2024 M.I.C Honorees
Getu Gelete Dugda
CEO & Founder
Getu Commercials Ethiopia
Getu Gelete is a leading Ethiopian businessman known for his visionary leadership and major impact on the nation’s economy. Since he was 17 years old; he was involved with family textiles sales. His diverse portfolio spans real estate, construction materials, machinery, hospitality, and recently, cement production. Getu Gelete’s business philosophy focuses on creating value for his community and Ethiopia. His ventures have generated thousands of jobs and boosted the economy. He aims to transform struggling enterprises like Habesha Cement into profitable and productive Entities. Getu Gelete recently acquired a 40% stake in Habesha Cement S.C., buying out Pretoria Portland Cement Company Ltd (PPC), and now effectively controls the company with his existing 21% stake. This deal, valued at over half a billion Birr, is set to boost Habesha Cement’s productivity and strengthen Getu’s industrial influence in Ethiopia. Beyond cement, Getu introduced the RAMADA hotel brand to Addis Ababa, securing an investment from WYNDHAM HOTELS GROUP for the RAMADA Addis. He also owns Get-As International Plc, a conglomerate with six subsidiaries, and has significantly impacted Addis Ababa’s real estate sector through developments like the Getu Commercial Centre. He is a visionary leader who has made a lasting impact on Ethiopia’s economic landscape. His diverse business interests, commitment to quality, and dedication to his country have earned him a reputation as one of Ethiopia’s most influential entrepreneurs. Getu Gelete’s journey is far from over. He continues to expand his business empire, with plans for further investments in Ethiopia’s cement, hospitality, and real estate sectors. His goal is to elevate Ethiopia’s industrial and economic standing on the global stage. As he continues to grow his business empire, Getu remains focused on creating opportunities that benefit both his people and his country, ensuring that his legacy will be felt for generations to come.
Donald L. Hense
Founder of Friendship Public Charter Schools
Donald L. Hense, lHense is the founder and board chairman of the Friendship Charter Network, the largest African-American-led charter school network in America. Hense’s accomplishment is significant, because, while over 80 percent of charter school students are Black or Latino, fewer than 10 percent of charter schools are founded and led by Blacks or Latinos, according to a study by the Brookings Institute. Three-quarters of the students enrolled in Friendship schools in D.C. are from Wards 7 and 8, the city’s two poorest areas, and nearly all are African-American. Their achievement is reflected in their continuous improvement on standardized tests. Most recently, Hense and his team celebrated, when five of Friendship’s 12 D.C. schools were rated Tier 1 by the Public Charter School Board – the highest of three ratings a charter school can earn. As a native of St. Louis and graduate of Morehouse College and Stanford University, Hense has long understood the power of a quality education. But for years he had no interest in working in K-12 education. He was serving as executive director of Friendship House Association, a non-profit serving low-income families in Washington D.C., when he was approached by an executive from a local charter operator about using Friendship House to charter a school. After some reflection, he agreed to transfer his experience fighting intergenerational poverty to the fight for quality public education. Hense made history as the first African American to win a grant from New Schools Venture Fund, which supports charter school founders. Friendship was among the first group of schools chartered by the D.C. Public Charter School Board in 1998. Twenty years later, it has12 campuses for students in grades Pre-K3 to 12 in D.C., an online school, and schools in Baton Rouge, La., Baltimore, Md., and Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Donald serves as chairman of the Center for Youth and Family Investment, which provides extended learning programs to more than 2,000 children daily. He also co-founded the Bridges to Friendship Initiative, which spurred the Navy Yard revitalization and was recognized by Vice President Al Gore as a model community initiative. Donald has served as vice president of the National Urban League, director of development of the Children’s Defense Fund, and director of governmental relations at Howard University, Boston University and Dartmouth College. He is a board member of the Center for Education Reform and the D.C. Arts and Humanities Collaborative and is treasurer of the D.C. Association of Charter Schools. In 2011, Donald was inducted into the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame. Donald received his B.A. from Morehouse College and attended graduate school at Stanford University. He was a Rockefeller intern in economics at Cornell University, a Merrill scholar at the University of Ghana, a Ford Foundation fellow at Stanford University and a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley.
