diaspora district global education conference
Meet the Voices Leading the Movement
Hear from innovators, educators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and culture shapers from across the Diaspora.
Honorable Minister Haruna Iddrisu
Haruna Iddrisu is known in northern Ghana as Gangdu and Kug'naa, is a Ghanaian lawyer, MP for Tamale South, and owner of Karela United and Steadfast FC. A Dagomba from the Mole-Dagbon group, he became Minister of Education in 2025.
A former NUGS president and Ghana Bar Association member since 2002, he entered politics as NDC National Youth Organizer in 2002. Elected MP in 2004, he has retained the seat six times and served as Minority Leader from 2017 to 2023. He previously held ministerial roles in Communications, Trade, and Employment under the Mills and Mahama administrations.
Honorable George Opare Addo, Esq.
George Opare Addo, Esq. is a dynamic Ghanaian leader and the country’s first Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, appointed in 2025. Serving his second term as National Youth Organizer of the NDC, he has transformed the Youth Wing into a vibrant force that contributed significantly to President Mahama’s 2024 victory, including launching Ghana’s first-ever Youth Manifesto.
George began public service in 2009 as the youngest MCE for Akuapem North, serving two impactful terms. An alumnus of Adisadel College and the University of Ghana, he also holds an EMGL, an LLB from GIMPA, and was called to the Bar in 2019. He is married with three children.
KOD (Kofi Okyere Darko)
Presidential Advisor of the Diaspora Office of the Republic of Ghana
Mr. Kofi Okyere Darko, affectionately known as KOD, serves as the Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs for His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. A visionary leader and trailblazer, KOD has played a pivotal role in strengthening the ties between the global community and Ghana, empowering diaspora engagement on a global scale. With extensive experience spanning media, entrepreneurship, and politics, KOD continues to influence and inspire the development of Ghana and the broader African diaspora. His work has earned him a reputation as a respected figure who connects people, cultures, and opportunities.
Dr. Angela Jones
Angela Jones leads the foundation’s Washington State programs, driving sustainable, positive impact for students, families, and communities. With over 25 years in public education, she brings deep experience in systemic change and a strong commitment to community sustainability and generational growth through educational access.
Before joining the foundation in 2021, she served as CEO of Washington STEM and held leadership roles at Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Spokane Public Schools, and the Wapato School District. Angela holds a J.D. from Gonzaga University, a master’s in communications, and a bachelor’s in English education. She also serves on multiple boards and co-founded the Black Future Co-op Fund.
Dr. Monique Couvson
Dr. Monique Couvson, is an award-winning author, social justice scholar, and philanthropy executive with nearly four decades of work in education, civil rights, and justice reform. She is President and CEO of G4GC, leading major initiatives such as the Black Girl Freedom Fund and the New Songs Rising Initiative.
Under her leadership, G4GC has granted over $28 million to 400+ organizations nationwide. Recognized by TIME and The Root 100, she is the author of seven books, including Girls, Unlimited (2025), and an executive producer of acclaimed films like PUSHOUT. She also founded the National Black Women’s Justice Institute and advises multiple national institutions.
Cidra M. Sebastien
Cidra M. Sebastien is the Fund Manager at G4GC, a U.S. based philanthropic intermediary. At G4GC, she manages the Black Girl Freedom Fund. Before working in philanthropy, Cidra was an executive leader at a nationally recognized, youth organization based in Harlem, New York. She developed curricula; published Op-Eds about youth leadership and wellness; and contributed to local and national policy-making regarding public education, youth leadership development and advancing adolescent girls. She is a graduate of Hampton University and New York University.
Dr. Keisha Scarlett
Dr. Keisha Scarlett is the former superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools, serving 20,000 students across 60 schools. She previously spent 24 years with Seattle Public Schools, most recently as assistant superintendent of academics, where she advanced early literacy for African American boys, expanded advanced coursework, and helped raise graduation rates for students of color, multilingual learners, and students receiving special education.
