Elsa Juko
Chairwoman - Board Member
Elsa Juko-McDowell, a native of Uganda, is a remarkable individual with a deep passion for people and business. Her journey began in 2015 when she joined the East Africa Chamber of Commerce (EACC), an 18-year organization devoted to fostering trade and investments between the United States and East Africa, currently known as the East Africa Business Network.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Mrs. Juko-McDowell became the first woman to hold the prestigious chair position for the EACC in 2016. Her success in this role can be attributed to her professional mindset as a small-business owner, exceptional strategic decision-making skills, client-centered management approach, and extensive sales experience. Throughout the past 18 years, Elsa has honed her expertise in the real estate industry, assuming managerial roles in the mortgage servicing sector, working as a realtor specializing in working with investors, and building on her accomplishments; she now owns multiple businesses, including real estate development, investments, and consulting ventures.
Not content with her achievements solely in business, Elsa’s genuine commitment to making a positive impact led her to co-found MYPOLARLIFE in 2017. This local mental illness advocacy company, established alongside her husband, is a testament to her dedication to the well-being of others. Additionally, Elsa serves as a North Texas District Export Council member.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Elsa treasures her roles as a mother to three young women, a devoted wife, and an active community member. Her passion for helping others extends locally and abroad as she strives to empower individuals and communities through thriving business ventures.
Elsa Juko-McDowell’s extraordinary blend of expertise, creativity, and compassion make her an invaluable asset to the business world.
Bill Morgan
Vice Chairman - Board Member
Mr. Morgan is an Avistas Founding Principal, CEO and International Management Consultant with 22+ years of proven experience leading major business growth and transformation initiatives relating to secure Information and Communications Technology (ICT) deployments around the world.
Mr. Morgan is a strategist recognized for his gifts to rapidly identify solutions, prioritize the critical path, then organize and lead innovative growth initiatives. He has proven success in advanced due diligence, business development, product development, marketing, strategic planning, operations, information communications & technologies (ICT), and private project funding solutions for his clients.
He is a member of the Security Industry Association and has participated in many other international standards bodies with the development and harmonization of interoperable software security products. Mr. Morgan has made dozens of appearances on FOX, CBS and other nationally syndicated radio shows along with local TV affiliates as a cybersecurity expert addressing and commenting on current online threats ranging from clickjacking, identity theft and cyber bullying.
Benson Kasue
Founder - Board Member
A graduate of Brigham Young University (Marriott School of Management) with a BS in accounting and an MBA from University of Utah (David Eccles school of Business), He has had progressive accounting and financial career with top USA corporations including FMC Corporation, HP, Dell, IBM, and United Technologies. Benson has extensive cost accounting knowledge, taxation, auditing, expert in financial planning reporting and analysis, budgets, and lean management skills. His dedication to work ethic is superior! He gets things “done”.
Benson has led resource mobilizing efforts to save lives in East Africa and provided food and water to the needy. Benson is the founding chair of East Africa Chamber of commerce (EACC) in Dallas Texas and Kenya Diaspora Advisory Council of Texas. Benson is an entrepreneur and continues to link businesses in both US and East African.
Elizabeth Roman Plumlee
Board Member
Elizabeth Roman Plumlee earned an undergraduate degree from The University of Texas, Austin and a law degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law. She is a trained mediator with a current business focus on economic development and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in her private practice. She has worked with foreign government agencies and officials, as well as the private sector, to shape various economic development strategies in East Africa with respect to security, technology, energy, agriculture, health, infrastructure issues and requirements.
Beth also serves as a trustee for the Rusinga Island Trust, a community-based Kenyan trust, located in West Kenya. She serves as a board advisor to the East Africa Chamber of Commerce where she works with the East African diaspora community to improve trade and investment in East Africa. Concurrently, she serves as an advisor to the Africa Business Portal, a company focused on establishing local connections nationwide to help U.S. and African companies safely and successfully trade and invest.