Gregory D. Yancey, Esq
Chief of Staff – Governor’s Office, Community Initiatives, Attorney, Minister, Author.
Gregory D. Yancey, Esq., is an attorney, minister, author, and community warrior. Mr. Yancey is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park (C’95) and Georgetown University Law Center (C’98). He has practiced law as: an associate; in-house counsel; and principal owner of a law firm. Mr. Yancey devoted a substantial portion of his practice to working with juvenile defendants. He has mentored them in aspects of career development, social etiquette, and community responsibility. He also helps young lawyers to become even better lawyers usually with the one condition that they pay it forward. Mr. Yancey is the past president of The Waring Mitchell Law Society of Howard County, past Chair of the Social Justice Committee for The African American Community Roundtable, and past Chair of the Political Action Committee for the Howard Co. NAACP. He is also the 2015 recipient of the UMCP Black Male Initiative “Community Warrior” Award. Mr. Yancey currently serves the state of Maryland as Chief of Staff for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. In this capacity, he has the opportunity to advance issues, events, and infrastructure to ensure that no one is left behind. Mr. Yancey also engages the community through ministry, moderating town hall discussions, motivational speaking, and public testimony. His greatest work and enjoyment can be found in his family (his wife, Jewell; his son, Gregory; his stepdaughter, Cora) and in adhering to the call of God on his life.
Will Yemi Jawando
Councilmember-At-Large, Montgomery County
About Will Councilmember Will Jawando is an attorney, activist, and community leader with a lifelong dedication to public service. His career has been crafted by a unique combination of grit, compassion, and integrity. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland to a Nigerian father and white Kansan mother, Will’s bi-racial identity gave him an appreciation for the varied experiences life in America can bring. Raised in a low-income household, he was determined to secure a successful future for himself through the pathway of education. Growing Up When he was a teenager, tragedy struck when one of his best friends was killed in a senseless act of gun violence. The aftermath of this ordeal would be the catalyst that would solidify Will’s commitment to becoming an agent of change through public service. With unwavering dedication, he earned a B.A. in Sociology from Catholic University of America and completed his J.D. from their prestigious Columbus School of Law. While attending Catholic University, he started the first NAACP chapter on their campus – a move that would chart the course for his burgeoning career in law and politics. Journey in Public Service Described as “the progressive leader we need” by revered civil rights activist and Congressman, John Lewis, Will has worked with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Sherrod Brown, and then-Senator Barack Obama. During the 8-year Obama Administration, Will had the honor of serving as Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, followed by a position as an advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. He has worked tirelessly to ensure a quality education, opportunities for prosperity and guaranteed civil rights are available to every American. Will continued his dedication to public service in Montgomery County and in 2014, he founded Our Voices Matter-Maryland, a social justice non-profit that works with all communities to develop broader civic engagement, grassroots activism and leadership. In 2017, he spearheaded Summer R.I.S.E., a summer job shadowing program in partnership with Worksource Montgomery, state and county government, and Montgomery County Public Schools that placed over 400 high school students in enriching career experiences. Will is also a co-founder of the African Immigrant Caucus (AIC) whose mission is to increase civic engagement, economic development and political participation of Africans in the diaspora, in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. At The County Council Will was elected and sworn-in as an at-large Montgomery County councilmember in December 2018, and again in December 2022, with the support of a diverse coalition from across the county. Will’s platform was based on what he calls The MOCO Promise, something he believes all Montgomery County residents are entitled to: A safe, vibrant and inclusive community, with great schools and a strong economy. Understanding that not everyone shares in the promise of Montgomery County, Will is committed to fighting to keep the promise for all residents. It’s Will’s family and friends that keep him grounded and focused on what’s most important in life. A devoted husband and father of four beautiful children, his family is his greatest achievement. He and his wife Michele work together to create a loving and safe environment for their children, and won’t rest until Americans everywhere can have the same.