As SPS chief of equity, she co-founded the tuition-free Academy for Rising Educators, supporting 300+ aspiring educators of color. A former principal, teacher, and HR leader, she is an award-winning educator with advanced degrees from the University of Washington, Heritage University, and Clark Atlanta University.
Dean Dr Afua Arhin
An experienced higher education dean at Fayetteville State University, she has a strong record of leadership in academic innovation and student success. Her expertise spans clinical research, STEM education trends, creative pedagogy, online learning, nursing education, curriculum development, regional accreditation, and public speaking. With advanced training from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Florida, she is committed to expanding access to transformative education.
She has built a reputation for strengthening academic programs, supporting faculty excellence, and advancing initiatives that elevate learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness. Passionate and student-centered, she continues to shape the future of higher education.
Vice Dean Dr. Justina Serwa Yevu Johnson
Justina Serwaa Yevu Johnson, a Fulbright Scholar from Bompata in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, came to Mizzou in 2017 to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing science. After nearly 20 years as a nurse and instructor, she was driven by a commitment to improve palliative and end-of-life care in Ghana. Adjusting quickly to life in the U.S., she immersed herself in the Mizzou community, joining the Graduate Professional Council, Griffiths Leadership Society for Women, and the Deaton Scholars Program.
Her favorite spot, the MU Student Center, became her daily “office” and dissertation home. After graduation, she will continue academic training and pursue postdoctoral opportunities.
Reggie Rockstone
Reggie Rockstone (Reginald Yaw Asante Ossei), known as the “Godfather of Hiplife,” is a Ghanaian rapper credited with pioneering the Hiplife genre in 1994. Born in the UK and raised in Kumasi and Accra, he has lived in Ghana ever since. He raps in Asante Twi and English and gained international recognition, winning the 2004 Kora Award and collaborating with artists like Beenie Man.
Featured in the documentary Living the Hiplife, he later joined the group VVIP in 2014. Married to Dr. Zilla Limann since 2001, he continues to influence African music and culture.
SMADE (Adesegun Adesun Jr.)
Founder of Afronation & SMADE Entertainment
Mr. Adesegun "Smade" Adeosun Jr. is the visionary and co-founder of Afro Nation. He has been instrumental in bringing Afrobeats to the global stage, transforming the festival into the largest celebration of African music and culture worldwide. Smade is also the CEO of Smade Events and King Smade Beard Oil.
His innovative approach and leadership have set new standards in the music and entertainment industries, earning him widespread recognition for his entrepreneurial spirit and impact. With an unwavering dedication to promoting African culture, Smade continues to inspire and influence the global entertainment landscape.
Manal Al-ansi, Esq
Ms. Manal Al-ansi is the founder of Diaspora District. She has served as an educator at the K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and law school levels. She is also a barred attorney and has worked at every level of U.S. government.
Manal is now an executive consultant for government and organizational leaders worldwide, offering her expertise in policy development, leadership, and organizational transformation. Her distinctive expertise and transformational approach continue to drive meaningful change in global education, leadership, and governance.
Christina Ivette
Christina Ivette is a seasoned trustee and trust strategist who has been helping families protect and build wealth through trust structures since 2015. She specializes in teaching practical, actionable trust strategies to avoid probate, protect assets, and create generational wealth using the Wealthy Trustee Program.
Members of 7 Ways to Wealth Community who will join this event will have an exclusive interaction with Christina and other members of the community.
Abdul Abdullah
Abdul Karim Abdullah is the Founder and CEO of Culture Management Group (CMG) and the visionary behind the AfroFuture Festival, formerly Afrochella. With a BS in Psychology and Biology from Syracuse University and a master’s in public health from CUNY Hunter College, he blends academic insight with professional experience as a Project Manager at leading institutions. In 2017, he created Afrochella as a platform to elevate African talent, driving tourism and cultural celebration—contributing to Ghana’s 16% tourism increase in 2019. Rebranded as AfroFuture in 2022, the festival’s global impact has earned features on BBC, CNN, Essence, Vogue, Forbes, and GQ.