In addition to being a member of numerous professional organizations, Beth has a passion for service and has served as a board member of numerous non-profit organizations in the U.S. and Africa. Most recently, she has become a professional mentor for the Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law Exchange Program: and is a new board member for the Friends of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy.
Lydiah Tate
Board Member
Lydiah Tate is a Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager with Truist Bank, bringing more than 30 years of experience across retail, business, and commercial banking. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a trusted advisor to business owners, entrepreneurs, and middle-market companies, helping organizations achieve their strategic objectives through customized financial solutions, relationship-centered advisory services, and long-term partnership.
Lydiah earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Memphis, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Goethe-Institute Diploma in Frankfurt, Germany, reflecting her commitment to international engagement and cross-cultural understanding.
Her distinguished banking career includes leadership and relationship management roles with First Horizon, Bank of America, Regions Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and Truist. Drawing upon extensive experience across the financial services industry, Lydiah serves as a strategic advisor to privately held and middle-market companies throughout North Texas. She delivers comprehensive lending, cash management, and risk management strategies while connecting clients to the full breadth of Truist capabilities, including wealth advisory, corporate finance, and investment banking solutions. Her holistic approach helps business owners optimize performance, accelerate growth, navigate transitions, and build long-term enterprise value.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lydiah is a passionate advocate for financial empowerment and community development. She is the author of financial education books and regularly leads financial literacy workshops through churches and community organizations, equipping individuals and families with practical tools to build stronger financial futures.
Lydiah is also the founder of Neema Mission International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for exceptional students from economically disadvantaged families, with a special focus on orphaned children in Kenya. Through tuition assistance, scholarships, and educational support, the organization empowers students to pursue their academic goals and realize their full potential.
A dedicated community leader, Lydiah served for six years as both a Board Member and Advisory Board Director of the Melissa Chamber of Commerce, supporting initiatives that promote business growth, economic development, and international trade. In recognition of her distinguished service and contributions to the community, she was honored by U.S. Congressman Keith Self.
Karen Muigai Henry
Board Member
Dr. Karen Henry is an author, software engineer, analytics professional, AI educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and transformational teacher whose mission is to help people discover the power within themselves and live with greater purpose, wisdom, courage, and hope.
She is the author of The Power Within You, a book that explores the remarkable inner faculties available to every human being, including imagination, intuition, will, memory, reason, and perception. Through her writing and teaching, she encourages people to recognize that their circumstances do not have to define their future and that meaningful transformation begins from within.
Dr. Henry is also the founder of Hope Rising Studio, a creative and educational company dedicated to producing books, films, educational content, and inspirational experiences that awaken hope and encourage human potential. Through storytelling, she seeks to create work that entertains while also leaving people more hopeful, loving, courageous, forgiving, peaceful, and purposeful.
Through Peace & Purpose with Dr. Karen Henry, she shares messages of faith, prayer, encouragement, love, kindness, forgiveness, wisdom, and hope. Her approach is centered on helping people find peace within themselves, strengthen their relationship with God, and live each day with greater compassion and purpose.
Across all her work, one principle remains constant: people carry far more potential within them than they often realize.
Dr. Henry believes success is not simply measured by titles, recognition, wealth, or status. True success is found in continual growth, meaningful service, integrity, and using what we have learned to make life better for others.
Her vision is to use technology, education, books, films, speaking, and inspirational media to reach people across cultures and generations. Whether she is teaching technology, writing a book, creating a film, or sharing a message of encouragement, her purpose remains the same:
To awaken hope, share wisdom, encourage kindness, and help people discover the greatness already within them.
Amooti Jollie Kahunde
Board Member
Ms. Amooti Jollie Kahunde is a healthcare professional, philanthropist, and children’s advocate based in Bedford, Texas, with roots in Uganda.
