{"id":4553,"date":"2022-02-13T15:54:48","date_gmt":"2022-02-13T15:54:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diffvelopment.org\/?page_id=4553"},"modified":"2026-04-17T13:59:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T13:59:59","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign-center uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-029b2fb1 uagb-columns__columns-2 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-1c19ff60 d-grid align-content-start\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-heading ugb-heading ugb-fc1048d ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-fc1048d .ugb-heading__title{color:#202122;font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:50px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important;margin-bottom:0px !important}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-fc1048d.ugb-heading{margin-top:0px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:768px){.ugb-fc1048d .ugb-heading__title{font-size:40px !important}}<\/style><style>.ugb-fc1048d .ugb-heading__title{margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><h2 class=\"ugb-heading__title\">About Us<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"uag-hide-desktop uag-hide-tab\" style=\"padding: 80% 50% 0% 86%;position:relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/678482035?loop=1&amp;color=357ded&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;muted=1&amp;autoplay=1\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:-13%;width:100%;height:80%;\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-heading ugb-heading ugb-0ef86c6 ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-0ef86c6 .ugb-heading__title{color:var(--ast-global-color-8);font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:17px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important}.ugb-0ef86c6 .ugb-heading__subtitle{font-family:\"Open Sans\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:14px !important;font-weight:400 !important;color:var(--ast-global-color-8)}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-0ef86c6.ugb-heading{margin-top:0px !important}}@media screen and (max-width:768px){.ugb-0ef86c6.ugb-heading{margin-top:0px !important}}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><p class=\"ugb-heading__title\">Our Story<\/p><p class=\"ugb-heading__subtitle\">After graduating from college and realizing that the entities making decisions impacting Black families and communities historically avoid hiring Black people and funding Black-led ideas, Esi and Peter decided to create an organization that would equip young Black people with awareness of this problem and the tools and skills necessary to build grassroots solutions that will provide Black job seekers and entrepreneurs with more access to Black-led, Black-benefitting economic opportunities.<br><br><strong>&#8211; Co-Founders of DIFFvelopment<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-90c51176\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uag-hide-mob\" style=\"padding: 80% 50% 0% 86%;position:relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/678482035?loop=1&amp;color=357ded&amp;title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0&amp;muted=1&amp;autoplay=1&amp;background=1\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:-13%;width:100%;height:80%;\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign-top uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-7a35e10d uagb-columns__columns-2 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-29e3dc74\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-8bb5178a uagb-icon-list__outer-wrap uagb-icon-list__layout-horizontal\"><div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-092daf1f uagb-icon-list-repeater uagb-icon-list__wrapper\"><a target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"Vision\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"#\"> <\/a><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\"><path d=\"M279.6 160.4C282.4 160.1 285.2 160 288 160C341 160 384 202.1 384 256C384 309 341 352 288 352C234.1 352 192 309 192 256C192 253.2 192.1 250.4 192.4 247.6C201.7 252.1 212.5 256 224 256C259.3 256 288 227.3 288 192C288 180.5 284.1 169.7 279.6 160.4zM480.6 112.6C527.4 156 558.7 207.1 573.5 243.7C576.8 251.6 576.8 260.4 573.5 268.3C558.7 304 527.4 355.1 480.6 399.4C433.5 443.2 368.8 480 288 480C207.2 480 142.5 443.2 95.42 399.4C48.62 355.1 17.34 304 2.461 268.3C-.8205 260.4-.8205 251.6 2.461 243.7C17.34 207.1 48.62 156 95.42 112.6C142.5 68.84 207.2 32 288 32C368.8 32 433.5 68.84 480.6 112.6V112.6zM288 112C208.5 112 144 176.5 144 256C144 335.5 208.5 400 288 400C367.5 400 432 335.5 432 256C432 176.5 367.5 112 288 112z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Vision<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-8-color has-text-color\">We envision a world where Black people know their history and view themselves as part of a collective global community that is empowered and responsible for identifying, defining and solving its own socioeconomic issues through visionary entrepreneurship, wealth building and philanthropy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-f30d28fa\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-4f0a8db8 uagb-icon-list__outer-wrap uagb-icon-list__layout-horizontal\" id=\"mission\"><div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-83b0d551 uagb-icon-list-repeater uagb-icon-list__wrapper\"><a target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"Mission\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"#\"> <\/a><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M448 96c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v112C416 248.8 408.8 256 400 256s-15.93-7.164-15.93-16L384 64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32s-32 14.33-32 32l.0498 176c0 8.836-7.219 16-16.06 16s-15.95-7.164-15.95-16L288 32c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32S224 14.33 224 32l.0729 208C224.1 248.8 216.8 256 208 256S192.1 248.8 192.1 240L192 