Aïssatou Cissé
Aïssatou Cissy Benhassan is Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of Senegal and Founding President of the Centre de Développement Solidaire Inclusif (CDSI). Born with a disability, she bears witness to the significant evolution in the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Senegal. Since 2012 Senegal has embarked on a policy of change favorable to people with disabilities.
Dr Leon R Tarver
Dr. Tarver is President Emeritus of the Southern University System; and Executive Administrator (retired) of the Center of Cultural Heritage and International Programs at Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge. He has had a distinguished career in higher education, public administration and international development projects. His extensive career reflects a strong commitment to education and public service.
Professor Mary Teuw Niane
Professor Mary Teuw Niane is a mathematician and has served as the former Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Senegal. Professor Niane has been recognized for his contributions to the field of mathematics and his efforts in advancing higher education and research within Senegal and across West Africa. He has played a significant role in promoting AI and gender inclusion within the Africa region.
Professor Gerry Hanley
Gerry Hanley is recognized for his significant contributions to the California State University system and his worldwide leadership in Open Educational Resources (OER), Through MERLOT and SkillsCommons, he has been instrumental in providing educators and learners worldwide with free access to high-quality open educational materials and resources, supporting improved teaching and learning outcomes.
Professor Djeneba Traore
Professor Djénéba Traoré is a former Director General of the West Africa Institute, Professor at the University of Bamako, Mali and has held several positions, including those of Senior Communication Officer at the Ministry of Education of Mali and Rector of the University of Literatures and Humanities of Bamako. She is a former Fulbright visiting Professor at the Indiana University, Bloomington, USA.
Dr Derrick Warren
Dr. Derrick Warren is the Dean of the College of Business at Grambling State University, Louisiana. His career includes over three decades at IBM, where he managed significant projects and client relationships. Dr. Warren is also certified in MIT’s Blockchain Technologies and Online Teaching through Quality Matters. He champions tech education at HBCUs and actively engages in community outreach.
Sona Jobarteh
Sona Jobarteh is a unique musical icon and pioneer of her time. Born into a family of Griots in Gambia, a tradition that goes back seven centuries, she is the first woman in this lineage to become a professional Kora virtuoso. Her work embodies an inspiring fusion of art, advocacy and educational leadership, aimed at enriching and transforming communities across Africa. She is the founding director of The Gambia Academy, an institution dedicated to educational reform for Africans on the continent.