Dr. Pamela Jolly

The Ken G. Morka Foundation Grassroots Movement is rolling out initiatives to drive Africa's development and prosperity. As we embark on building factories for the betterment of all, we're focusing on key areas that matter most: - Economic Empowerment:Driving growth, reducing poverty, and creating jobs through entrepreneurship and industrialization - Poverty Eradication: Implementing social grants, improving access to healthcare and education, and promoting economic inclusion - Infrastructure Development: Investing in roads, electricity, water, and sanitation to support industrial growth - Healthcare for All: Enhancing healthcare services, recruiting and retaining health personnel, and promoting health education - Education and Skills Development: Improving educational outcomes, supporting teacher training, and expanding access to vocational training - Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: Addressing high unemployment rates, especially among youth, through skills training and job placement - Food Security and Agricultural Development: Addressing food insecurity, promoting agricultural development, and supporting local farmers - Security and Stability: Ensuring national security, stability, and good governance to attract investment and drive growth - Regional Integration and Cooperation: Fostering regional cooperation and economic integration to promote trade and development These areas are crucial for Africa's development and prosperity. Join us in our mission to empower communities and transform lives

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8.19 GLOBAL NETWORK Brotherhood Beyond Borders A Global Campaign Initiative by Candidate Grayson | UDC Board of Trustees Nominee ⸻ MISSION STATEMENT To increase the number of Black male scholars attaining advanced degrees by building a global support system that provides access, mentorship, and opportunity—starting from Washington D.C. and reaching across continents. ⸻ PROGRAM OVERVIEW The 8.19 Global Network is a bold, cross-continental initiative connecting Black men in graduate and doctoral programs through a shared commitment to educational excellence, leadership development, and global impact. Grounded in the philosophy of “uplift through unity,” the program bridges local needs in communities like Ward 8 with global perspectives, empowering Black men to thrive as scholars and changemakers. ⸻ CORE PILLARS 1. Global Mentorship Exchange • Match Black male graduate students in the U.S. with scholars and professionals from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America • Virtual mentorship pods focused on academic success, cultural exchange, and professional advancement 2. The Black Scholars Summit (Annual) • Rotating global conference featuring panels, research showcases, and cross-border collaboration • Topics: Public Policy, Innovation, Health Equity, Technology, Economics, and Social Justice 3. Scholarship & Fellowship Pipeline • Collaborate with global institutions, HBCUs, embassies, and Black-led organizations to create funded opportunities • Quarterly workshops on study abroad, research grants, and grad school funding 4. Community Reinvestment Labs • Scholars design community-based service projects rooted in their regional needs • From mentoring youth in Ward 8 to launching educational programs across the diaspora 5. Digital Learning & Leadership Hub • Online platform offering: • Graduate prep tools • Research & publishing guidance • Webinars & leadership sessions • Global directory of Black male scholars ⸻ WHY IT MATTERS Only 8.19% of Black men in Ward 8 hold an advanced degree. The 8.19 Global Network is about increasing that number—not just in D.C., but across the world. This is more than a program—it’s a movement led by Candidate Grayson. ⸻ Follow the Mission: #819GlobalNetwork | #CandidateGrayson | #BrotherhoodBeyondBorders

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𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗿𝗮𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘆 When we think about Black leadership in spaces where influence and opportunity intersect — from corporate governance to civic engagement — Conrad Woody stands as a powerful example of what it means to build bridges, not just careers. Conrad’s journey from Howard University — where he grounded himself in political science — to the helm of a major Washington-based executive search practice speaks to more than professional ascent. It reflects a commitment to crafting pathways for others to lead. Today, as Managing Partner and head of the U.S. Association & Corporate Affairs Practice at a global executive search firm, he helps shape leadership pipelines at the highest levels of corporate and association life, connecting vision with opportunity and talent with impact. But what sets Conrad apart isn’t his title — it’s how he shows up. Whether he’s engaging emerging professionals around thoughtful career strategy, speaking on leadership, or championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in boardrooms and beyond, he reinforces something fundamental: Black excellence is about empowerment as much as achievement. By co-leading his firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Council and driving initiatives to expand leadership representation, he’s helping redefine what inclusive leadership looks like in 21st-century organizations. His career began in public service, working on Capitol Hill, and includes meaningful roles in corporate recruiting and talent strategy. That blend of public, private, and civic orientation gives his work a depth too few leaders cultivate — one that lifts up others while advancing institutional excellence. In a time when the call for authentic leadership is louder than ever, Conrad Woody embodies what Black History Month celebrates: not just remembering where we’ve been, but charting where we’re going — with intentionality, integrity, and impact.

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🔥 $5.1 Trillion In Buying Power — Now What? ESSENCE Fest Panel Urges Greater Collaboration Among Black And Brown Businesses: "Leaders from the worlds of tech, fashion and civil rights say economic equity is possible—but only if communities align, invest, and act together." (July) "The message was loud and clear: Black and Brown communities already have the economic power—they just need to use it together." "Moderated by Forbes senior writer Jabari Young Jabari Young, the panel at The Global Black Economic Forum brought together three leaders from the worlds of entertainment, fashion and civil rights: Robert Hartwell, host of HBO Max’s “Breaking New Ground,” Juan Proaño Juan Proaño, CEO of League of United Latin American Citizens and Elis Clementino Elis Clementino, head of strategic relationships at  NVH Studios." "To kick things off, Young asked each speaker to describe the state of Black and Brown businesses in one word. Proaño chose 'assault,' citing recent attacks on DEI policies and federal funding as direct threats to marginalized communities." "Proaño made the case for intersectionality, calling for a united front between Black and Latino communities. 'The combined buying power is $5.1 trillion,' he shared. 'We have more power when we go to the table together.'" https://lnkd.in/gea4-Dyw

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Throwback to the 2024 National Theatre Courses Edition! The stage isn’t just about lights and applause, it’s about structure, teamwork, and vision. In this powerful reflection, Mr. Olu Okekanye shares how the program has been deeply impactful, expanding his understanding of the theatre space. For, Mr. Oluwatosin, the training was an eye-opener “I never thought project management could come into theatre. I used to see it as just taking up a script and performing, but now I see a wider scope. There’s so much that goes into theatre, and project management opens one’s eyes to that.” Theatre is evolving and so are its practitioners. Here’s to building a new generation of creative professionals who not only perform but manage, plan, and lead! #MusingWithLeesi #NationalTheatreCourses #ProjectManagementInTheatre #Throwback #ImpactStories #TheatreProfessionals

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Our world is very complicated. Trust is at an all time low and real information is becoming a commodity. Leaders and brands are being asked to show up very differently, but I know so many people are struggling with how to do this right. Are you asking the right questions?

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