64c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32S128 46.33 128 64v279.4L68.28 283.7C60.47 275.9 50.23 272 40 272C18.68 272 0 289.2 0 312c0 10.23 3.906 20.47 11.72 28.28l113.1 113.1C162.6 491.2 212.9 512 266.3 512H304c97.05 0 176-78.95 176-176V128C480 110.3 465.7 96 448 96zM192 416c-8.836 0-16-7.164-16-16C176 391.2 183.2 384 192 384s16 7.162 16 16C208 408.8 200.8 416 192 416zM256 448c-8.836 0-16-7.164-16-16c0-8.838 7.164-16 16-16s16 7.162 16 16C272 440.8 264.8 448 256 448zM256 352c-8.836 0-16-7.164-16-16c0-8.838 7.164-16 16-16s16 7.162 16 16C272 344.8 264.8 352 256 352zM320 384c-8.836 0-16-7.164-16-16c0-8.838 7.164-16 16-16s16 7.162 16 16C336 376.8 328.8 384 320 384zM352 448c-8.836 0-16-7.164-16-16c0-8.838 7.164-16 16-16s16 7.162 16 16C368 440.8 360.8 448 352 448zM384 352c-8.836 0-16-7.164-16-16c0-8.838 7.164-16 16-16s16 7.162 16 16C400 344.8 392.8 352 384 352z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Mission<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-ast-global-color-8-color has-text-color\">Through our mission of <strong><em>re-empowering the global Black community through historically centered re-education that empowers aspiring Black visionaries to develop their world differently<\/em><\/strong>, we give ambitious young Black people the wake-up call they need to put their love for their family and community into transformative action that disrupts negative historical patterns and creates sustainable solutions to longstanding problems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-56e5d55c uagb-columns__columns-2 uagb-columns__max_width-theme team-section\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-1aff9a88\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-heading ugb-heading ugb-4d62dc7 ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-4d62dc7 .ugb-heading__title{color:#202122;font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:42px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important;line-height:1em !important}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-4d62dc7.ugb-heading{margin-bottom:0px !important}}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><h2 class=\"ugb-heading__title\">Meet the <br>executives<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-44c3fd33 uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-abf419b9\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large esi-kagale\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/53-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>ESI KAGALE AGYEMAN GILLO<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Chief Executive Officer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"esi-kagale\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Esi Kagale Agyeman Gillo<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Chief Executive Officer &amp; Co-Founder<\/span><\/em><\/strong><br><br>Esi Kagale Agyeman Gillo is a forward-thinking Ghanaian and Ugandan American with a diverse academic and international, nonprofit and corporate background. She has over 15 years of volunteer, administrative, programmatic and executive-level nonprofit experience, focused on connecting and uplifting Black communities around the world and providing youth with educational services that advance them psychologically, spiritually and socioeconomically. As the CEO &amp; Co-Founder of DIFFvelopment, Esi re-empowers the global Black community by holistically empowering aspiring Black visionaries to disrupt negative patterns of history through personal development and entrepreneurship, and manages a diverse team of employees, contractors and board members, and all aspects of strategic planning and implementation, and beneficiary and prospective and existing funder relationship building. Esi holds an MSc in African Studies from the University of Oxford, UK, a BA in Afro-American Studies and Psychology from Smith College, and has studied in Uganda, Rwanda and Ghana. Esi was recognized by Education 2.0 as an Outstanding Leader, and is the author of&nbsp;<em>Understanding How to Build Black Generational Wealth: A Historically and Culturally Centered Self-Help Book<\/em>, recognized by Investopedia as the Best Primer on Building Black Wealth.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-52c84fd8\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large peter-gillo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/54-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>PETER MARKEEO GILLO<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Chief Creative Officer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"peter-gillo\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Peter Markeeo Gillo<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Chief Creative Officer &amp; Co-Founder<\/span><\/em><\/strong><br><br><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Peter Markeeo Gillo is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of DIFFvelopment, where he leads the organization\u2019s creative strategy, brand identity, and visual storytelling. Peter\u2019s multidisciplinary background spans political science, sociology, marketing, and community development\u2014shaped by studies at Clark Atlanta University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he focused on regional planning with a concentration in social policy and community development. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Peter\u2019s creative work is grounded in a deep commitment to re-education, cultural restoration, and economic empowerment for people of African descent. As the son of Ugandan and African American parents and someone who grew up navigating both hearing and Deaf worlds, he brings a nuanced, lived understanding of identity, resilience, and the power of representation. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Across DIFFvelopment\u2019s global initiatives, Peter develops visual systems and narratives that honor Black historical context, affirm agency, and inspire visionary leadership. His Afrocentric, impact-driven creative direction has strengthened DIFFvelopment\u2019s brand integrity, expanded audience engagement, and supported the organization\u2019s international growth. