Joining ADC in 2006, Nasibu Sareva has held positions from Business Lender to Chief Financial Officer. As a long-time member of the ADC management team, he displayed substantial insight and direction regarding the operations of ADC. He takes a vision and makes it reality through sound strategy development. He intuitively continues the threads of opportunity that wind through an organization, brings them together into a coherent whole, helps others extend their thinking and drives material business advantage. As the Executive Director, Nasibu is responsible for the strategic, tactical and operational management of the organization. Charged with leading, developing and sustaining the programs that serve African immigrants and refugees in the state. Previously, Nasibu worked for Volunteers of America, Cathedral Rock of Jefferson City, Missouri, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, and Soft-Tech Consulting Ltd in Tanzania. He has been awarded a certificate of completion for the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence Program, August 2016 – January 2018, John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education. He holds a BA in Accounting from the IIU in Malaysia and an MBA in accounting from Lincoln University in Missouri. The National Development Council certified him in 2008 as an Economic Development Finance Professional.
Tashie George is the Owner & CEO at IFRI (Pronounced “I-Free”), currently a member on the State of Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board and previously served as the Senior Economic Development Analyst at Hennepin County (one of the largest county systems in Minnesota). Before serving Hennepin County as the Sr. Economic Development Analyst, she has been dedicating her efforts developing solutions and services for the Africans in the Diaspora and their loved ones back home on the continent.
Tashie’s work, under IFRI, was inspired by a shared experience with the diaspora population. After moving to the United States from Liberia, she always looked for a way to give back to her country at some point in the future. During the Ebola epidemic, she partnered with community churches and organizations in Minnesota to collect and quickly deliver medical and food supplies via Global Health Ministries to Liberia. The Ebola epidemic in Liberia, was the inspiration, drive and motivation she needed to start the then IfriMarket Inc. In 2015, Tashie George opened the original ifrimart.com as delivery and pickup service for customers residing abroad to purchase food products for their families and friends in Liberia.
Later in 2020, she expanded the business to add more lines of business, produced her first Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage product and a non-profit organization, IFRI-TRYV. Through IFRI-TRYV, we have supported disadvantaged communities with monthly food drive in Liberia, last year we supported 52 young female business entrepreneurs, also in Liberia and are scheduled to support 100 more females in February 2022 with skills, training and access to capital and resources. Tashie’s has also been successful as a Corporate Event Manager and Digital Marketing Consultant. Tashie has contributed and/or produced many successful events over the past several years. Her Digital and Content Management approach has helped these businesses and organizations reach over a half million people in total. Because of her hard work and efforts, Tashie was the winner of the 2019 DDEA Humanitarian Award in Baltimore, Maryland. And nominated as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau of MN and ND 2023 Spark Award. She is committed to the motto of the IFRI brand which is “Changing the Mindset for Prosperity”. Tashie would be happy to mentor anyone looking to learn more about a career in Economic Development/Vitality and Entrepreneurship. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia and currently resides in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and all things food, traveling, yoga and meeting new people.
Tashie’s work, under IFRI, was inspired by a shared experience with the diaspora population. After moving to the United States from Liberia, she always looked for a way to give back to her country at some point in the future. During the Ebola epidemic, she partnered with community churches and organizations in Minnesota to collect and quickly deliver medical and food supplies via Global Health Ministries to Liberia. The Ebola epidemic in Liberia, was the inspiration, drive and motivation she needed to start the then IfriMarket Inc. In 2015, Tashie George opened the original ifrimart.com as delivery and pickup service for customers residing abroad to purchase food products for their families and friends in Liberia.
Later in 2020, she expanded the business to add more lines of business, produced her first Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage product and a non-profit organization, IFRI-TRYV. Through IFRI-TRYV, we have supported disadvantaged communities with monthly food drive in Liberia, last year we supported 52 young female business entrepreneurs, also in Liberia and are scheduled to support 100 more females in February 2022 with skills, training and access to capital and resources. Tashie’s has also been successful as a Corporate Event Manager and Digital Marketing Consultant. Tashie has contributed and/or produced many successful events over the past several years. Her Digital and Content Management approach has helped these businesses and organizations reach over a half million people in total. Because of her hard work and efforts, Tashie was the winner of the 2019 DDEA Humanitarian Award in Baltimore, Maryland. And nominated as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau of MN and ND 2023 Spark Award. She is committed to the motto of the IFRI brand which is “Changing the Mindset for Prosperity”. Tashie would be happy to mentor anyone looking to learn more about a career in Economic Development/Vitality and Entrepreneurship. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia and currently resides in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and all things food, traveling, yoga and meeting new people.