Marlon Smith
Marlon Smith is a bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and legacy wealth consultant with over 30 years of experience in youth leadership, personal development, and financial education. A Certified Financial Education Instructor, he has spoken in 45 states and 18 countries and spent more than two decades as a lead presenter for the Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit.
A former systems engineer for two Fortune 100 companies, Smith founded Success By Choice, Inc. in 1992 to inspire others to live with purpose. His work has been featured in major media, and he is the author of seven books, including two bestsellers.
Dr. Hanna Atiase
Dr. Hanna Atiase is the CEO of E. Wells Realty & Consultancy and the co-
founder of GAREB, the Ghana Association of Real Estate Brokers. She
provides advisory services for homeowners, investors, and developers
and has helped connect individuals in the diaspora to real estate
opportunities in Ghana. She is knowledgeable in various aspects of
real estate, including mortgage finance, sales, marketing, leasing, and
investment.
Dr. Meisha Ross Porter
Dr. Meisha Porter is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Center for Education Innovation (CEI), where she leads the development and expansion of CEI Bronx—an innovation hub dedicated to advancing equity-driven learning. A lifelong Bronx educator and leader, she previously served as the inaugural President and CEO of The Bronx Community Foundation and as Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position.
Deeply rooted in the Bronx community, Dr. Porter continues to champion transformative education and community empowerment through her vision, leadership, and service.
Dr. Syleecia Thompson
Dr. Syleecia Thompson is a Global Entertainment Executive, Professor, and Philanthropist, and the CEO of Dr. Syleecia Productions, a full-service entertainment company across music, media, television, film, and production. With 24+ years of industry experience and over $15M in produced projects, she is dedicated to bridging education, entertainment, and entrepreneurship between the U.S. and Africa to drive cultural and economic impact.
Continuing the legacy of her father, Blues Hall of Famer Syl Johnson, she manages Grammy-nominated artist Syleena Johnson and produces acclaimed content. She is also building a film fund with MUSA Holdings and is the bestselling author of The Resilience Factor.
China Cardriche-Clements
China Cardriche-Clements is the Founder and Lead BES Fellow of Power Public Schools, a proposed 6–12 early-college charter school opening in South Cobb (Mableton/Austell) in August 2027.
A proud Mableton graduate and former principal, she is dedicated to her community. She holds degrees from Harvard (Applied Mathematics/Economics) and Trinity University (Educational Leadership).
China also created The Power Collective, a global ecosystem of schools and initiatives. Through international partnerships, she is establishing AI-empowered schools across Africa and the world that focus on real human skills (creativity, leadership, etc.) and teaching learners to build with AI.
Her vision is to bridge the local and global by bringing world-class learning to South Cobb and co-designing innovative models with international partners. Her mission is to empower all students, especially the underserved, to lead with humanity and technological mastery.
H.E. Nyakan June
Her Excellency Nyakan June is the Global CEO of Timeless Women of Wonder Africa and a Strategy, Transformation, and Innovation expert with 27 years of experience driving impact across public and private sectors. She leads Timeless Dynamic Services Ltd and chairs the Global Innovation Society of Kenya and Group 7 Investments.
A trusted government advisor, she has earned multiple leadership awards, including the 2025 Pan African American Leadership Impact Award. She has hosted major continental conferences, co-led the 2020 Africa Funding Tour, and previously ran as an independent presidential aspirant. She remains committed to Africa’s prosperity agenda.
Dr. Cynthia Dillard
Dr. Cynthia B. Dillard is a lifelong educator whose work centers global Black heritage, culture, and spirituality. With a Master’s and Ph.D. from Washington State University, her career has focused on Black feminist histories and the liberatory leadership of Black women teachers.
She has held faculty and leadership roles at Washington State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Georgia, and now serves as Dean of the College of Education at Seattle University. An award-winning author and Queen Mother in Mpeasem, Ghana, she also leads GIVE.BUILD.SHARE and Full Circle Retreats Ghana, supporting education and cultural reconnection.
