Akunor Azu is a proven leader with over 22 years of experience in General Management, specializing in building and managing high-performing teams, driving commercial excellence, executing complex global partnerships, and optimizing operations. With a strong commercial background, Akunor has successfully facilitated the negotiation and closure of multi-year transactions exceeding $800M. His expertise spans business development, strategic growth, and operational leadership across diverse industries, including automotive, power generation, marine, and alternative energy markets.
Currently, Akunor serves as Senior Director of New Power Business at Cummins Sales & Service North America (CSSNA), where he leads growth initiatives in alternative power and adjacent markets. Since 2021, he has been at the forefront of Cummins’ energy transition strategy, spearheading projects in electric vehicle infrastructure, battery energy storage, and electrolyzer services. His leadership has introduced groundbreaking innovations such as EV chargers with smart digital communication capability and home energy storage systems, strengthening Cummins’ competitive presence in clean energy markets.
Akunor’s strategic approach combines commercial expertise with operational rigor. Through McKinsey’s transformation methodology, he has advanced both immediate and long-term solutions for market growth, managed extensive North American sales pipelines, and leveraged innovative go-to-market strategies including joint ventures, white labeling, and mergers and acquisitions.
Over his two-decade tenure with Cummins, Akunor has held pivotal roles that showcase his ability to deliver impact across regions and business segments. As Business Development Director for On-Highway, he championed North American growth in EV products and software. In his global role spanning power generation and marine markets, he successfully launched the Hedgehog Series engines, driving significant international sales. Earlier, as General Manager of Cummins Ghana Ltd., he transformed the West Africa distributor, doubling sales revenue and expanding operations across eight countries. His leadership in Africa and the Middle East also generated a fivefold increase in gas power plant sales and positioned Cummins as a trusted partner in complex infrastructure projects.
Academically, Akunor holds an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from West Virginia University. He complements his professional expertise with certifications in Six Sigma and advanced leadership development programs through Cummins.
Dr. Crystal J. Davis, Founder and CEO of CJD Consulting Solutions, LLC, is an esteemed educator, leadership expert, and advocate for servant leadership. With decades of experience across higher education, nonprofit sectors, and corporate and business spaces, Dr. Davis has led leadership development initiatives and served as an executive coach and faculty member, fostering servant leadership principles that inspire transformational change.
Dr. Davis is an accomplished scholar, author, and a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Servant Leadership. Her academic contributions include a doctoral dissertation, three published books, a leadership textbook, and multiple peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Davis also serves as Chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Adjunct Professor at Cloud County Community College in the Business and Communication Departments. Her global work includes serving as an international foreign reviewer for six universities in Pakistan and doctoral student clients across the globe. Dr. Davis is also a member of the Meta Business Leader’s Network, further extending her influence within the business social media spaces.
As an educator and consultant, Dr. Davis has developed over 130 training courses and an online learning platform – CJD Servant Leadership Academy. She has delivered professional development for institutions such as the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Procurement) and Fresenius Medical Care and secured nearly $10 million in federal grants for various programs in nonprofits and underrepresented youth.
Originally from Kansas, Dr. Davis holds a Doctor of Management degree specializing in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is passionate about fostering positive entrepreneurial social impact and empowering future leaders through education and servant leadership principles.
Dr. Martine Abboud is an internationally acclaimed learning and development expert, ecosystem builder, and entrepreneur recognised for shaping the future of leadership, education, and innovation worldwide. A Forbes “30 Under 30” honouree, she has been celebrated for her pioneering work at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Her accolades include being named a CAS Future Leader by the American Chemical Society and a Lindau–Fischer Nobel Laureates Meetings Fellow, reflecting her global recognition across both science and leadership.
As the Founder and CEO of Creo Incubator, Martine has developed transformative learning methodologies that combine behavioural science, leadership psychology, and digital technology to empower individuals and organisations to thrive in complexity. Creo’s programmes have supported governments, universities, and corporates across Europe, Africa, the GCC, and the US, delivering innovation bootcamps, leadership academies, financial literacy frameworks, and career development models that have impacted thousands of professionals and entrepreneurs.
Through CREO Learn, Martine has introduced AI-powered platforms and psychometric tools that personalise learning journeys, advance self-awareness, and strengthen collaboration, hallmarks of resilient ecosystems. Her mission is to foster environments where knowledge, trade, and innovation come together as levers for prosperity, inclusion, and long-term peace.
