KEMI AKINDUTIRE
KEMI AKINDUTIRE is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Imerge Company LLC, specializing in Organization Development, Human Capacity Management, and Executive Coaching. With extensive experience across industries, including automobile, aerospace and defense, and non-profit, she has developed expertise in Human Capacity Management, Change Management, Organizational Development, Program Design & Implementation, and Performance Management. Her career highlights include leading small--, mid-, and large-scale, enterprise-wide initiatives that have transformed organizational cultures and processes. She holds multiple degrees, including an MBA and a master's in human resources, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Organization Development.
She also serves as the Global Product Lead for EPR Global, a professional network for women of black heritage. She is a certified executive coach and project management professional (PMP) and holds accreditations tools such as the Organizational Culture Inventory®, the Organization Effectiveness Inventory®, and the MyersBriggs Type Indicator (MBTI). She is a published author, contributing to the 2023 Change and Transformation Quotient for CEOs and Directors in Africa, and the author of Success to Significance: How to Identify, Plan, and Execute Your Kingdom Assignment. In her personal life, she enjoys reading, journaling, writing, and spending time with her husband and two daughters. Kemi is passionate about driving meaningful change for both organizations and individuals, and her professional mission is to create environments where people can thrive, fostering sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Other Speakers
ADENYKE ISRAEL-BOLARINWA
OUR FOUNDER
Adenyke Israel-Bolarinwa is the Executive Director of EPR Global and is a member of the Board of Directors. She brings over 20 years of leadership and expertise garnered from corporate settings and ministry experiences into her role as she strategically creates the roadmap for delivering the organization’s mission and vision.
Together with her leadership team, they are continuously crafting solutions to address pressing social issues women of black heritage face in today’s world. They are focused on leveraging digital capabilities, technologies and platforms to connect with their global audience which currently spans three continents.
Adenyke has a Bachelors degree in Business and Computinag and a Masters in Business Administration. She has consulted with different organizations in the healthcare and financial services industry and is a leading professional in the field of data privacy and risk management. She is also a relationship coach and host of the “Relationships with Adenyke” talk show.
She is married to her teenage sweetheart Oluwasewun and together they have three daughters.
MRS. IBUKUN AWOSIKA
Ibukun Awosika is an African Entrepreneur, Author, International Leader, and Global Culture Shaper. She is the Founder of The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture and security systems provider in Nigeria. She is the Founder of Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy, the Convener of The International Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai, and also the Founder of the Christian Missionary Fund, a faith-based organization spread across Nigeria to change lives.
With an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife Nigeria and advanced degrees from various global institutions, including Lagos Business School, IESE Business School, Wharton, and China European International Business School (CEIBS). She serves as Chairman or Board member on various Corporate and non-profit boards around the world, across Education, Energy, IT, Manufacturing, Retail, Financial Services, Corporate Governance, and Advocacy.
She is a woman of many firsts; she is the first Chairperson of the Nigerian National Advisor Board for Impact Investing, the first Female Chairperson of Nigeria’s Premier Bank, First Bank, the first Nigerian recipient of the prestigious International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Award, and the first African recipient of the International Friendship Award 2019 by the Queen of Spain.
She is committed to serving nations. She was recently appointed to the UK G7 Impact Taskforce and the Global Steering Group for Impact Investing (GSG). She is a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and served on the pioneer board of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Her recent recognitions are the 2020 Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award; and Beta Gama Signa 2020 Business Achievement Award. She is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative, Aspen Global Leadership Network, and a recipient of 4 Honorary Doctorate Degrees. She is happily married to Abiodun Awosika and they are blessed with three wonderful sons.
LADY VIVIAN JOKOTADE
Lady Vivian Jokotade is an international Visual Artist, Creative Entrepreneur, and Speaker who inspires a global audience with her art, words, and voice. Jokotade is the Founder/CEO of NOTIQ.com, a global lifestyle brand that empowers go-getters and achievers to stand out, and succeed in a noisy world. She is a much sought after conference speaker had has mentored several people, especially women in achieving greater dimensions of life success.
Jokotade is the founder and CEO of NOTIQ, a lifestyle brand that produces fashion-forward, cruelty-free planners and accessories designed to help women stay organized and successful in a busy world. Through her platform, she mentors women on how to rise above cultural limitations and achieve their goals.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Jokotade is known for her ability to inspire audiences worldwide with her messages of personal development, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven living.