Kwabena Obeng Darko
Kwabena Obeng Darko is an entrepreneur, engineer, and financial education advocate dedicated to building strong individuals and sustainable businesses in Africa. He studied at Opoku Ware School and holds a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from KNUST and an MSc in Bioprocess Engineering from University College Dublin.
His work spans fashion retail, construction and engineering, and real estate investment. An accomplished author of 13 books, he writes on mindset, money, systems, and African history. Kwabena frequently appears on radio and television, organises business and finance seminars, and shares practical insights through his OBENG DARKO YouTube and Facebook channels.
Dr. Wanle Akinboboye
Is a Nigerian tourism pioneer and creator of the world’s first African-themed beach, forest, and river resort, La Campagne Tropicana. He has since expanded to new resort locations in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, and is the creator of the Mare Festival in Ondo State.
Dr. Akinboboye serves as an advisor to the African Union ECOSOCC in Nigeria and has consulted for several state governments on culture and tourism development. Educated in Nigeria and the United States, he founded multiple companies across security, tourism, and entertainment, all driven by his mission of “continent building” for Africa’s growth.
Efia Tekyi-Annan
Efia Tekyi-Annan is a Canadian-born social entrepreneur, program director, and international host whose work bridges cultural identity, community development, and social justice. With a Sociology degree from York University and over a decade of non-profit leadership, she has championed equity for Black communities across Canada and the diaspora. She founded Roots of Empowerment (ROE), offering programs centered on cultural reconnection, youth empowerment, and healing.
As a dynamic global emcee, she brings cultural fluency to major events and summits. Through her brand, African Royalty, she preserves Ghanaian traditions and creates spaces—especially for youth—to discover identity, heritage, and self-worth.
Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez
Is a powerful advocate for youth leadership, inclusive education, and workforce readiness across Africa and the global diaspora. Her work centers on transforming vision into action by creating opportunities that help young people and communities unlock their potential and step confidently into their purpose. With a strong commitment to equity and empowerment, she develops programs that bridge gaps in access, skills development, and career advancement.
Dr. Ruby’s mission aligns closely with Diaspora District’s goal of building real, sustainable career pathways for the next generation, ensuring that youth are prepared, supported, and inspired to shape the future of their communities.
Desmond Blackmore
Desmond Blackmore, widely known as D Black, is a celebrated Ghanaian music artist and influential entrepreneur. Rising to prominence in the Ghanaian music scene with his dynamic sound and authentic storytelling, D Black has become a respected figure in entertainment. Beyond music, he is a successful business owner with ventures spanning the entertainment and hospitality industries, including clubs, lifestyle brands, and event experiences that shape Ghana’s cultural landscape. His creative vision and business acumen have driven growth across multiple sectors, positioning him as a leading voice in both artistic and entrepreneurial communities. D Black continues to innovate and inspire.
Derrick Knox Jr.
is a forward-thinking leader, problem solver, and natural entrepreneur known for turning innovation into action. With a background in Psychology and Information Systems, he has built a career rooted in service, integrity, and technical excellence.
As founder of Diverse IT—an inclusive, minority-owned IT services and consulting firm—Derrick drives equity by creating space for diverse talent to thrive while supporting organizations worldwide. With over 20 years of experience, he has earned executive accolades and global recognition for transforming complex business and technology challenges into achievable solutions. He is also committed to training marginalized individuals for careers in cybersecurity, advancing community and workforce development.
Joey Adjei
Is the visionary founder of BlacVolta, Ghana’s leading 360° digital media and marketing brand, and was named Media Personality of the Year (Digital & Social) at the 9th Forty Under 40 Awards. Since launching BlacVolta in 2022, he has transformed how Ghana and Africa tell their entertainment stories, producing standout work for events like Afro Nation, BAL, EMY Africa Awards, AfroFuture, and the Grammys.