Olaoluwa Ilelaboye (Ola) is the Vice President of Renewable Energy Resources at Power System Engineering, Inc. He is extensively involved in distributed energy resources (Solar PV, Energy Storage, Microgrid, Wind, & EV) in the technical and project management aspects of these projects. His work includes site resource characterization analysis, technology selection, energy production modeling, site assessment, system studies, detailed design engineering, commissioning, and witness testing. He has been involved in over 3GW of proposed and installed capacity. Ola obtained his BS in engineering from Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA, and MS in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California. He is a professional engineer licensed in 10+ states. He has presented at numerous conferences on Inverter-Based DER Generation. Ola enjoys playing soccer, staying active, and pleasure reading in his free time.
As a first-generation Nigerian-Liberian American, Ose Sesay enjoys aiding immigrant professionals and businesses because she understands how difficult it can be to pursue career and entrepreneurship opportunities as a New American. During her tenure in corporate America, Ose led a high-profit division responsible for placing international candidates in employment opportunities throughout the United States. She gained the skills and expertise critical for recruitment, project management, professional development and driving organizational change. Her personalized approach brought her major success and she began a consulting service, Push Strategist LLC, becoming the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subject matter expert for aspiring professionals, executive leaders, corporations, and small businesses.
Through her PUSH Strategist LLC firm, she identifies value sets, delivering roadmaps and strategies that motivate clients to complete each milestone to meet their ultimate goal: Turning ideas and value sets into profit generating mechanisms and closing various economic gaps for communities of color.
With her knowledge of the market, recruitment, entrepreneurship, community engagement, and passion for change– she will truly push you into purpose.
Through her PUSH Strategist LLC firm, she identifies value sets, delivering roadmaps and strategies that motivate clients to complete each milestone to meet their ultimate goal: Turning ideas and value sets into profit generating mechanisms and closing various economic gaps for communities of color.
With her knowledge of the market, recruitment, entrepreneurship, community engagement, and passion for change– she will truly push you into purpose.
Mamady Konneh is a Cybersecurity thought leader, specializing in Identity and Access Management, with more than a decade of experience across diverse sectors, including Software as a Service (SaaS), healthcare, finance, hospitality, and retail. His leadership and successful deployment of identity and access management programs at previous organizations paved the way for his role as the Lead of Identity Governance and Administration at Okta, the world's premier identity and access management company.
During his academic journey at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where he earned his master’s degree in Security Technologies, Mamady embarked on a mission, where he undertook research and masterminded the development of a secure digital identification program for an entire West African nation. His visionary work in this domain earned him the privilege of presenting his thesis at the Smart Security Week, a global identity conference held in Marseille, France, in 2018.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mamady is the founder and Executive Director of WeNetworkNow, a non-profit organization that is on a mission to empower individuals of diverse backgrounds by facilitating networking and opportunities through its professional development and mentorship programs. The impact of WeNetworkNow in the community has been nothing short of remarkable, earning Mamady the esteemed Minnesota 2021 Outstanding Refugee and Immigrant Awards, a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.
Mamady’s passion for community service has deep roots in his upbringing, from assisting his parents with household chores, spending his vacation time working alongside his grandparents on the farm, to taking care of his siblings at an early age. For Mamady, serving his community is the driving force that motivates him each morning.
During his academic journey at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where he earned his master’s degree in Security Technologies, Mamady embarked on a mission, where he undertook research and masterminded the development of a secure digital identification program for an entire West African nation. His visionary work in this domain earned him the privilege of presenting his thesis at the Smart Security Week, a global identity conference held in Marseille, France, in 2018.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mamady is the founder and Executive Director of WeNetworkNow, a non-profit organization that is on a mission to empower individuals of diverse backgrounds by facilitating networking and opportunities through its professional development and mentorship programs. The impact of WeNetworkNow in the community has been nothing short of remarkable, earning Mamady the esteemed Minnesota 2021 Outstanding Refugee and Immigrant Awards, a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.
Mamady’s passion for community service has deep roots in his upbringing, from assisting his parents with household chores, spending his vacation time working alongside his grandparents on the farm, to taking care of his siblings at an early age. For Mamady, serving his community is the driving force that motivates him each morning.
Greetings, I am Sizi Goyah. My story begins in the heart of Lofa County, Liberia, where I entered the world to young parents full of dreams. My mother, a woman of great sacrifice, left her own education behind to nurture my potential, while my father set out for Monrovia with nothing but hope, seeking a life beyond the confines of our village.
High school graduation marked a turning point, and my journey into education took its first steps. I found myself at the front of a classroom, teaching elementary science, and later delving into the complexities of junior high school mathematics. It was here that my true passion ignited – igniting young minds with the love for mathematics.