With 23 years in healthcare — 18 years in the broader healthcare industry and 5 years specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis as a behavioral health clinician — she has built her career around improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
She is a former Electoral Commissioner for the Uganda American Association of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth (UAA) and former member of the Tooro American Association Constitution Review Committee. She is the Founder and President of Malayika Rescue Missions (MRM), a 501(c)(3) healthcare-focused non-profit.
Through MRM, Ms. Kahunde delivers community-based health solutions: education and skills training for 300+ children to address social determinants of health, women’s empowerment programs in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, animal husbandry, and financial literacy to improve household health security, plus direct health services including HIV counseling, nutrition support, and clean water initiatives. These programs are run in partnership with Rotary clubs and healthcare organizations.
As a member of the Mid-Cities Rotary Club, Ms. Kahunde continues to advance community health through service and advocacy.
FareedZein El Abdin
Board Member
Fareed retired as an IT Planning Manager following a 26-year career in Information Technology with Royal Dutch Shell Plc covering various positions of increasing responsibility in IT infrastructure and applications.
Fareed is the Board Chairman of the Sudanese American Public Affairs Association (SAPAA), a non-profit national organization of Sudanese Americans. Fareed also served on several non-profit projects in Sudan and South Sudan. He has been a speaker and leader in sharing industry trends and best practices across several business and non-profit communities.
Fareed obtained his B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Fareed was born Sudan, and is a fluent Arabic speaker and writer.
Florence Sugut
Board Member
Managing Director and founder of Ikapamedia East Africa- International Trade fairs and Conference Marketing Company.
Florence holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration- Marketing option, Higher diploma in Human Resources ad currently Pursuing MBA with over seven years of experience in international Trade Fairs business. Has represented and worked with Trade fair companies in Germany: MesseDussedorlf, Messe berlin, Messe Hannover and MesseKoelnITB, Green week, Fruit Logistica, Import Shop- Berlin, K-show, Medica, interpack-Dusseldorf, Anuga- MesseKoeln Hannover Messe- Messe Hannover.Florence represents Egyptian trade fair companies locally and currently a member of Egypt- Kenya Joint Business Council as an Interim Vice chair. Worked with UK trade Fairs and Conference Companies: Clarion Events and Prescon LTD.
Conferences: Mining Business International Conference, Africa Bitumen Conference, Cement Conference, FARAH conference among others
International Trade Fairs: Food Processing and Packaging Exposyum, Kenya Chemex, WEPEX, Infra East Africa Trade fair, Cairo Leather Expo, Kenya Manufacturing Machinery Expo, Rwanda Women In Business Forum, China- Africa Trade Fair among others
Peter Awori
Board Member
Peter Awori is an Information Security Analyst with DPR Construction and has been working in the cybersecurity field for three and a half years. He has an Associates in Applied Sciences Degree in Computer Programming from North Lake Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from the University of North Texas, and Master of Science Degree in Information Security Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.
Peter is a community-focused individual who serves as an Board Member of the East Africa Business Network where his efforts are tailored to advancing the structure of the organization to attract a young, tech-oriented group of professionals who are defining the new face of innovation and business.
Peter believes that effective leadership is the foundation for the sustained success of any organization, and that challenges are simply opportunities for growth.
William Atillio Ator
Board Member
I was elected in East Africa Business Network as one of its memebers this year. Originally I am from the South Sudan, I came to USA in 2000 as a refugee with my wife Suzana Deng Yor. The journy was unimaginable and tough. However, these conditions made me to become hardworking person and a great servant leader to serve the human kinds whenever there is the opportunity. I am the father of two boys, Atillio and Yor.
Mr. Ator served in several non-profit organizations, amongst them was: Chairman of the South Sudanese Community in greater Houston, President of the Pashodo Community Mutual Assistance Association in USA, and President of the Houston Taxi Organzation.
Mr. Ator has B. Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Alexandria, Egypt/ Alexandria, and Master Degree in the Business Adminstration from the AIU in USA, Houston.