Martine’s journey began in science, holding a DPhil in Chemistry from the University of Oxford and serving as a Junior Research Fellow, where she contributed to global health research on antibiotic resistance and cancer metabolism. Building on this scientific foundation, she has become a sought-after speaker, advisor, and ecosystem builder, renowned for bridging academic excellence with entrepreneurial practice.
With her trademark blend of strategic vision, creativity, and influence, Martine continues to inspire leaders, entrepreneurs, and institutions worldwide. Her work positions education and trade not simply as tools of growth, but as forces of stability and peace, laying the groundwork for a new generation of changemakers committed to building purposeful and prosperous societies.
Uchenna Ugeh serves as the Global Channel Platforms Leader at Cummins Inc., where he drives the strategic vision, development, and optimization of digital platforms that empower the global partner ecosystem within the Cummins Distribution Business Unit. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in engineering management, and a graduate certificate in Systems Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Uchenna is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Pragmatic Institute-certified product manager and marketer.
Since joining Cummins in 2013, Uchenna has held multiple roles across the Power Systems Business, Engine Business, Distribution Business and Central Corporate organizations. His experience spans engineering, supply chain, quality and marketing & sales, demonstrating his versatility and leadership across various business functions.
Passionate about giving back and investing in others, Uchenna led the Cummins Black Network Employee Resource Group (ERG), fostering professional development and community engagement. He also volunteers with the Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis (MEPI), mentoring high school students and inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM. His commitment to supporting future generations reflects his dedication to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in engineering and technology.
In addition to his community work, Uchenna serves as an Adjunct Faculty of Business at Ivy Tech Community College, where he shares his expertise in product marketing, business strategy, and operations with the next generation of professionals. In his free time, Uchenna enjoys cycling, working out, and watching documentaries.
Jean Narcisse Djaha is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Dr. Toby Malichi Institute for Global Impact. He serves as a strategic thought leader and works with the Founder, Board Chair and Executive Chairman to help accelerate the fulfillment of the Institute’s vision and goals.
Jean is the Founding President, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Distinguished Fellow for West Africa at the African Council on Foreign Relations, a world-renowned think tank dedicated to advancing Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage. Under Dr. Djaha’s leadership, the African Council of Foreign Relations is set to become a Pan-African transformative Pan-African model. He leads the Diplomatic School and Global Africa Center at the Council.
Jean has educational backgrounds in political science, international relations, international business and trade, journalism, government, corporate strategy, applied intelligence, and political theology. Djaha was born and raised in Cote D’Ivoire.
Modupe (Mo) Adewunmi is a dynamic leader with a background in international affairs, economics, and community development. With a career spanning continents, Modupe brings a global perspective to fostering cultural connections and empowering communities. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University, where she focused on economics and community development. Modupe’s academic background has shaped her ability to analyze complex challenges and design innovative solutions that empower individuals and communities alike. As the former Chief Operating Officer of the International Marketplace Coalition, Modupe spearheaded transformative initiatives that elevated cultural diversity and economic development in Indianapolis. She has a proven track record of building strategic partnerships, driving organizational efficiency, and creating programs that have empowered immigrant and minority-owned businesses to thrive.
Her career journey has included founding and leading organizations that address the unique challenges of global communities. In South Africa, she launched African Expats’ Trailing Spouses, providing a vital support network for professionals living abroad. In Ghana, she founded Women with a Vision to Excel, a platform empowering women entrepreneurs. Modupe’s passion for cultural diplomacy, community building, and education has been a hallmark of her work. She is a sought-after collaborator for programs that connect diverse communities, support immigrant populations, and drive innovative solutions to social challenges.
Modupe is a master organizer, creative strategist, and global thinker committed to shaping impactful solutions for communities worldwide. She holds leadership positions in several initiatives focused on education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. A proud mother and advocate for creating inclusive spaces, Modupe believes in the power of collaboration to drive change. She is passionately pursues opportunities that align her passions with her vision of equitable growth and thriving communities. Mo is an avid listener of podcasts.
Andre Givens is an accomplished senior executive and community leader whose career spans more than two decades across higher education, business development, operations, technology, and civic leadership. He currently serves as the Vice President of Global Strategy and Strategic Relationships at Indiana Wesleyan University, National & Global, where he leads the university’s international expansion agenda and oversees the cultivation of high-impact partnerships that strengthen IWU’s global footprint.
In this executive role, Andre has driven an unprecedented level of global growth. Within a 12-month period, he expanded IWU’s international reach from 1 country to more than 60 countries, establishing a new global presence and transforming the scale of the university’s international impact. Over that same period, he secured global strategic partnerships, building a diverse and sustainable network of global recruitment alliances and strengthening IWU’s competitive advantage across key regions.