Shawn Townsend
RAMW President & CEO
Shawn Townsend, RAMW President & CEO, joined the Association in January 2023. Townsend is a veteran communicator and leader with a career dedicated to building trusted expertise in public-private partnerships. No stranger to the restaurant world, he grew up in the industry in his father’s restaurant. As he built his career, Townsend spent more than a decade in the District of Columbia government, eventually appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser as the inaugural Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture. In that role, he advised the administration on the issues affecting much of the city’s hospitality industry, serving as a conduit to the business community while identifying engagement opportunities. He was integral in developing the District’s strategic hospitality engagement plan both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and brings to his role at RAMW a wealth of knowledge and contemporary expertise. Previously a Principal at Dewey Square, he supported the firm’s State and Local Affairs and Multicultural Strategies practice, engaging with clients to provide strategic guidance and awareness campaigns to address public policy issues. The insights, best practices, and relationships he brings to RAMW will be integral to the organization’s continued success.
Jabari Young
Senior Writer and Editor, Forbes
Jabari Young is a senior writer at Forbes covering business and editorial lead of ForbesBLK. Previously, he covered sports business at CNBC, ranging from professional league media deals, sponsorships, labor agreements, and athlete portfolios. Before joining Forbes, Jabari worked at The Athletic, San Antonio Express-News, and Comcast SportsNet. A North Philadelphia native, Jabari graduated from Temple University in 2008, where he majored in journalism and communications.
Martin Ezemma, MBA
Director of International Business, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
Martin Ezemma is a strategic and insightful business leader with extensive experience in international business development and economic strategies. Graduating with an MBA from The George Washington University. Martin has an impressive background in the healthcare and financial services sectors, which he leveraged into his current role as the Director of International Business at the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. His work focuses on fostering global business connections and enhancing local economic development through foreign direct investment and export promotion. Martin has successfully led numerous trade missions, contributing significantly to economic ties between Prince George’s County and various international markets. His role involves strategic oversight of the county’s foreign trade zones and providing comprehensive support to local businesses in reaching international markets. Martin’s efforts extend beyond mere business transactions; he is keenly involved in developing long-term international relationships and strategic partnerships. Beyond his professional achievements, Martin’s academic pursuits have been equally notable. He undertook an online Healthcare MBA at The George Washington University, where he honed his skills in strategic management and entrepreneurial ventures. This educational experience has been pivotal, providing him with the expertise necessary to navigate complex business environments and contribute effectively to the healthcare industry’s growth. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident in his pursuit of technical knowledge through additional certification. Martin Ezemma’s career is a testament to his dedication to both local and international economic development, his innovative approach to business challenges, and his commitment to leveraging education and professional experiences to foster economic growth and development.
Shawn Hardnett
Founder and CEO of Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys PCS
Shawn Hardnett is Statesmen Academy for Boys Founder & Chief Executive Officer. This is a school that is created for and by Black boys and uses a boy-friendly pedagogy to ensure that boys receive highly effective instruction. This school is also one that thrives on eliminating barriers; as it provides students with uniforms and various cultural field experiences at no expense to families. Shawn has 20 years of experience as a teacher and leader in education equity and reform. Shawn has considerable experience training teachers, administrators and school leaders, as well as a significant track record of success in school transformation. From 2012-16, he was involved in school reform efforts at two Charter Management Organizations in D.C., Center City Public Charter Schools and Friendship Public Charter Schools where he served as Chief of Schools. Shawn’s time with both these organizations led to sustained academic growth, increases in both student and staff retention, as well as the ascension of many of their campuses to Tier One designation. Shawn also spent two years at New Leaders for New Schools Incorporated as National Executive Director for Programs, Director of Charter Leadership Development and Charter Leadership Coach. In these capacities, he trained more than 100 school leaders nation-wide and 30 in the D.C. area, many of whom have gone on to lead high-performing Tier One charter schools. Shawn served on the foundation of two KIPP schools, as a Founding Teacher and Administrator with KIPP Bayview Academy in San Francisco and then as Founder and Head of School at KIPP Polaris College Preparatory Academy for Boys in Houston. One of his most recent accomplishments is in the creation of a thriving Critical Exposure program that ensures that all 7th and 8th grade boys at Statesmen obtain passports and travel to Europe and Africa–completely covered by the school. Since 2023, Shawn has ensured that over 150 Black boys in Washington, DC have gained this experience. He is creating well-traveled young Black men. Shawn earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Elementary Education from Buffalo State College. He also holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from National Louis University.