The pursuit of knowledge led me across oceans to the United States, where I embraced the challenge of obtaining degrees in Mathematics, Engineering, and Education. Armed with this arsenal of knowledge, I returned to the realm of education, dedicating the past decade to shaping the minds of secondary math students. Stepping into the role of Math Department Chair at Brooklyn Center High School was a defining moment, a position I held for over five years. Within those walls, I sought to create an environment where students thrived and educators were inspired.
Recognized for my dedication and expertise, I took on the mantle of Co-chair of the Minnesota Math Standards Committee, a role that allowed me to shape the educational landscape of the state. The privilege of being a keynote speaker at the Spring Conference of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) remains a highlight, where I had the opportunity to share my journey, inspiring educators and learners alike.
Today, I stand as the Director of Mathematics for Minneapolis Public Schools, overseeing the mathematical education of thousands of students in the third largest school district in Minnesota. It is a role that carries great responsibility and even greater reward, as I witness the growth and development of the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. Beside me in this journey is my loving wife, Teresa Goyah, and our children, who are a constant source of support and . Together, we navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs that come with a life dedicated to education.
My story is a testament to the power of education, demonstrating that with determination and a steadfast belief in one's potential, any obstacle can be overcome. I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of shaping minds and changing lives, and I look forward to the chapters yet to unfold in this incredible journey.
High school graduation marked a turning point, and my journey into education took its first steps. I found myself at the front of a classroom, teaching elementary science, and later delving into the complexities of junior high school mathematics. It was here that my true passion ignited – igniting young minds with the love for mathematics.
The pursuit of knowledge led me across oceans to the United States, where I embraced the challenge of obtaining degrees in Mathematics, Engineering, and Education. Armed with this arsenal of knowledge, I returned to the realm of education, dedicating the past decade to shaping the minds of secondary math students. Stepping into the role of Math Department Chair at Brooklyn Center High School was a defining moment, a position I held for over five years. Within those walls, I sought to create an environment where students thrived and educators were inspired.
Recognized for my dedication and expertise, I took on the mantle of Co-chair of the Minnesota Math Standards Committee, a role that allowed me to shape the educational landscape of the state. The privilege of being a keynote speaker at the Spring Conference of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) remains a highlight, where I had the opportunity to share my journey, inspiring educators and learners alike.
Today, I stand as the Director of Mathematics for Minneapolis Public Schools, overseeing the mathematical education of thousands of students in the third largest school district in Minnesota. It is a role that carries great responsibility and even greater reward, as I witness the growth and development of the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. Beside me in this journey is my loving wife, Teresa Goyah, and our children, who are a constant source of support and . Together, we navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs that come with a life dedicated to education.
My story is a testament to the power of education, demonstrating that with determination and a steadfast belief in one's potential, any obstacle can be overcome. I am humbled by the opportunity to be a part of shaping minds and changing lives, and I look forward to the chapters yet to unfold in this incredible journey.
Lisa Perez is the Founder and CEO of Prosperity Ready. Prosperity Ready exists to develop the vast potential of immigrants to help overcome our talent shortage crisis, and to enable organizations to reflect the communities where they operate. We teach our participants to navigate the system while we partner with employers to fix the system. Lisa is a visionary and innovative business leader who applies expertise in strategic planning, business, and team development, process re-engineering and program management to drive business outcomes.
She is a tenacious and conscientious influencer who excels at rallying teams towards achievement. With over 25 years of experience in human resources and deep expertise in organizational development, Lisa is focused on bridging gaps and removing barriers to help solve human capital and social inequities. Her intrinsic altruism drives her compassion and bias for action and is readily recognized in the immigrant community.
Lisa is a graduate from the University of St. Thomas, where she graduated Magna cum Laude as an Aquinas Honors Scholar with a B.A. in Organization Communication. She attained a mini-MBA in nonprofit management from the University of St. Thomas, as well as a certification from the Humphrey School of Public Policies Equity Works Leadership Institute, workforce development program.
Lisa lives in Chaska, Minnesota with her husband and son. She contributes her time and talent by singing with the Worship Arts team at Westwood Community Church. She enjoys hiking and practicing Yoga. Lisa is an avid reader, home chef, entertainer, and gardener.
She is a tenacious and conscientious influencer who excels at rallying teams towards achievement. With over 25 years of experience in human resources and deep expertise in organizational development, Lisa is focused on bridging gaps and removing barriers to help solve human capital and social inequities. Her intrinsic altruism drives her compassion and bias for action and is readily recognized in the immigrant community.
Lisa is a graduate from the University of St. Thomas, where she graduated Magna cum Laude as an Aquinas Honors Scholar with a B.A. in Organization Communication. She attained a mini-MBA in nonprofit management from the University of St. Thomas, as well as a certification from the Humphrey School of Public Policies Equity Works Leadership Institute, workforce development program.
