International Steering committee

Dr. Kelechi Lawrence is a seasoned pharmaceutical professional with over 15 years of experience in global project management, business operations, and pharmaceutical study management.

At Endo Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Lawrence developed and executed strategic plans to enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. At KPS Life, he facilitated alliance governance milestones and drove strategic partnerships. His tenure at Sunrise Systems was marked by implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, reducing cycle times, and managing change initiatives. At GSK, he led vaccine operations and field monitoring, delivering projects ahead of schedule and achieving significant cost savings.

Currently, as Governance Coordinator, Fyeston contributes to the development of the institution’s vision, mission, goals, and strategies.

Fyeston M. Bockary is a versatile strategic investment leader. His passion for innovation and governance infrastructure, coupled with his focus on upward mobility, have been hallmarks of his career.

Bachirou Seck AKA Bashir Laye is an UCAD (Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar) graduate with a B.A in English with a concentration on American Civilization and Literature.

He worked for almost ten years at ChildFund Senegal as sponsor relations supervisor, inhouse translator/interpreter, and local fundraising officer. Currently, Bashir is the CEO of CPM24, a pioneering West African public-private partnership firm based in Dakar, Senegal.

Recently, he has been appointed Chief Advisor to the Office of Special Envoy of the Republic of Sierra Leone Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen

Mr. Straughter is an esteemed figure in international business development with a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

As the Chairman of the African and Caribbean Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, Mr. Straughter has been instrumental in fostering economic ties between the United States and African and Caribbean nations. His profound impact on international relations is further highlighted by his role as the former Honorary Consul for the Republic of Guinea in the United States.

Mr. Straughter’s expertise extends across a diverse array of sectors and regions.

Namisa Kramer is a distinguished leader in human capital development, currently serving as the Director of Human Capital Development in the Office of the President of Sierra Leone.

Namisa has a robust background in public service and human resource management. Prior to her current role, she amassed significant experience in the United States, particularly at the Maryland Department of Health. Namisa holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, which has equipped her with  advanced knowledge and skills in public sector management and policy formulation.

Hon. Amara Kallon is a dedicated public servant and a prominent figure in Sierra Leone’s government. With a career spanning over two decades, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing public administration and governance in the country.

Hon. Amara Kallon’s vision is to create a robust, transparent, and efficient public administration system in Sierra Leone that meets the needs of its citizens and supports the country’s development goals.

Hon. Amara Kallon is a visionary leader whose contributions to public administration in Sierra Leone have been transformative.

Dr. Nyahuma is certified as an International Trade and Business Consultant with the State of Pennsylvania. He provides consulting
services to small and medium size healthcare and technology firms in the Mid-Atlantic Region, Canada, the Caribbean, South America
and Africa.

Dr. Nyahuma has over 30 years of experience in business development, international trade and investment. He was senior consultant to the Canadian Embassy Commercial Section for investment, trade and tourism development. He directed clinical trial (contract research) initiatives across Canada with the Philadelphia Association of Clinical Trails (PACT), healthcare technology and tourism development and investment missions to; Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario, Canada; China, Korea, Japan, Egypt, Ghana, Benin, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Senegal, Gabon, South Africa, Botswana, United Kingdom, Belgium, France and Guadalupe.

Yulisa Ahmadu is an accomplished Diplomat, Strategic Communication Specialist, Youth Leader. Honored with President Joe Biden’s Leadership and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 for exceptional dedication to youth empowerment and leadership.

Currently serving as the Youth Envoy of Sierra Leone and a distinguished member of the 50 Most Influential Young Sierra Leoneans alumni. Demonstrated unwavering commitment to fostering youth development and diaspora engagement on youth for the President of Sierra Leone.

A seasoned career diplomat and international speaker with a profound understanding of international relations and diplomacy.

Godbless Emmanuel Otubure brings over a decade of dynamic leadership and expertise in global governance, civic technology, and youth empowerment. He serves as the Global President of ReadyToLeadAfrica, a distinguished NGO headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.

Godbless is pursuing a Master’s degree in National Security, Defense & Statecraft from the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC, USA. He is also a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow, having received leadership training at the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary in the United States.

Alexus Whilby brings a unique blend of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit to her role. Born to Jamaican immigrants in Wilmington, Delaware, and raised in Lyon, France, Alexus has a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. She returned to the United States at 13, settling in Atlanta, Georgia.

At Oglethorpe University, Alexus served as President of the French club, utilizing her fluency in French to foster cultural exchange. Her involvement with the French Chamber of Commerce further expanded her networking and partnership opportunities.

Haji Dukuray has proudly called New Castle County, Delaware his home. However, his remarkable journey began far from the East Coast of the United States. Originally from The Gambia.

With over 30 years of experience in management, Haji has honed his skills in leadership and strategic planning. He believes wholeheartedly in the power of service and giving back to the community.

Haji Dukuray exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference. His journey from West Africa to Delaware reflects not only personal achievement but also a deep-seated belief in the potential for unity and goodwill among all people, regardless of background or origin.

President, African Caribbean Business Council – The African and Caribbean Business Council (ACBC) of the greater Philadelphia.

CEO, Mali Invest and Co-Founder, USA-Mali Chamber of Commerce.

Victoria’s roots are deeply rooted in The Gambia, where three of her grandparents were born and raised. One grandparent was Nigerian but spent a significant portion of his life in The Gambia. Both of her parents were born in Banjul.

An occupational therapist for 18 years, Victoria has traversed various healthcare settings. Yet, her heart finds solace in homecare, where she champions patient advocacy and skillful interventions that pave the way for optimal outcomes. Her client-centered approach reflects her core belief as a healthcare professional and occupational therapist: to bridge the divide and ensure equitable access to quality care

Gorgui has over 30 years of experience in the design, implementation, and management of development projects. He began his career at the Ministry of State Modernization and Technology before being recruited by Africare, an American NGO, to assist in rebuilding and strengthening Africare Senegal’s organizational processes. He was later promoted to Programs Officer, where he monitored the implementation of all programs and supported the Country Director in developing the country fundraising strategy. His subsequent positions included Senior Programs Officer, Regional Business Development Officer for West Africa, and eventually Senegal Country Director.

As Country Director, he applied innovative approaches to strengthen business development and programmatic efforts, set institutional objectives, and reaffirmed Africare’s value proposition.

Jean Claude Mukonkole is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has resided in Atlanta, Georgia for about 25 years. He attended Oglethorpe University and works closely with the DRC government while maintaining a strong relationship with the state government of Georgia. Jean Claude is a multifaceted professional, serving as a lobbyist, motivational

Thomas Hne Grant is a Liberian American entrepreneur based in Newark, Delaware, where he has lived for 30 years. In February 2024, Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma
Boakai appointed him as Liberia’s Ambassador At-Large for Trade and Investment for Delaware and the Americas.

Grant is the Founder, CRO, and President of GPN Solutions LLC, a consultancy and networking company.