Also, I am fluent in Arabic speaker and writer. Currently I am working as an Entrepreneur in the financial management services as well in the field of Transportation Industry in Houston, TX.
Melani Mulamba
Board Member
Melanie is a distinguished Broker Associate at eXp Realty LLC, leading a renowned international real estate team based in Dallas. With two decades of industry experience, she has an in-depth understanding of the dynamic DFW real estate market and its trends. Melanie’s dedication to outstanding customer service distinguishes her as she consistently exceeds client expectations. Under Melanie’s astute leadership, the Melhouse International Team has been recognized among the top agents in DFW by D Magazine since 2018 and has been listed as one of the Top 500 Producers in the Northern DFW Market by Top Producers Magazine for the past four years.
Melanie began her real estate career in 2002 after earning her Texas real estate license. She holds a bachelor’s degree from an overseas institution and furthered her education in the United States.
Before entering real estate, she worked as a certified teacher and in corporate customer service, which provided her with invaluable skills applicable to all aspects of real estate transactions. Her credentials include certification as an expert in distressed properties, a certified relocation agent, and a VA preferred realtor.
Melanie is also actively involved in real estate community leadership. She served as Vice-Chair of the Global Business Council Advisory Board of the Metrotex Association of REALTORS in 2017. As a trainer and mentor, she teaches HUD classes to DFW area professionals and mentors new real estate agents. Melanie and her husband Gilbert were integral members of the Leadership Keller Williams Board for several years before joining eXp Realty, the fastest-growing brokerage in the world. Together, they promote a global approach with the Melhouse International Team, facilitating seamless real estate transactions and empowering clients with wealth-building tools.
With a Bachelor of Education and a Texas Broker Associate’s License, Melanie combines her knowledge of global business etiquette with her real estate expertise to serve both local and international clients. As real estate agents and investors, she and Gilbert are committed to guiding immigrants to North America in building financial stability through real estate investments.
Richard Muhunde
Board Member
Richard currently serves as the Business Development Manager at Ntare Consulting, where he has excelled in building business relationships, negotiating deals, and positioning the company as a trusted solution provider in Texas and surrounding states.
Professional Profile: Richard Muhunde is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in business management, finance, real estate, and community engagement. His diverse background and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a driving force behind initiatives that foster economic growth, empower diaspora communities, and bridge cultural divides.
His diverse range of experiences underscore his expertise in business and has equipped him with a strong foundation in accounting, financial management, and hands-on insights into the complexities of balancing large accounts, the mortgage industry and property taxation. Richard’s adaptability and problem-solving skills shine through his management of distressed properties and his ability to navigate intricate real estate transactions during critical market periods.
Community Engagement
Tukole Foundation: In 2018, Richard and his wife Samantha founded the Tukole Foundation, a network that addresses community issues through business connection, financial education, and philanthropy.
Conclusion: Richard Muhunde is an accomplished professional and dedicated community member and entrepreneur. His career journey reflects his adaptability, problem-solving skills, and commitment to empowering communities. As a visionary leader, Richard continues to drive initiatives that bridge gaps, foster economic growth, and create wealth creation opportunities for all.
Mumbi Baskin
Board Member
Mumbi Baskin was born in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County to a local farmer. Founder of Afrika Fusion restaurant in Dallas, Texas. A community team player and leader in the DFW African community.
Mumbi Baskin’s elaborate and well-tuned mindset has been a treasure in her current role in shaping the ethnic food market in the United States. As the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Chef of Afrika Fusion, a restaurant she founded back in 2011 to April 2024.
Community service is a sustainably integral part of Mumbi’s way of life. She had invested both time and financial support for various initiatives. Mumbi lives in Frisco, Texas, Mother of four wonderful children with great professional progression. A grandmother to 4 grandchildren, who likes to spend extended periods with her grandchildren.