Andre oversees international business development, enrollment growth strategy, global program expansion, and new-site development—designing scalable pathways that align academic innovation with global workforce needs. His strategic leadership enables IWU to penetrate new markets, diversify its international portfolio, and create life-changing education opportunities for students around the world.
In addition to his professional achievements, Andre is a deeply committed community leader and mentor. For more than 18 years, he has served with the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc., holding roles including Chapter President and Board Chair. Nationally, he serves on the 100 Black Men of America Board of Directors as the Midwest District Director, providing leadership to ten chapters across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Prior to these roles, he spent 15 years as program chair and mentor for the organization’s nationally recognized Financial Literacy and Investment Scholarship Program, impacting both high school and collegiate scholars.
His community leadership has earned him prestigious recognition, including graduation from the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series (Class XLIII), completion of the FBI Citizens Leadership Academy, and receiving the African American Excellence in Education Award (2020) with congressional acknowledgement.
An entrepreneur at heart, Andre is also the co-founder of Edge Enterprise LLC, a consulting and strategic development firm that provides operational solutions.
Andre holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Indiana State University and an MBA in Organizational Leadership from the University of Indianapolis. A native of Chicago, he is guided by faith and committed to building pathways of opportunity for the next generation.
John Y. Musiine is a Department Chair and Assistant Professor at Martin University Department of Business in Indianapolis. He is also a Faculty Advisor and a Sam Walton Fellow at the Student In Free Enterprise (SIFE) Enactus a global student organization that champions home-based enterprise solutions to eradicating poverty, and creating long-term economic sustainability for millions through the positive power of business. He also serves as an Advisory board member for the Oklahoma Christian University Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs ELE Rwanda, a group of young Rwandan Presidential Scholars rebuilding a nation through innovation. He is a graduate from the University of Indianapolis and holds a B.A in Economics and Finance and an M.B.A and a Project Management Certificate at Cornell University.
Mr. Musiine is a Pan Africanist and has led several investment teams to Sub-Saharan Africa as an expert in areas of Finance , Infrastructure, Agriculture and Entrepreneurship. John Musiine is also the Executive Director of the Young Patriots of Africa, a coalition of the African Renaissance that wants to devote time and energy to the welfare of their home continent.
Mr. Musiine’s presented a paper on Teaching and learning from a Simulation- Based Perspective at the 2010 International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) annual Meeting at Robert Morris University in Chicago. His presentation has become an important part in the approach and style of simulation-based teaching and learning for IACBE. Mr. Musiine also serves as a board member of Inyarwanda Limited, The Bishop John and Harriet Rucyahana Ministries Inc. and was a business competition Judge in the 2012 NBMBA/Chrysler Competition, He is a member of Project Management Institute(PMI), Center of International Business Education and Research ( CIBER) as well as the African Finance and Economics Association (AFEA) a US- Based Association that bring top African Economists together to foster a brighter future for the African Continent through research and policy recommendation.
This son of Africa continues to model and wear his unquestionable and genuine patriotism at heart with honor and pride. His tireless great zeal and determination in championing the greatness of Africa has made him a shining pillar among African young leaders both at home and in the Diaspora. He has been nominated for several Awards and has moderated, presented, facilitated and participated in over 100 conferences.
Monica Bowles Kozlowski is the Senior Manager for Member Engagement with the Indiana Chamber. Regional Director, U.S. Senator Todd Young and former U.S. Senators Richard G. Lugar and Dan Coates.
Zachary Scott is the President & CEO of EboxSecure Logistics Group and the former Regional President for UPS in the Midwest which continues to be the centerpiece for logistics growth in the United States. Zachary’s knowledge of the fast-growing global logistics industry spans over 36 years, his expertise includes managing multi-billion dollar revenue streams, cost containment execution plans, operations excellence, managing diverse executive level management teams and developing Safety & Service excellence strategies that embrace the corporate culture. His prior regional footprint included the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Southwest Illinois which included over 15,000 employees.
Originally from New York, New York, Zachary received a degree in Business Administration from Hampton University in Virginia. He began his UPS career in 1979 as a delivery driver in northern New Jersey. Throughout his career, Zachary held positions of increasing responsibility in package operations. In 2000, he was named Vice President of the Gulf South District in Louisiana and held the same position in Central Pennsylvania before being named President of the Ohio Valley District.