His creative leadership has placed BlacVolta on the global map, earning admiration from industry leaders. Adjei continues to expand Ghana’s creative influence through innovative digital experiences and major upcoming initiatives like Entertainment Week Ghana.
Dr. Eric Opoku Agyemang
Is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in global service learning, community development, and human rights. Since 2008, he has engaged more than 600 international students in experiential learning projects across West Africa through the Cheerful Hearts Foundation and Patriots Ghana, organizations he co-founded.
A Fellow of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative, he currently serves as Leadership Programs Director at Puget Sound Sage, supporting BIPOC and low-income leaders in civic roles. Dr. Agyemang is also a Research Scientist at the University of Washington, where he previously taught and earned his Ph.D. in Social Welfare.
ELSIE APPAU-KLU ESQ
Elsie Appau-Klu is a Ghanaian lawyer, HR practitioner, policy analyst, gender rights advocate, and entrepreneur. Growing up in Sokode-Bagble, Volta Region, she now serves as Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority and President of the Women’s Economic Forum. Formerly, she was Policy Analyst and Business Advisor for the Netherlands Foreign Affairs Ministry and MD of Acreaty Ghana Limited.
Elsie sits on multiple corporate and NGO boards, co-chairs Ghana’s Business Regulatory Reforms Programme, and was appointed to Ghana’s National Fire Service Governing Council. She holds LLB, LLM, and multiple international diplomas and has received numerous awards for leadership, impact, and entrepreneurship.
Estelle Jacqueline Asare
She is techno-commercial female professional excited about leading innovation by harnessing the power of technology. She has unique diversified skillset in core engineering, digital transformation and business commercial acumen.
She has worked in the areas of financial technology, telecommunications, partnerships, innovation and digital transformation. She has spearheaded innovation in the telecommunications and financial sectors- leading her teams in Software application development, Artificial Intelligence, Robotic process automation, IoT, Mobile& Fixed Voice & Data, mobile financial solutions and more.
Over her 15+ years of experience, she has, in her roles, partnered with multiple organizations to use technology in solving client needs and delivering value. She believes that Africa’s growth opportunities lie in its enormous untapped potential .
Academic Qualifications: BSc Electrical & Electronic Engineering( Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology- Ghana); MBA Engineering Management( Coventry University, UK); Diploma in Professional Marketing ( CIM UK) ; Certificate in Leading Digital- MIT (MIT Sloan Executive Education- USA ); Certificate- China Europe Business School- Africa Innovate Program.
Ms. Jasmine Terry
Jasmine Terry, a Ghana–U.S. dual citizen from Houston's Third Ward, is a cultural bridge builder creating ventures that connect communities and wellness across continents. She channels her bicultural perspective into Le Chateau Houston, an immersive cultural experience platform, and Holistic Roots, a natural skincare line inspired by global healing traditions.
Jasmine’s entrepreneurial philosophy centers on human experience, prioritizing meaningful connections and quality over rapid scaling. By fostering authenticity and thoughtful growth, she develops ventures that resonate deeply, enhance lives, and create lasting cross-cultural impact, establishing spaces for wellness, cultural exchange, and authentic engagement in every project she undertakes.
December 17-20, 2025:
Diaspora District Global Education Conference
Dec 17- Day 1: BUILDING THE TALENT PIPELINE - POLICY, INVESTMENTS & PARTNERSHIPS
The first day will be an examination of policy, investments, and partnerships to enhance industry pathways, entrepreneurship and
strategic partnerships in education.
Dec 18 – Day 2: STRATEGIZING FOR THE FUTURE – DIAPSORA XCHANGE, ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The second day will feature rich dialogue, workshops, and learning circles focusing on developing organizational and leadership capacity, improving teaching and learning, and preparing for AI and education innovation.