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Peter is driven by the belief that reclaiming our stories is foundational to reclaiming our power\u2014and that creativity, when rooted in truth, can catalyze generational transformation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-855a82e8\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-medium Wanjiku-wa-Gitau\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7448\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Wanjiku-edited.png 1032w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>WANJIKU WA GITAU<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Chief Programs Officer<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"Wanjiku-wa-Gitau\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Wanjiku wa Gitau<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em>Chief Programs Officer<\/em><\/strong><br><br>With a background that bridges hospitality, project management, and social impact, Wanjiku brings a distinctive blend of strategic structure and people-centered creativity to DIFFvelopment. As Chief Program Officer, she has led international teams of researchers and student consultants across multiple countries, producing original research on global Black development and delivering strategic solutions for social enterprises across Africa and the diaspora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wanjiku has played a key role in strengthening DIFFvelopment\u2019s organizational capacity by introducing structure and sustainability through standard operating procedures and streamlined process systems. Her work has supported the organization\u2019s evolution into a globally connected entity, while enhanced cross-team collaboration has deepened program impact and improved implementation outcomes for partner organizations. Grounded in her hospitality foundation, she approaches leadership and operations with a focus on excellence, empathy, and intentional experience design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is deeply passionate about building systems that nurture wealth, purpose, and global connectivity within the Black community. Wanjiku believes that historical knowledge, visionary leadership, and economic empowerment must work in harmony to create lasting, transformative change.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-heading ugb-heading ugb-61f8298 ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-61f8298 .ugb-heading__title{color:#202122;font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:42px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important;line-height:1em !important}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-61f8298.ugb-heading{margin-top:10px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important}}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><h2 class=\"ugb-heading__title\">Meet the <br>team<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-e053a5ed uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-7a1ed5b4\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized Shafra-Ndegemo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7363\" style=\"width:238px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Shafra.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>SHAFRA NDEGEMO<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"color: #060505;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\"><em>Operations and Programs Coordinator<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"Shafra-Ndegemo\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Shafra Ndegemo<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em><span style=\"color: #060505;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Operations and Programs Coordinator<\/span><\/em><\/strong><br><br>Shafra Ndegemo\u2019s academic path\u2014beginning with a Diploma in Hospitality Management and progressing toward a BBA in Finance and Accounting\u2014reflects her intentional pursuit of expertise in both people-centered service and the economic systems that shape opportunity. Her role as a receptionist at Kabira Country Club has strengthened her skills in operational excellence and client engagement, while also giving her a clear view of the structural inequities that persist within her community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This lived awareness is what draws Shafra to <strong>DIFFvelopment\u2019s<\/strong> mission. She is passionate about shifting from facilitating hospitality experiences to advancing historical and economic literacy, which she believes form the foundation for self-determined development. Her strategic decision to pivot her education toward finance stands as a defining milestone in this commitment, equipping her with the analytical tools needed not only to navigate financial systems but also to contribute to transforming them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shafra believes that empowering Black visionaries requires an integration of cultural re-education and practical financial expertise. She is dedicated to bringing this unique blend of skills to help her community imagine, build, and sustain a future rooted in independence, innovation, and collective progress.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-45c70b13\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized abubakar\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6410\" style=\"width:238px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/21.