In August of 2015, Zachary was named Chairman of the Board for the World Trade Center of Kentucky and brought a wealth of International and logistic experience to the board. In addition, Zachary also served on the board for Indiana University Health, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and the Executive committee for Conexus Indiana Logistics Council. With a long history of philanthropy, Zachary continues to support others less fortunate than himself through United Way of Central Indiana. He served as campaign chairman in 2014 and currently chairs the Tocqueville Society. In addition, he serves as Board Trustee for Hampton University and Board Member of the March Foundation.
Terri Batch is the Founder and Principal of Batch Global Strategies (BGS), a strategic advisory firm dedicated to advancing inclusive international trade, investment promotion, and global market expansion. Through BGS, she advises public, private, and nonprofit organizations on export readiness, foreign direct investment (FDI), and cross-border economic development.
In addition to leading BGS, Mrs. Batch serves as President & CEO of Global LA, a nonprofit committed to positioning Los Angeles as a premier global hub for business, innovation, and international collaboration. Under her leadership, Global LA has revitalized its mission and outreach by rebuilding its board, rebranding its platform, and launching high-impact engagements with global investors and dignitaries. Notably, she led two landmark overseas events with the U.S. Embassy in Paris to promote Los Angeles ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics and at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo ahead of Major League Baseball’s Tokyo Series. She has also organized promotional opportunities for the city of Los Angeles in the UK and Italy.
Mrs. Batch spent over 20 years at the U.S. Department of Commerce, wrapping up her career as the Director of the Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) within the U.S. Commercial Service. She championed the global expansion of minority-, women-, LGBTQ+-, veteran-, and disabled-owned businesses.
She holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Spelman College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California. With advanced Mandarin Chinese language skills, along with certifications as a Global Logistics Specialist and Global Business Professional, she has guided U.S. businesses and government leaders across China, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
Dr. Mark L. Eutsler is Principal of The Edge, a firm that provides facilitating, consulting, and coaching to organization leaders to maximize their individual capacities and effectiveness. As board Vice President at St. Paul Christian University in Greensburg, Indiana (appointed 2008), he oversaw the transition of the university to its present online environment and designed the curriculum by selecting resource materials, developing syllabi, and establishing rubrics for student feedback and faculty evaluation.
He negotiated with four judicatories for the university to provide lay and clergy distance theological education and is presently leading the university’s accreditation team. He is an adjunct professor in the Olivet Nazarene University Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership program and was adjunct professor in Indiana Wesleyan University’s DeVoe College of Business where he facilitated courses in leadership, management, and communications.
Danica R. Starks is a seasoned expert in the intersection of international economic and trade policy and national security and foreign policy with almost three decades of experience in commercial diplomacy, government relations, and economic development. She most recently served as the Senior U.S. Commercial Liaison and Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank, and led the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Multilateral Development Bank Group, where she advanced U.S. economic and commercial interests within the World Bank system. During this time, Danica was a force of nature in working to ensure that traditionally under-represented communities such as Diaspora and women-owned businesses as as well as SMEs, could learn to access international financial institutions and became a leading advocate for greater U.S. trade and economic ties with Africa, through key initiatives including instigating the International Finance Corporation’s first ever Stateside Diaspora Finance Forum for the Middle East and Africa.
Danica is most widely known as one of the leading experts in U.S. commercial and economic relations with the Europe and Eurasia, holding senior leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Europe, including as Policy Director for Russia, Ukraine & Eurasia and Senior Policy Advisor for Global Markets, where she worked with governments, industry partners, and multilateral institutions to expand bilateral trade, strengthen rule-of-law-based market economies, and foster sustainable economic growth across Eastern Europe and Eurasia. She also served as Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Helsinki Commission, focusing on transatlantic security and cooperation.
Danica’s academic credentials reflect deep international expertise: she holds a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy with a graduate certificate in European Studies from the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy at the National Defense University, a Master of Arts in International Affairs with concentrations in development economics and Russian/Eurasian studies from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Economics from American University.
In addition to her government and policy work, Danica is active in academia as an Adjunct Professor of International Affairs and Public Administration, and she is a dedicated mentor, particularly for young women and professionals pursuing careers in international service. She speaks Russian and Spanish, and her career reflects a commitment to inclusive leadership, global engagement, and economic development.
Sunny earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Purdue University, was a Hansard Scholar at the London School of Economics, and received an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. She has spent twenty years in business management, new venture formation, and program design. Sunny’s expertise is on strategic alliance partnerships – identifying the how with the who to move projects forward and scale with technology.
Sunny’s passion is in improving community and public health through education and access facilitated by a healthcare driven workforce (Community Health Workers, EMTs/Paramedics, Certified Recovery Coaches, Peer Recovery Specialists, Prenatal Care Coordinators, Doula-Birth Coaches, and Peer Navigators) and sustainable financing of community economic development.
