Dr. Leon Rodrigues is President and CEO of Global Horizons Inc., a Minnesota-based non-profit that provides support services to charitable projects in a number of developing countries. He is an associate professor at Bethel University and a consultant in the D&I field. He came to pursue his doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities from South Africa and serves the interests of several African Immigrant groups in Minnesota.
Dr. Vernon McIntosh Jr. is an accomplished innovator and impassioned science communicator. Originally from Memphis, TN; Vernon moved to the Twin Cities in 2010 after earning a Doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee. His passion for learning has resulted in a broad base of expertise including Microbiology, Data Science, Biotechnology, and Nutrition. Vernon currently serves as a Principal Scientist and Research and Development manager for Cargill Animal Nutrition.
When not doing science, Vernon enjoys talking about science. Under the moniker “Doctor V PhD” he founded a science communication and outreach group called Loud Mouth Science. Through this organization, he hosts entertaining and educational events with the goal of engaging adult audiences to think critically about the information they encounter in their daily lives.
When not doing science, Vernon enjoys talking about science. Under the moniker “Doctor V PhD” he founded a science communication and outreach group called Loud Mouth Science. Through this organization, he hosts entertaining and educational events with the goal of engaging adult audiences to think critically about the information they encounter in their daily lives.
Rita Apaloo is a creative connector of people, ideas and things. She has worked in the nonprofit field for over 20 years in various roles including development, marketing, program evaluation, education, and outreach, among others. Rita’s current role is Director of Development and Marketing at AccessAbility, Inc. She is also a published author of African Women Connect. How I created and grew a networking group of African immigrant women for friendship, business, and community. Having a strong passion for community development and social justice, she is always involved in several initiatives, including nonprofit board service. She is a 2018 VOICES Awards Nominee for Nonprofit Leadership. Rita has a B.A. degree in Strategic Communication, an Executive Master's in Business Communications, and she is also a Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM). Rita is a native of Liberia, West Africa, and has resided in the Twin Cities since 1993.
Tenesee Wilson was born in Monrovia, Liberia and migrated to the United States in 2005. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor degree in Mass Communication and Film Studies with a minor in English Creative Writing. He also holds a certificate in Leadership Foundation from Bethel University. Tenesee is a Financial and Research Analyst at Wells Fargo. He has eight years’ experience in the financial industry. When he is not glue to the computer researching financial matters, he is djing and/or promoting events. He is the founder and chief strategist for Roc Citi Sound LLP. A company that provide Dj services, marketing and promotion services for local businesses. In 2017, Tenesee and his team expanded Roc Citi Sound to Liberia. The new office aim in Liberia is to help struggling businesses with marketing strategies. Tenesee Wilson is a father of two beautiful boys and is married to Evelyn Wilson.
Funmi Sodunke is a second-year doctoral student in the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program in counseling psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Along with that, Funmi is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling and psychological services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Funmi graduated with honors with a bachelor of science degree in biomedical science from Saint Cloud State University. She is a practicum student at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center. Funmi’s clinical experience includes providing mental health services to school age children, adolescents, traditional and non-traditional college students, and adults. Funmi has provided therapeutic services to clients with different mental health diagnoses. Through her experiences, Funmi has come to discover that her biggest passion is inspiring people to fulfill their potentials. Funmi believes that everyone, no matter the obstacle they face, can become a person of substance in life. Funmi’s professional goal is to provide culturally sensitive therapeutic services to clients with various mental healthcare needs.
Funmi is a native of Nigeria and moved to the United States at age 12. Funmi enjoys serving in the teenage department as a Sunday school teacher in her local church.
Funmi is a native of Nigeria and moved to the United States at age 12. Funmi enjoys serving in the teenage department as a Sunday school teacher in her local church.