Her bestselling book, Fresh Start, and her podcast, The Jokotade Show, reach audiences across over 100 countries. In all her endeavors, she emphasizes the power of potential, creativity, and perseverance.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Jokotade is a dedicated artist who uses her art to express ideas of personal growth and empowerment. She has been recognized as one of Houston’s rising stars, with a special focus on helping women achieve greater dimensions of success in both their personal and professional lives.
DR. VUYIWE (VUYI) TSAKO
Dr. Vuyiwe (Vuyi) Tsako is a seasoned municipal manager and a leadership figure in public administration, especially within South Africa's local government sector. With over two decades of experience, she has a wealth of expertise in municipal governance, focusing on improving service delivery and addressing community challenges. She has played a critical role in launching initiatives aimed at ensuring better infrastructure, efficient public services, and strengthening customer care in municipal areas.
For example, under her leadership in the Umdoni Municipality, Dr. Vuyi implemented Project Khaedu, a government program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of municipal managers by training them to handle local challenges and optimize service delivery. Through this project, the municipality worked on specific areas like road maintenance, street cleaning, and the development of a Service Delivery Improvement Plan (SDIP).
Dr. Vuyi is also known for her focus on institutional issues, such as ensuring that local governments comply with policies and laws, and that they are equipped with competent personnel and the necessary resources to fulfill their duties. This results in more effective governance, which directly impacts the quality of services provided to citizens.
Her leadership style is marked by a commitment to community involvement and transparency, ensuring that government services meet the needs of the people they serve. Dr. Vuyi's strategic vision emphasizes aligning municipal operations with national policies like the Batho Pele principles, which prioritize people-centered service delivery.
ANGELA TELLA
Angela Tella is known as The Masterpiece Mentor for Life and Business having helped numerous aspiring and established female entrepreneurs, business owners, career professionals and leaders to unlock trapped potential and step into their next level.
Named Innovator of the Year by the British Female Inventors and Innovators Network (BFIIN), she has consulted for globally recognised organisations over her 17-year plus entrepreneurial career including Weight Watchers, Vitality and Abbott Nutrition.
A certified coach, Angela holds a degree from King’s College London, is certified in Women’s Entrepreneurship by Cornell University, and successfully led an award-winning professional network of hundreds of female entrepreneurs which grew under her leadership. She is also a founding partner at The Leadership Matters Institute, a leadership development organisation where she is responsible for its mentorship programme.
Alongside coaching and consulting, Angela guest lectures on Entrepreneurship at Coventry University, UK, and serves as a resident mentor at a number of global networks for female leaders, professionals and founders.
Her insight, proven strategies and step-by-step system help her clients overcome the barriers to the success they desire in life, leadership, business and career and can help you too.
Angela loves to spend time with her family and husband of over 24 years and enjoys interior design, personal styling, sewing, reading and travel in her spare time.
BIODUN STEPHEN-OLADIGBO
Biodun Stephen-Oladigbo is a filmmaker with experience spanning 20 film projects to her credit. Her expertise traverse the value chain of film making which include, but not limited to screen play, production and production coordinating, production set conceptualizing, design and Directing. Biodun Stephen has been an active figure in the film industry since 2012. She is an alumnus of London Academy of Film and TV. Her catalogue includes;
PICTURE PERFECT- Comedy Drama - Writer/Producer (2017)
- BON AWARD for Best Use of Food.
- BON AWARD for Best Actor
- CITYPEOPLE MOVIE AWARD 2018 BEST MOVIE (ENGLISH)
OVY’S VOICE- Romantic Drama - Writer/ Producer (2017) No1. On Iroko TV
- EHI’s BITTERS - Drama- Writer / Producer/ Director (2018) No 1 on Iroko TV
- LOOKING FOR BAAMI- Writer/ Producer/ Director (2019) No 1 on Iroko TV
- AMVCA nomination for best actor
JOBA - Faith Based Drama - Writer/ Producer/Director (2019)
- AMVCA nomination for best writer in drama
THE VISIT: Comedy Drama - Writer/Producer (2015)
- AMVCA 2015 nomination Best Movie West Africa
TIWA’S BAGGAGE - Romantic Drama - Writer/ Producer/ Director (2017)
- CITYPEOPLE MOVIE AWARD 2018- BEST MOVIE (ENGLISH)
JOBA - Faith Based Drama- Writer/ Producer/Director
GLIMPSE - Faith Based Drama - Writer/Producer/Director (2017)
LAST DAYS - Faith Based Drama - Director (2018)
ALL SHADES OF WRONG- Drama - Writer/Producer/Director (2018)
MFC- Musical Drama - Producer/ Production Designer
KOBI’S PLOT - Drama- Director
CARPE DIEM - Drama-Director/ Production Designer/Producer
SLAY QUEEN - Drama- Director/Producer
TRUTH- Drama - Director
30 MINUTES - TV series- Writer/ Line Producer (2017)
ROFIA TAILOLORAN TV series - Writer/ Producer/ Director
SOBI’S MYSTIC - Romantic Drama- Writer/Producer/ Director (2017)
TOUGH LOVE - Drama- Producer/ Production Designer/ Director (2018)
BIRTHMARK: Romantic Drama - Writer/Associate Producer (2015)
HITCH: Drama - Production coordinator (2015)
HUSBANDS OF LAGOS- TV series - Production Coordinator ( 2015) (2016)
RHODAH WACHERA KARIUKI
Rhodah Kariuki is a passionate and dedicated mental health speaker and counseling psychologist, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. With a strong commitment to improving mental health awareness and support, she has established herself as a recognized community mental health champion. Her efforts have been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, including honors at the Zuri and FOYA awards, which celebrate individuals making significant contributions to mental health advocacy.