Dec 19- Day 3: COLLABORATING FOR IMPACT - BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS, SHAPING SOLUTIONS
On the third day, attendees will work on action planning and network building, aiming to form lasting partnerships and create tangible solutions for transforming education and workforce systems
Dec 20 - Day 4: DIASPORA DAY CELEBRATION
On the final day, we will commemorate Diaspora Day, a global celebration of our unity, diversity, homecoming, innovation, thought leadership, and industry impact.
December 17–20, 2025 | Accra, Ghana
Step into one of the most powerful gatherings of leaders and experts across Africa and the diaspora. The Diaspora District Global Education Conference is where cross-industry innovation meets global leadership to reimagine education as a driver of opportunity, equity, and economic transformation.
Let's bridge the gap between the classroom and a post-graduation life and career readiness!
🔥 Whether you're shaping policy, leading a system, building a business, or cultivating talent—this conference is where influence becomes impact.
🗓️ Conference Highlights by Day
📈 Day 1 (Dec 17): Building the Talent Pipeline
Explore how education, investment, and strategic partnerships are building future-ready learners and leaders.
🧠 Day 2 (Dec 18): Strategizing for the Future
Engage in Diaspora Xchange talks, sharpen your leadership lens, and explore strategies for organizational transformation.
🤝🏾 Day 3 (Dec 19): Collaborating for Impact
Connect with cross-sector changemakers building partnerships and shaping solutions that move us forward.
🎉 Day 4 (Dec 20): Diaspora Day Celebration
A powerful close to the week with cultural expression, celebration, and collective visioning.
✈️ Day 5 (Dec 21): Departure + Farewell
Say goodbye to new connections and an unforgettable experience as you depart Accra inspired and recharged.
Unlike typical education conferences, Diaspora District uniquely provides an entry point for leaders and experts across industries to connect and collaborate with educational leaders. Together, we explore the essential skills, knowledge, and personal development students need to thrive post-graduation, and we work to create a powerful bridge between education and workforce development.
Join the Diaspora District movement!
🎟️ Tickets are limited. Reserve your seat now and be part of a global movement shaping the future of education, leadership, and workforce readiness—across borders and beyond boundaries.
Testimonials
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas gravida, dui non dignissim porttitor, elit dui tristique lectus, sed ultricies urna massa rhoncus arcu. Donec ut purus ante. Quisque purus nibh, facilisis eget purus non, consequat lobortis augue. Duis consectetur tincidunt purus, et eleifend nisi sollicitudin vitae. Proin dictum at nisl lacinia consequat. Maecenas pretium quis elit sit amet accumsan. Nam tincidunt, eros quis facilisis sodales, odio orci ultrices neque, dapibus lacinia dui diam ut enim. Nulla fermentum eros non elementum bibendum. Vivamus lacinia ante ullamcorper eros egestas, in tincidunt diam tempor. Donec viverra erat vitae nisl feugiat, non laoreet dui tempus. Sed magna justo, fringilla ut pretium quis, vehicula quis mauris. Nam commodo nibh nec ligula malesuada condimentum ut vitae eros. Maecenas eu orci sit amet eros posuere varius et ut ipsum.
– David R
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Maecenas gravida, dui non dignissim porttitor, elit dui tristique lectus, sed ultricies urna massa rhoncus arcu. Donec ut purus ante. Quisque purus nibh, facilisis eget purus non, consequat lobortis augue. Duis consectetur tincidunt purus, et eleifend nisi sollicitudin vitae. Proin dictum at nisl lacinia consequat. Maecenas pretium quis elit sit amet accumsan. Nam tincidunt, eros quis facilisis sodales, odio orci ultrices neque, dapibus lacinia dui diam ut enim. Nulla fermentum eros non elementum bibendum. Vivamus lacinia ante ullamcorper eros egestas, in tincidunt diam tempor. Donec viverra erat vitae nisl feugiat, non laoreet dui tempus. Sed magna justo, fringilla ut pretium quis, vehicula quis mauris. Nam commodo nibh nec ligula malesuada condimentum ut vitae eros. Maecenas eu orci sit amet eros posuere varius et ut ipsum.
– Laura M
Thank you for building this with us