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><strong>ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI<\/strong><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Africa Programs Administrator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"abubakar\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Abubakar Abdullahi<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em>Africa Programs Administrator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abubakar Sani Abdullahi is a passionate social entrepreneur and development professional committed to youth empowerment and sustainable development. He holds an MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and brings strong experience in social entrepreneurship, climate action, and youth-focused programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abubakar currently serves as the <strong>Africa Program Administrator at DIFFvelopment<\/strong>, a role that has been deeply transformative. Through this work, he has helped empower more than 1,600 young people, connected with inspiring leaders, and cultivated meaningful networks across the continent and beyond. His experience at DIFFvelopment has strengthened his belief in the power of mentorship, purpose-driven entrepreneurship, and cultural reempowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abubakar\u2019s goals align closely with DIFFvelopment\u2019s mission to reempower Black youth and equip them with the tools necessary to achieve financial independence, support their families, and uplift their communities. He remains committed to expanding opportunities for young people to innovate, grow, and build lasting generational wealth.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-9f074a4d\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized Opoku-Bonsu\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7366\" style=\"width:232px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Opoku.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><strong>OPOKU BONSU <\/strong><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Ghana Program Facilitator<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"Opoku-Bonsu\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Opoku Bonsu<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em>Ghana Program Facilitator<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opoku Kuttin is a Ghanaian nursing student, barber, and the <strong>Ghana Facilitator for DIFFvelopment<\/strong>. Balancing clinical studies with community engagement, he leads workshops across Ghana that equip students with knowledge of Black history, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. He is driven by the transformative impact of helping young people connect their historical identity to practical money management skills\u2014an alignment that he believes can change the trajectory of their futures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opoku is committed to expanding DIFFvelopment\u2019s reach across Africa by strengthening local facilitator networks and providing youth with the practical tools they need to achieve economic independence.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-67339173 uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-bbc0716a\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized n-kingston\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6409\" style=\"width:240px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/20.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>NAFEZA KINGSTON<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Consultrepreneurship Program Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"n-kingston\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Nafeza Kingston<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em>Consultrepreneurship Program Advisor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-069669a0\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized r-hasan\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6408\" style=\"width:240px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/26.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>RAKIBUL HASAN<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Bookkeeper<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"r-hasan\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Rakibul Hasan<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><strong><em>Bookkeeper<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-1b1f0dea\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized anton-e\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6407\" style=\"width:240px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/23.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>ANTON ESAULOV<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><span style=\"color: #050404;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Website Developer<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"anton-e\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \"> Anton Esaulov<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #050404;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Website Developer<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-5e139778 uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-a8cd3ba5\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-23547043\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-4305a77f\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-dad2d510 sp-col-1 uag-hide-mob\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-5352258a uagb-columns__columns-2 uagb-columns__max_width-theme team-section\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-2\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-68996cfa\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-heading ugb-heading ugb-daac65c ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-daac65c .ugb-heading__title{color:#202122;font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:42px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important;line-height:1em !important}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-daac65c.ugb-heading{margin-bottom:0px !important}}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><h2 class=\"ugb-heading__title\">Meet the <br>Board<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-87613cd6 uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-7aa0f72f\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large d-harrison\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/10.png 