Rhodah's mission centers on enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, with a particular focus on empowering women and teenagers. She believes that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and strives to create environments where individuals feel safe to discuss their challenges and seek help.
In addition to her impactful speaking engagements, Rhodah serves as a corporate mental health trainer, where she equips organizations with the tools and knowledge necessary to foster a mentally healthy workplace. As an adolescent therapist, she provides specialized support to young people navigating the complexities of mental health during their formative years. Her role as a mental health advocate further amplifies her commitment to raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Rhodah has amassed extensive experience in various mental health roles across multiple institutions, including the esteemed Kenyatta National Hospital and Zawena Treatment Centre. Her diverse background has enriched her understanding of mental health challenges and the importance of tailored interventions. As the Co-Founder and lead psychologist at TwaAssist Kenya, she plays a pivotal role in providing accessible mental health services to the community. Additionally, she shares her knowledge and expertise as a lecturer at Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, where she inspires the next generation of mental health professionals.
Through her initiative, Rhodah Speaks, she actively engages with the public, utilizing various digital platforms to promote mental health literacy and care. Her online presence allows her to reach a broader audience, providing valuable resources and support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Rhodah is dedicated to breaking down barriers and fostering open conversations about mental health, ensuring that individuals feel empowered to seek help.
On a personal note, Rhodah is married to John, and together they are proud parents of a beautiful daughter. Balancing her professional commitments with family life, she embodies the values of compassion and resilience, both in her work and her home. Rhodah Kariuki continues to be a beacon of hope and support for many, championing the cause of mental health with unwavering dedication and passion.
TITILOLA AWOYEMI
Director of Mortgage Lending, Jubilee Lending Group LLC.
Highly accomplished financial expert with 20 years of experience in business management, banking, and loan origination.
Titilola leverages her Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland, University College, to drive innovative solutions and strategic growth.
As a seasoned CEO and entrepreneur, Titilola has successfully led initiatives across various financial institutions, cultivating a strong track record of leadership and results-driven performance.
Her passion for community development and empowerment fuels her commitment to providing expert guidance and tailored mortgage solutions.
With a unique blend of business acumen and community focus, Titilola excels at fostering long-term relationships and delivering exceptional results.
STEVE HARRIS
Steve Harris, renowned as 'Mr. Ruthless,' is the CEO of EdgeEcution, a dynamic startup specializing in business coaching and capacity development. With a reputation for his no-nonsense approach, he has become the go-to expert for numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking scalable success.
Steve is a certified member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and holds memberships in prestigious organizations like the Life Coaches Association of Nigeria (LCAN), the American Association of Small Business Consultants in Texas, USA, and the International Certified Consultants Association in Canada.
As an accomplished author, Steve has penned two impactful books: "From College Dropout to Corporate Sellout" and "From Friend to Fiancee." His expertise extends beyond the written word; he is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and turn-around expert, guaranteeing remarkable results for individuals and organizations within 90 days.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Steve was honored as a Young Ambassador For Peace by the United Nations/YFP in July 2011. His podcast, a beacon of inspiration and knowledge, has achieved significant acclaim, ranking among the Top 15 in the Training category on iTunes with over 200,000 downloads.
In September 2015, he received the prestigious "Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award" from the Junior Chambers International (JCI) Nigeria. Steve's influence reaches far and wide, having been featured in esteemed publications such as Forbes Africa, The Economist, Slate Magazine, and Yahoo Finance, solidifying his status as a respected expert in the industry.