Mumbi has been endorsed by various corporate, diplomatic, and non-profit sectors as a resource that keeps delivering a unique and top-of-the-class service.
Newly appointed Board Member of the prestigious EAST AFRICA BUSSINESS NETWORK.
Julian Kyoshabire
Board Member
Jullian Kyoshabire, originally from Western Uganda, has established herself as a distinguished professional in the field of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. Currently residing in Mansfield, Texas, Jullian holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Finance and Management.
As a Business Intelligence Consultant with a nationwide engineering consulting firm, Jullian brings over nine years of experience to her role. Her expertise spans business intelligence and data analytics, strategic management advisory, information systems and technology, professional development, and technology-enabled solutions. Her strategic mindset and commitment to innovation have driven significant advancements within her field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jullian is deeply committed to her community. She volunteers with Amazing Pearls and serves on the board of Mighty Women of Valor, demonstrating her dedication to empowering others and making a positive impact.
Jullian’s professional and personal lives are driven by the motivational quote from Napoleon Hill: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” She finds great joy in spending time with her family and is a proud mother of three boys and a grandson. Inspired by her mother, whom she considers her hero, Jullian continues to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions in all aspects of her life.
Olivier Nizeyimana
Board Member
Olivier Nizeyimana is the Founder of IGN Educational Consultants Ltd, an international student recruitment organization specializing in placements at U.S. and Canadian boarding schools and universities.
He is also a co-founding member of Edify Africa, an educational organization focused on designing and building schools, developing strategic plans, advising school boards, and creating partnerships between U.S. and African educational institutions.
In addition to his educational ventures, Olivier serves as Vice President of Business Development at Cambridge Industries Ltd (CIL), a company renowned for developing Africa’s first Waste to Energy facility, the Reppie WtE plant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Under his leadership, CIL is expanding its impact with contracts to deliver comprehensive Waste Management Solutions with 6 additional waste-to-energy facilities across Africa and one in South America
The Advisory Board
Frank Kanobana
Advisory Board Member
Native of Rwanda, former chairman of East African chamber of commerce, Frank has been in the forefront in promoting trade between US and East Africa special Rwanda and has traveled extensively to establish trade relations.
Mr. Kanobana has over 20 years experience in transportation industry in freight forward and luxury ride transport
He is the owner of QStar Global LLC, a freight forward and logistics company that operates across USA and Canada. In 2021 Frank start Qstar Ride services a Dallas, Texas based luxury executive ride service and event logistics management company.
As investor Mr. Kanobana has invested in real estate primarily focusing on real estate investment in Rwanda.
Frank is a graduate the Indiana University, South Bend. He is also active in Dallas community Former elected President of Rwanda American community in Dallas/Fort Worth.
He enjoys Basketball and Golf in spare time, He currently lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife and four children.
Tana Hicks
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Tana J. Hicks is a strategist, researcher, entrepreneur, and executive leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning education, workforce and economic development, research, and organizational strategy.
Tana is the Founder and CEO of Hix House, a venture through which she brings together her interests in real estate, design, entrepreneurship, and creating spaces and experiences that foster connection. Across her professional and entrepreneurial work, she is passionate about helping people and organizations recognize opportunity, navigate change, and build toward what comes next.
Dr. Hicks has been an active board member and advisor to the East African Chamber of Commerce and East Africa Business Network since 2019 and 2022, respectively. Her commitment to women, education, and economic opportunity is reflected in her continued involvement with Women Connecting Women and other EABN programs designed to connect and empower communities across North Texas and the African diaspora.
Tana earned her Ph.D. from the University of North Texas and holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Arts in English from Texas Tech University. Beyond her professional work, she is a wife and mother of two and values family, community, creativity, and building a meaningful legacy for the next generation.
Cali Morgan
Advisory Board Member
Caili Morgan is a Texas native and proud University of Texas at Austin graduate with a passion for serving the East African Community. She holds degrees in Philosophy and Government while minoring in Arabic and holding McCombs School of Business certifications.