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>DUWAYNE D. HARRISON<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Chair<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"d-harrison\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">DuWayne D. Harrison<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Chair<\/span><\/strong><\/em><br><br>DuWayne is a leader in PwC\u2019s Cloud and Digital practice with over 27 years of int\u2019l technology and cross functional leadership experience that spans management, IT, and operations for financial services, healthcare, enterprise solutions, pharmaceutical, government, nonprofit, and education clients. He has played a key role in helping senior business and technology executives understand the best ways to use existing and emerging technologies to run their enterprises, accelerate growth, and ultimately deliver greater business value to their customers. DuWayne has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences &amp; world forums and won numerous awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Director, PricewaterhouseCooper LLP<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-c4c40d43\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large Michele-Adwoa-Akuffo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/7.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>MICHELE ADWOA AKUFFO<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Secretary<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"Michele-Adwoa-Akuffo\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Michele Adwoa Akuffo<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><em><strong>Secretary<\/strong><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michele Adwoa Akuffo is a Ghanaian legal practitioner with ten years of experience in litigation, commercial law practice, and law firm management. She currently serves as the Managing Partner of <strong>Merton &amp; Everett LLP<\/strong>, a law firm and policy consultancy dedicated to advancing justice, equity, and sound public policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michele holds a first degree in Biological Sciences from <strong>KNUST<\/strong>, a <strong>Bachelor of Laws<\/strong> from the <strong>University of Ghana<\/strong>, and a <strong>professional qualifying certificate<\/strong> from the <strong>Ghana School of Law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is drawn to <strong>DIFFvelopment<\/strong> because of its commitment to helping the Black community realise and manifest its fullest potential. Michele is particularly aligned with the organisation\u2019s focus on protecting and nurturing fundamental human rights\u2014an approach that empowers the community to effect meaningful and lasting change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This mission resonates deeply with her work at Merton &amp; Everett LLP, where she is committed to safeguarding the rights of all individuals, especially minorities, and contributing to the development of policies that guide, protect, and reform systems impacting vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-64b899a4\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large Deborah-Ann-Grant\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8-560x560.png 560w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/8.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>DEBORAH ANN GRANT<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Treasurer<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"Deborah-Ann-Grant\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Deborah Ann Grant<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><em><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Treasurer<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deborah Grant, a proud Barbadian, is a 2017 Certified International Tour Director and a 2018 Certified International Tour Guide, both earned through the International Guide Academy, Inc. She also holds a Certificate in Introduction to Interpretive Guiding from the International Association of Tour Directors and Guides, as well as a Certificate of Completion in Hospitality &amp; Tourism Management from Florida Atlantic University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Known as the \u201cMaster Chatter\u201d at <strong>Chattel House Audio Tours Inc.<\/strong>, Deborah serves as the lead tour guide and is committed to expanding the company\u2019s heritage-themed tours across the world. In 2024, she was appointed Site Manager of the <strong>Arlington House Museum<\/strong>, a Barbados National Trust property located in Speightstown, St. Peter\u2014a role she held until October 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a 30-year career in the corporate world as an accountant, Deborah transitioned fully into Barbados\u2019 tourism industry in January 2019. She is also an ordained minister in the <strong>African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church<\/strong>, where she was appointed Pastor in March 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Deborah previously served as President of the <strong>Barbados Entrepreneurship and Tourism Association (BETA)<\/strong>, an organization representing the home-sharing accommodation sector. In 2021, she became a published author as part of the anthology <em>Mindset, Identity &amp; Relationships<\/em>, curated by Claudine Reid MBE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These accomplishments represent only a portion of Deborah\u2019s diverse interests, roles, and activities. She is deeply passionate about people\u2014especially youth\u2014along with history and creativity, all of which shape her dynamic contributions to her community and her craft.