Current Board Members
Elsa Juko-McDowell
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.
Mr. Morgan has presented at major technical conferences including ASIS regarding Security ROI, ISC Solutions on Leveraging the Power of the One-Card Solutions for Higher Education, and at DOJ’s Annual Cybersecurity Conference on Managing Risk in a Dynamic Environment.
Mr. Morgan supports major Economic Development initiatives both domestic and international relating to intelligent “smart” cities, ICT operating companies and related cloud services (G2G, G2C, G2B, B2B, B2C, etc.). One of his most notable accomplishments included the original ICT master planning for the King Abdullah Economic City in Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Morgan served as a Senior Technical Advisor on behalf of the World Bank to oversee the design, development, commissioning, staffing and operations of the Rwanda National Data Center (Tier IV architecture) and Internet Virtual Landing Point including the security of those technology assets and services housed within this significant Kigali facility. It currently operates, manages and protects over $380+ million USD of broadband technology assets supporting the East African Community’s emerging cloud services markets.
Mr. Morgan received his Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University.
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
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
Lydiah Tate is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial industry. Currently serving as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker at Truist Bank, Lydiah has dedicated more than two decades to leadership roles, guiding teams and managing client relationships in the banking sector. Her extensive expertise spans commercial banking, financial strategy, and corporate growth.
Lydiah’s global perspective is shaped by her diverse educational background and multilingual capabilities. She earned a Diploma in German from the Goethe Institute and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Memphis, Tennessee. Further enhancing her leadership and business acumen, she completed an Executive MBA from the University of Phoenix. Her education in both Germany and the USA has empowered her to navigate complex financial environments with cultural insight and strategic vision.
Beyond her professional career, Lydiah is an active contributor to her community. She serves as an Advisory Board Director for the Melissa Chamber of Commerce, a board member of The Warren Center, and the East African Business Network (EABN). Additionally, she is involved with Girl Gone Gorgeous, demonstrating her commitment to supporting various community initiatives and causes.
Her leadership and commitment to excellence have made her a respected figure in both the financial and consulting industries.
Karen Muigai Henry
Karen Muigai Henry, a renowned community leader, Software Engineer, founder of Exceeding Grace Today and EGT Consulting LLC
Karen is a graduate of Keller School of Management, where she achieved an MBA and MIS. She has worked in many organizations in the United States and currently works as a Software Engineer in an Insurance Company. Karen is also the President of EGT Consulting and the founder of Exceeding Grace Today, a Non-Profit organization that supports and feeds the needy back in her home country Kenya. The organization was started after experiencing several suicide attempts in the community, mostly from single parents’ homes. It is centered on helping to empower Single Parents who struggle to bring their children alone by holding meetings with them to encourage and offer counseling services for those in need.
Karen is a community leader and does a lot of volunteer work. She serves as a Director of Kenyan Women In The USA (KWITU) Safe Haven, which deals mostly with domestic violence. She is also the board secretary of East Africa Business Network (EABN), a dynamic organization that promotes trade and investments between the United States and East Africa. Additionally, Karen is the Director of Women Empowerment in One Voice Consortium (OVC). She is a strong believer in giving back and she serves her community in different capacities in various organizations.
Ms. Jolly Kahunde
Ms. Jolly Kahunde, a philanthropist and a children’s activist, is based in Dallas Texas. Ms. Kahunde has been in the healthcare industry for the past 9 years. Ms. Kahunde has always had a heart for helping those in need and her time in healthcare has heightened the heart of helping and giving back.
Ms.Kahunde has been active member in the Ugandan American Association of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth (UAA Greater DFW) organization since she joined the community over ten years ago up-to-date. She took her philanthropic heart to another level and founded an organization for less and under privileged children of Uganda.
Ms. Kahunde Is the Founder and Vice President of Malayika Rescue Missions (MRM). A 501c3 not for profit organization centered around providing education and healthcare for children deprived of opportunity in order to help them become productive members of their societies. This organization has sent over 30 children to school with all requirements. MRM has provided HIV counseling, proper nutrition and other basic needs to the scholars that have affected by the virus. Ms. Kahunde is also a member of Mid- Cities Pacesetters Rotary Club, that is based on the core values of lending a hand to surrounding communities and its people such as food drives and other community services.
She is strongly passionate about giving back and serving her community with different organizations in varying capacities.
FareedZein El Abdin
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
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
Cynthia Kafwihi
I am a member of the East African community and very enthusiastic about being impactful in anything I have set out to do. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in International Trade and Marketing.
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as an EABN Board member. I am excited to work in this organization. When we develop diverse talent, positive outcomes are accomplished, and this is why I joined EABN. I aim to create value for all East Africans and other industries in the international businesses ready to invest in the East African region.
I come with years of experience in planning and marketing, and I plan to contribute positively to achieve more and take a chance in the big leagues.
I currently run PK Mfadhili LLC. Our mission is to raise funds to furnish rural healthcare centers with medical equipment and supplies in Kenya. We plan to expand to other African countries in the future. We currently work with the approval of the local county governments to upgrade the small medical facilities.
I am also an entrepreneur, with a strong passion for serving the DFW community.
Peter Awori
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 Secretary on the Executive Board of the Kenya Diaspora Advisory Council of Texas – a non-profit organization geared to uplifting, promoting, and empowering Kenyans in Texas. He also serves as an Executive 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
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.
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.
Melanie Mulamba
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
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
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
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.
Oliver Nizeyimana
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
Advisory Board Members
Frank Kanobana
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 Juko
Dr. Tana J. Hicks serves as the Senior Director of the Labor Market Intelligence Center at Dallas College. She joined the team in the spring of 2018 to explore and analyze local industry data to aid in the effort of better aligning Dallas College students with local workforce needs. Now, she leads the team under the mission of addressing socioeconomic barriers that revolve around the academic experience. Tana is passionate about equity and inclusivity, and as such, she leans on it as a focal point in all the work she does, starting as far back as her dissertation work, which she completed in 2017. Dr. Hicks has worked in the education sector for over 15 years as an instructor, professor, researcher, and leader.
Dr. Hicks has been an active board member and advisor for both EACC and EABN since 2019 and 2022, respectively. Her dedication to empowering women and young people shines through every year as she contributes to Women Connecting Women and participates in educational panels facilitated by the organizations.
Tana earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in African American Literature at the University of North Texas and holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and a Master of Arts degree in English from Texas Tech University. She is a mother to two beautiful, smart, kind children and has been married to her wonderful husband since September 2020.
Caili Morgan
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
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
A National Leadership Award as Honorary Co-Chairman Business Advisory Council from Congressman Tom De Lay.
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.
Laban Opande —Juris Doctor (JD), MBA, BSc.
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).
