in enabling individuals to build better relationships with themselves, leading to radical transformations in their well-being, effectiveness, and relationships with others. Through her signature S.A.F.E.™ Coaching Framework, Ms. Young guides clients on a journey to feeling Secure, Aligned, Fulfilled, and Empowered (S.A.F.E.™). Her media credits include BBC Radio, Hey Saturday, Thrive Global, TUT.com ("The Universe Talks"), the International Coaching News (iCN), Couples Learn, and more. Ms. Young's globally recognised, charting podcast, 'REAL-ationship Talk: The Podcast,' delivers REAL conversations about love, well-being, dating and relationships with special guests, including world-renowned relationship experts and television personalities Paul C. Brunson, Susan Winter and Charlene Douglas.
Wendy Karwitha Pierce, PhD, PMP
Dr. Wendy Pierce, a Kenyan-born professional, boasts over nine years of experience in project and program management. In her current role as a clinical program lead in the medical device industry, she is responsible for supporting clinical data to meet regulatory requirements and ensure product sustainability. Dr. Pierce's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from Georgia College and State University, a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The University of Georgia, and she is currently pursuing an MBA at Auburn University. She also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Dr. Pierce's diverse and dynamic background equips her with the skills to develop strategies, conduct analyses, and implement business initiatives effectively, all while aligning with sponsor organization goals. She believes in the power of personal empowerment and the influence of environment and support networks on success. Often sharing her childhood motto, “Never leave what you can do today to do tomorrow,” Dr. Pierce inspires those around her to achieve success and foster positive change.
Hiwot Mekuanent, PhD
Dr. Hiwot Abebe Mekuanent is a distinguished legal scholar and an unwavering advocate for human rights, with a particular focus on disability rights. Her career has been marked by profound dedication to advancing inclusive policies and fostering equitable access for marginalized groups. Currently, she serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Live Work Well Research Center at the University of Guelph, where her work centers on impactful research and policy development. Dr. Mekuanent’s leadership in higher education is exemplified by her tenure as Director of the Disability Studies and Service Directorate at the University of Gondar. During this period, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at cultivating inclusive educational and working environments for all. Her contributions extend beyond academia, as she has also provided pro bono legal aid to underserved communities, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment. A devoted wife and mother of four, Dr. Mekuanent seamlessly balances her personal and professional responsibilities. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Law from Queen’s University and a Master’s degree in Human Rights Law from Addis Ababa University, showcasing her exceptional dedication to scholarship and advocacy.