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign- uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-bc0ca231 uagb-columns__columns-3 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-3a344e1b\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-e0b3484d\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-921c3114\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-heading ugb-heading ugb-e960197 ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-e960197 .ugb-heading__title{color:#202122;font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:42px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important;line-height:1em !important}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-e960197.ugb-heading{margin-bottom:0px !important}}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><h2 class=\"ugb-heading__title\">Council of <br>Advisors<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-columns uagb-columns__wrap uagb-columns__background-none uagb-columns__stack-mobile uagb-columns__valign-center uagb-columns__gap-10 align uagb-block-44b59511 uagb-columns__columns-4 uagb-columns__max_width-theme\"><div class=\"uagb-columns__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-columns__inner-wrap uagb-columns__columns-4\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-298cda84\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized arinze\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4567\" style=\"object-fit:contain;width:300px;height:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair.png 1080w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Chair-560x560.png 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>ARINZE ONUGHA<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><em>Legal Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"arinze\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Arinze Onugha<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p><span style=\"color: var(--ast-global-color-8);\" class=\"ugb-highlight\">Arinze&#8217;s&nbsp;practice focuses on forming and advising private investment funds, as well as representing regulated fund of funds, family offices and other institutional investors in connection with their primary and secondary investments in domestic and offshore buyout, real estate, venture capital, structured equity and other private investment funds<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Partner at Fried Frank&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-9ddc0534\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized i-miss\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BLAC-Logos-2-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7185\" style=\"object-fit:contain;width:300px;height:300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BLAC-Logos-2-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BLAC-Logos-2-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BLAC-Logos-2-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BLAC-Logos-2-1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/BLAC-Logos-2-1-560x560.png 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>IMANI MISSOURI<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><em>Philanthropic Strategy Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"i-miss\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.44)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:rgba(255,255,255,1);padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:rgba(0,0,0,1);font-size:1.833rem \">Imani Missouri<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p>Imani aims to inspire social impact leaders and communities to dream bigger for a brighter future in the areas of personal and leadership development, community development and equity, diversity and inclusion. Her career spans experience in the nonprofit, community development and education sector. She delivers leadership development trainings to Fortune 100 organizations as a certified facilitator through the Center for Creative Leadership. More recently, she served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for DIFFvelopment. Professionally, she led program strategy and development at Faith &amp; Prejudice and was previously Program Officer, Knowledge Management &amp; Strategy at Local Initiatives Support Corporation, where she engaged in multi-sector thought leadership and partnerships to advance capacity-building across urban and rural communities in America, spearheaded an internal and external racial equity strategy and collaborated on talent development initiatives. She has obtained a BA in Social Psychology from Smith College, MS in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from The New School, graduate certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from SUNY Empire State, Entrepreneurial Achievement by BE NYC Startup Intensive powered by FastTrac\u00ae and certificates in Women\u2019s Entrepreneurship &amp; Financial Management through Cornell University.&nbsp; She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and looks forward to extending her expertise in support of DIFFvelopment&#8217;s vision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-6949b537\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image uagb-block-f843e028 wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-none vanessa-c\"><figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/BLAC-Logos-2-2-300x300.png ,https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/BLAC-Logos-2-2.png 780w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/BLAC-Logos-2-2.