Core areas of programming include: cultural competency & racial equity, maternal and child health, social determinants of health, community health management of chronic diseases, immediate interventions in opioid prevention, treatment and recovery, community mental health, telehealth infrastructure design and deployment, and more.
Sunny was born in Taipei, Taiwan, raised in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and is a Hoosier by choice. She and her husband, Rob, enjoy spending time with their sons and dog.
Cassandra Williams is an internationally recognized educator, researcher, and transformational change leader with over 25 years of distinguished service across K–20 and higher education. As the visionary Founder and CEO of Educational Innovation 360° (EI360), Cassandra has positioned herself and her company at the forefront of educational transformation—dedicated to reshaping teaching, learning, and leadership through equity-driven innovation, AI-powered professional development, and cutting-edge, research-based strategies. A sought-after thought leader and accomplished professor, Cassandra has steered countless schools, universities, and organizations in successfully improving teacher retention, boosting instructional quality, and establishing inclusive, future-ready learning environments. Her expertise in leveraging data-driven, evidence-based practices to close achievement gaps sets her apart as a trusted advisor in education reform. Under Cassandra’s dynamic leadership, EI360 delivers highly personalized coaching, impactful professional development, and strategic leadership training—each tailored to drive measurable gains in educator effectiveness and student outcomes.
Her unique approach blends deep research insights, practical solutions, and a relentless focus on inclusion, empowering educators at all levels to show data growth on state assessments. Renowned for her collaborative partnerships, Cassandra and EI360 work hand-in-hand with school districts, universities, nonprofits, and global organizations to create scalable, sustainable change in education. Her legacy is marked by a commitment to innovation, results, and the advancement of equitable learning opportunities for every student, making her the ideal partner for clients seeking transformative, lasting impact in education.
Tim M. Harris II has earned a Master’s in Multimedia from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Indianapolis, and also a doctorate in Counseling. He has over 15 years of professional experience in international business relationships. As a supply chain expert, he is the managing member of H&F Logistics, LLC and Kid Glove Service, LLC and is the International Director of Harris & Ford, LLC, HF Hong Kong Holding Co. Ltd., HF International Qingdao Trading Co. Ltd., and HF de Mexico S.R.L.
Tim’s professional interests focus on professional comprehension in Global Strategic Sourcing, Business Principles, Accounting, Financing, Market Analysis, Cost Management, Business Management, International Shipping, and commerce. His other interests include Business & Personal Mentorship, Philanthropy, and Personal Counseling.
Tim is a highly motivated, self-starter that is independent, friendly, able to multi-task, honest, reliable, creative, innovative, and a team worker. In addition, he also serves on the Alumni Board of Directors, University of Indianapolis, National Business Advisory council and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. He has received an Emerging Leader Award from Congressional Black Caucus, and also Sid Tuchman Award from University of Indianapolis, School of Business.
Thomas E. Shafer III, CFP is an Executive Director and Private Banker at J. P. Morgan Private Bank, based in the Indianapolis office and covering families across the country. With over twelve years of experience in private roles, Tommy defines his mindset as giving each family financial peace through the lens of a personal Family Advisor- connecting market and economic outlooks, asset allocation and investment strategies, primary deposit banking and custom lending needs, and financial cash flow and estate balance sheet planning.
Bottom line, he believes financial decisions should be made from the perspective of each client’s values that are backed by the highly reputable platform and leadership team of J. P. Morgan Private Bank. His persistent work ethic steered him to manage significant assets under management for high-net-worth families in my prior role as a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Bank of America Private Bank Manhattan- unlocking a reputation of accountability and adapting to various client profiles, such as business-savy, process-driven driven and novice-stage investors.
In addition Tommy has a dual major in Finance and Entrepreneurship & Corportation Innovation from Indiana University Kelley School Of Business; is a Hudson and Holland Scholar and Sponsors educational Opportunity alumunus- both programs supporting education and careers for black individuals; graduated from Business Strategy Problem Solving and Decision Making from the McKinsey & Company Management Program, and Financial Planning from the NYU School of Professional Studies; trained in Equity Research with the Internal Bank Of America Private Bank of Global Strategies teams.
Tommy has a passion for mentoring individuals throughout their careers and notably those from underrepresented backgrounds and circumstances- and continues to build on the strong J. P Morgan Chase & Co and J. P Morgan Private Bank and community impact. He went to Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis and has since returned to his hometown in late 2023 from New York City. He and his wife Suzanne are excited to raise their daughters Ruby and Navy, among an established network of community, friends, and family in the area.
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