Caili has spent the past seven years as a peak performing software as a service (SaaS) Sales Executive while driving social media, event management, product management, product marketing, project management and user experience efforts where needed both domestically and internationally.
Currently an Account Executive at HHAeXchange, a major national homecare solution for healthcare providers and payers to optimize patient care, Caili leads target communities through complex patient care “best practices”. Caili began volunteering with EABN in 2013 as a digital marketing campaign coordinator and registration intern. Over the years she has served the Board in a variety of capacities including facilitating moderating Women Connecting Women leadership panels.
Connie Bryant
Advisory Board Member
Consolata Ayoo-Bryant is a native of Kenya. She has been in the healthcare industry for over 30 years and holds an MBA in Healthcare administration. Ms. Bryant is the Founder of two medical companies, Professional Home Health, and Divine Hospice in North Texas. She is also the Managing Director of Organi Limited, an Agro-processing sweet potato company based in Kenya, a Co-owner of Bayrise Fish based in Kenya, and she also designs for Sassyn, a clothing brand in USA.
Ms. Bryant has a wealth of experience in healthcare management, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Startups, Business strategy and Executive management. She serves in the advisory board for East African Chamber of Commerce and has served in several other advisory councils and boards that include the University of Texas Dallas (UTD), Global Business Advisory Council, Texas Home Health and Hospice association, Clinical committee advisory Board and Dwele foundation, an organization that promotes awareness of Chronic Hepatitis B.
Ms. Bryant has been a recipient of numerous awards including a National Leadership Award as Honorary Co-Chair Business Advisory Council, Queens Night International Ministry Excellence in Career and business Inspirational Award, Diaspora Entertainment Award & recognition winner of Businesswoman of the year/Entrepreneur award Sept 2015 ceremony held in the USA.
Ms. Bryant resides with her family in Colleyville, Texas.
Awards
1. A National Leadership Award as Honorary Co-Chairman Business Advisory Council from Congressman Tom De Lay.
2. Queens Night International Ministry Excellence in Career and business Inspirational Award.
3. Diaspora Entertainment Award & Recognition winner of Businesswoman of the year/Entrepreneur award Sept 2015 ceremony held in the USA.
Laban Opande
Advisory Board Member
Laban Opande has over 18 years of leadership, management and executive experience in a unique combination garnered in a vast array of fields including law, business, technology, science, agriculture and the Environment. As an astute businessman and professional, he is constantly seeking ways to expand his business, and enhance his knowledge on relevant regulations, laws, technologies, techniques, policies and procedures. His thorough understanding of US local, state and federal laws has proven to be advantageous to both his business as well as his clients.
Mr. Opande earned his Associates degree in Applied Science from Houston Community College System in the year 1999, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Environmental Science from the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Texas Southern University (TSU) in the year 2001. In the year 2003, he enrolled for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program with a concentration in Global Management at the University of Phoenix before earning admission to the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at TSU in the year 2004. He graduated from the School of Law in the year 2007, and was certified to practice law in Texas by the Supreme Court of Texas in February of 2008. He is also licensed to practice Federal Law in the United States Federal Courts by the United States District Court, Southern District and Northern District of Texas.
He is a member of the American Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, Texas Young Lawyers Association, and African Bar Association.
He serves on the boards of several for-profit organizations in the US, among them Kenya USA Diaspora SACCO, which is headquartered in Atlanta-Georgia, and where he serves as Chair – Supervisory and Advisory Committee, and Tumaini Investment Group (TIG) based in Dallas-Texas where he serves as a Legal Counsel. He also serves in the boards of several non-profit organizations including Houston-Texas based Kenyan Society in Houston (KENSHO), where he was Founding President and remains an advisor, Houston-Texas based Culturally Yours International (CYI) and Ohio based Gusii Educational Advancement Resource (GEAR).