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 150px\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/BLAC-Logos-2-2-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"uag-image-7089\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" title=\"\" role=\"img\"\/><figcaption class=\"uagb-image-caption\"><strong>VANESSA\u00a0COOKSEY<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><em>Organizational Development Advisor<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-bod-modal-block bod-block-popup align-center\"><span class=\"bod-block-popup-trigger type_selector\" data-selector=\"vanessa-c\"><\/span><div style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)\" class=\"bod-block-popup-overlay\" data-disabled-overlay-close=\"false\" data-disabled-escape-close=\"false\"><\/div><div role=\"dialog\" aria-modal=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"\" aria-describedby=\"\" class=\"bod-block-popup-wrap undefined\"><div style=\"background-color:#ffffff;border-radius:10px \" class=\"bod-block-popup size-m\" data-transition=\"fade\"><div id=\"\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff;padding:20px 20px 0px 20px ;text-align:left\" class=\"bod-modal-title\"><h2 style=\"color:#000000\">Vanessa Cooksey<\/h2><\/div> <div id=\"\" style=\"padding:0px 20px 20px \" class=\"bod-modal-content\">\n<p>Envisioning a full creative life for every St. Louisan, Vanessa Cooksey leads the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL). RAC is the largest public funder of the arts. It has been pivotal in nurturing a vibrant arts and culture sector throughout the region, awarding over $100million since its inception in 1985.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vanessa has more than 30 years of business and civic leadership experience. She\u2019s held marketing, communications, and philanthropy leadership positions with various companies, including Mary Kay Cosmetics, The City of Atlanta Mayor\u2019s Office, Cartoon Network, Anheuser Busch, Wells Fargo, Spire Energy, and Washington University in St. Louis. Vanessa is known for her ability to build results-driven partnerships, facilitate dynamic collaborations, create high-performing teams, and effectively convene diverse stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vanessa is a serious change-maker and has led innovative arts, education, technology, and health &amp; wellness initiatives, reaching over 20 million children and adults throughout her career. Always willing to serve in her community, Vanessa\u2019s humanitarian efforts over the last three decades have helped promote and advance human welfare and social reform across the US. Highly sought-after for her expertise in board governance, organizational culture, talent development, DEI, and reputation risk management, she has served on 150+ local and national non-profit boards, including the SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education, Harris-Stowe State University, Vote Run Lead, and Mercy Hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vanessa earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in Radio-Television-Film from the University of Texas at Austin and a master\u2019s degree in business administration from Webster University. She has studied and traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Vanessa has received over 50 awards for her industry and community work, including the 2016 Eisenhower Fellowship, the 2018 St. Louis American Corporate Executive of the Year, and the 2023 LEAD STL Freedom Fighter Lifetime Achievement Award. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and Jack &amp; Jill of America and enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"bod-block-popup-closer\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-undefined uagb-block-7608dc1e\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full arinze\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7551\" style=\"object-fit:contain\" srcset=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9.png 1200w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/9-560x560.png 560w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>GENESIS I. MULLINS<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><em>Executive Advisor for Strategic Initiatives<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-column uagb-column__wrap uagb-column__background-image uagb-block-8719d4a1 sp-col-2\"><div class=\"uagb-column__overlay\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-button ugb-button-wrapper ugb-30ef23d ugb-main-block\"><style>.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-block-content{justify-content:flex-start !important}.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-button1 .ugb-button--inner{font-family:\"Libre Franklin\",Sans-serif !important;font-size:12px !important;font-weight:800 !important;text-transform:uppercase !important}.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-button1{background-color:#fcb900;padding-right:35px;padding-left:35px}.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-button1 .ugb-button--inner,.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-button1 svg:not(.ugb-custom-icon){color:var(--ast-global-color-8) !important}.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-button1:hover{opacity:1}.ugb-30ef23d .ugb-inner-block{text-align:left}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.ugb-30ef23d.ugb-button-wrapper{margin-bottom:-35px !important}}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-button-container\"><a class=\"ugb-button1 ugb-button ugb-button--size-normal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diffvelopment.org\/donate\/\" rel=\"\" title=\"\"><span class=\"ugb-button--inner\">JOIN#OURBLACKCOLLECTIVE<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We envision a world where Black people know their history and view themselves as part of a collective global community that is empowered and responsible [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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DIFFvelopment Vision We envision a world where Black people know their history and view themselves as part of a collective global community that is empowered&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list":"","author_info":{"name":"DIFFvelopment Team","url":"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/author\/admin\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>About Us - DIFFvelopment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/diffvelopment.org\/about-us\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"About Us - DIFFvelopment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We envision a world where Black people know their history and view themselves as part of a 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