LEE KASUMBA
Leslie ‘Lee’ Kasumba is a conversationalist, creative industry specialist, and executive strategist on her favourite subject: Africa. Ugandan by blood, South African by nurture, and Pan-African at heart, she has a deeply rooted love for the continent’s rich talent and culture with an extensive career that celebrates both. Her accomplishments in African music, media, and popular culture showcase her passion and consistency for achieving excellence and elevating others with her. Lee founded She Speaks Africa, a creative hub dedicated to stimulating dynamic dialogues on Africa, developing investment strategies to explore the continent’s vast potential, and executing impact-driven arts and entertainment projects. She believes in the power of Africa’s cultural and creative industry to transform the destinies of its youth and reshape the African narrative.
Lee’s love for music led to working as a radio DJ on Johannesburg’s YFM right after high school and throughout her days as a dramatic arts student at Wits University. She grew into the roles of host and producer of the station’s popular Harambe show and became the youngest and only female editor of its award-winning hip-hop magazine, Y-Mag. Her contribution to promoting South African hip-hop and cementing the genre’s place on the global music scene is honoured on the Hennessy Wall of Fame at Museum Africa, Johannesburg.Beyond radio, Lee extended her firm grasp of African media to create new opportunities in television, particularly within the Multichoice Africa universe. Her portfolio includes being the head of Channel O Africa (East, West, and Central Africa); executive producer of the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards; executive producer of the Big Brother Africa reality show; A&R and creative lead of the Africa Rising Project; and one of the founding producers, Africa Magic’s Viewers’ Choice Awards. With her flair for identifying talent, a knack for forecasting trends, and the courage to pursue uncharted territory, Lee’s productions are associated with the rise of several musicians from local celebrities to prominence across Africa and beyond. She has leveraged her knowledge of African culture and creativity in consulting roles for Roc Nation, Forbes Africa, Standard Bank Africa, Red Bull Music Academy (Australia and Cape Town), and UN-Habitat’s Messengers of Truth Project. She has also served as a judge for the 52nd, 53rd, and 54th NAACP Image Awards, Uganda Music Awards, Kili Music Awards, AFRIMMA Awards, and most recently, the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.
As host of the Africa State of Mind podcast, Lee led insightful conversations with illustrious individuals from and beyond Africa on their work to positively represent the continent. Her eclectic guest list included Dr. Wendy Okolo, the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in aerospace engineering and NASA research engineer; Amadou Gallo Fall, president of the Basketball Africa League and former vice president and managing director, NBA Africa; Isha Johansen, former president of the Sierra Leone Football Association; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former executive director of UN Women and first female deputy president of South Africa; Moky Makura, former chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Acha Leke, senior partner of McKinsey & Company and chairman of McKinsey Africa; and internationally recognised singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Lee has distinguished herself as a speaker and moderator, having worked with prominent agencies such as the Attorney General Alliance Africa (AGA-Africa); UN Women and Girls Summit Africa on maternal health; UNESCO’s COVID-19 African media advisory panel; the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD); and the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF). More recently, she was a panelist at the 2023 Global Empowerment and Cultural (GEC) Summit on Hip Hop, where she shared her views on media and hip-hop from the South African hip-hop perspective. Her compèring credentials include hosting the “‘Africaness’ for the Africa We Want” cultural evening held by the Centre for African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS), and AUDA-NEPAD, which had Graça Machel, the former first lady of South Africa, as its guest of honour. Lee is also on the board of agri-fintech Tingo Inc., soon to be listed on the NYSE, and a patron of the TADs Fashion Institute.
With She Speaks Africa, Lee brings her rich experience in telling Africa’s stories through arts and culture to bear through bespoke solutions and initiatives, such as The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba podcast, nominated for the 2022 International Women’s Podcast Awards, and the 2023 Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA) Awards. Lee was also nominated for the 2022 SOVAS™ Outstanding Commercial (Radio or Streaming) Best African Voiceover Award for her work on The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba, which is an official partner of the 2023 Hexa Media Humanitarians of Africa Awards. She Speaks Africa is dedicated to harnessing the power of Africa’s creative and cultural industries to reimagine the world from an African perspective. The company’s portfolio includes work for Canal Plus Advertising, managing clients including Nestle CWA; NBCUniversal (E! Entertainment); L'Oréal Paris; Wild Africa Fund; The Rockstar Group; Chocolate City Group; Platoon (Apple Music); Wife and Hubby (PTY) Ltd; and 365 Media for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Sky Girls Zed project).