Lisa lives in Chaska, Minnesota with her husband and son. She contributes her time and talent by singing with the Worship Arts team at Westwood Community Church. She enjoys hiking and practicing Yoga. Lisa is an avid reader, home chef, entertainer, and gardener.
Leslie Dodoo is the Senior Director of Specialized Community Services (SCS) at Lutheran Social Services of MN (LSS). This arm of LSS provides tailored solutions and residential options for individuals who otherwise would not have the opportunity, to be able to live a fulfilled life in the community. Prior to his current role as Sr Director, Leslie had held different roles in the 6 years that he had been with LSS. Before LSS, Leslie worked at Community Involvement Programs (Now Accord) & At Options Behavioral Services. Leslie has also worked abroad both in Ghana and the United Kingdom in both banking and Forensic Psychology.
Leslie earned a BA. In Psychology from the University of Ghana and a M.S in Occupational Psychology from the Goldsmiths University of London. Leslie believes that careers should be dynamic, as humans evolve and hence people should be open minded about what is possible and be willing to try new things.
Leslie earned a BA. In Psychology from the University of Ghana and a M.S in Occupational Psychology from the Goldsmiths University of London. Leslie believes that careers should be dynamic, as humans evolve and hence people should be open minded about what is possible and be willing to try new things.
Felix Okoth PMP®’s path to mechanical engineering degree started in his youth with a natural curiosity and inquisitive mind while at the orphanage he called home. He was destined for engineering from his humble beginnings in Kenya where he entertained himself by designing his own toys with tiny rubber tires, sticks, battery-powered light bulb signals, thin metal rods that slid through holes in an old can making honking sounds, and more.
Since then, he has travelled globally, lived with people from different tribes and came across diverse individuals from different countries. He learned to apply these differences to his professional life in a way that creates cultural tolerance, creates value for the business and unlocks potential in people.
Today, Felix is an Engineering Team Lead with product line ownership, technical leadership, and responsibility for leading new product development engineering team of 6 direct reports for Thermo King North America and Latin America truck transport HVAC systems. His expertise in multiphase strategic technical leadership of new product development, productivity, sustaining, quality, and reliability projects has led to multimillion productivity savings and margin expansion for the companies he’s worked for. He’s received numerous VP and president Excellence Awards for Accountability, Collaboration, Initiative, Commercial Impact, Technical Development and Growth in Multiple Projects.
Because of his unique experiences, he’s reassured when others describe him as a great multicultural leader to follow and an expert in getting things unstuck in challenging situations, specifically in a fast-paced work environment. Every roadblock presents a great opportunity for him to pivot and guide the team to solve complex problems in the most satisfying way possible.
His mission as a multicultural leader and a team's coach is "to improve together, build a stronger engineering culture and create the most value for the business and ourselves everywhere we go." With this same mission, he started a professional book club at his work to bring people together and focus on delivering value for the company. On LinkedIn, he posts daily about "Be A Leader" followed by a leadership call to action with focus on people first mindset, simplicity in complexity mindset and highlight on his personal branding journey through the lens of his personal brand symbol, Rubik's Cube. To experience his inspirational leadership, people first mindset and prioritization of his personal branding journey, you can follow him by connecting on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-okoth.
Since then, he has travelled globally, lived with people from different tribes and came across diverse individuals from different countries. He learned to apply these differences to his professional life in a way that creates cultural tolerance, creates value for the business and unlocks potential in people.
Today, Felix is an Engineering Team Lead with product line ownership, technical leadership, and responsibility for leading new product development engineering team of 6 direct reports for Thermo King North America and Latin America truck transport HVAC systems. His expertise in multiphase strategic technical leadership of new product development, productivity, sustaining, quality, and reliability projects has led to multimillion productivity savings and margin expansion for the companies he’s worked for. He’s received numerous VP and president Excellence Awards for Accountability, Collaboration, Initiative, Commercial Impact, Technical Development and Growth in Multiple Projects.
Because of his unique experiences, he’s reassured when others describe him as a great multicultural leader to follow and an expert in getting things unstuck in challenging situations, specifically in a fast-paced work environment. Every roadblock presents a great opportunity for him to pivot and guide the team to solve complex problems in the most satisfying way possible.
His mission as a multicultural leader and a team's coach is "to improve together, build a stronger engineering culture and create the most value for the business and ourselves everywhere we go." With this same mission, he started a professional book club at his work to bring people together and focus on delivering value for the company. On LinkedIn, he posts daily about "Be A Leader" followed by a leadership call to action with focus on people first mindset, simplicity in complexity mindset and highlight on his personal branding journey through the lens of his personal brand symbol, Rubik's Cube. To experience his inspirational leadership, people first mindset and prioritization of his personal branding journey, you can follow him by connecting on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/felix-okoth.