C. Vincent Iweanoge
Principal Director of Havit Inc. Founding Chairman; African Diaspora Advisory Board, Prince George’s County, MD
Driven by the challenges facing the private sector in West Africa, Mr. Iweanoge has dedicated his expertise to empowering small businesses and fostering entrepreneurial growth through financial consulting. His unwavering commitment to this cause has been instrumental in securing vital funding and driving economic development in the region. As the Principal Director of Havit Inc., a leading Financial Brokerage and advisory firm based in Washington, D.C., Mr. Iweanoge collaborates with small and mid-sized businesses to identify opportunities and implement best practices. He also assists international firms in securing project and trade financing through his extensive network of financial institutions in Africa. As CEO of Hotel Concept Group Inc., Mr. Iweanoge leads ambitious initiatives to bring a 5-star Hilton to Liberia and an international brand to Nigeria, with a visionary plan to develop ten hotels over the next decade. Additionally, he serves as the Regional Director and Business development Director for VOGO GROUP International, a South Korean conglomerate specializing in the energy, trade, and power sectors. Mr. Iweanoge’s leadership extends to public service. He is the founding Chairman of the African Diaspora Advisory Board for Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA. His dedication to advancing equity and serving the best interests of all citizens is further recognized by his appointment as Chair of the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs in Maryland. A memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities of Guinea-Bissau, and Havit Inc. underscores his significant role in international relations. This agreement includes retaining Havit Inc. as a Resource Mobilizer for international investment opportunities in Guinea-Bissau and appointing Mr. Iweanoge as the International Investment Advisor and Resource Mobilizer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guinea-Bissau.
Dr. Andraé Townsel
First Black Superintendent, Calvert County, MD
Dr. Andraé Townsel was born and raised in the beautiful state of Michigan. As a student-athlete at Cass Technical High School, he earned a football scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC. His football scholarship ultimately turned into a doctoral degree. He earned his bachelors, masters, and doctorate all from Howard University and began his educational career in the District of Columbia. He had the privilege of working in every level of the educational system and excelled. He served as a student teacher, teacher, football and basketball head coach, assistant dean, dean of students, central office specialist, assistant principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent, and a highly effective superintendent. On July 1, 2022, Dr. Andraé Townsel became the first black superintendent in the history of Calvert County, Maryland. Excellence in Truth and Service, Andrae Townsel, Ed. D
Fr. Gabriel Muteru
Chaplain – Kenyan Catholic Community in America; DMV St. Francis Jumuiya
My name is Fr. Gabriel Muteru, Ph.D. I am a Catholic Priest serving in the Diocese of Arlington Virginia as Chaplain and Director of Ministry and Spiritual Life at Marymount University. I was born and raised in Kenya, in a small remote village of Embaringo in Nyeri. I received my seminary training in Kenya and I was ordained for the Archdiocese of Nyeri. After my ordination to priesthood, I served as a parish priest and then as a Vice-Rector at Christ the King Major Seminary, Nyeri, Kenya. I later did my philosophy studies in Pamplona Spain where I obtained a Licentiate (equivalent of a Master’s degree) in philosophy. At the same time, I had the advantage of learning the Spanish language and culture. I later came to the United States to pursue my doctorate in philosophy. After my graduation, I became Chaplain at Molloy College on Long Island New York and at the same doing parish work. I later became Chaplain at St. Joseph’s College of Maine before moving to Marymount University in Virginia. I also teach online classes in philosophy at St. John’s University, Queens, New York. I have also taught at Molloy College and Dowling College, both in New York. I also serve as the Patron or Chaplain for the Kenyan Catholic Community in America. This is a group that promotes unity, faith and collaboration among Catholics of Kenyan descent in America. The Kenyan Catholic Community in America is composed of Chapters from different States in America which hold worship services and communal events in their local groups or Jumuiyas. I am also the Chaplain for the group in the DMV area known as DMV St. Francis Jumuiya. I feel so honored and privileged to serve the people of God. From them I learn a lot as I am given an opportunity to serve them. It is always my intention to bring optimism and positivity to those whom I work with or to those I meet. I’m always aware that life is sometimes complicated or difficult for some people who would always appreciate a word of encouragement or guidance through the gifts we are endowed with by the Holy Spirit. I always try to live up to my title as “Father Gabriel” to be there for those whom I serve in their joys and sorrows. I always pray that the Lord change me that I may be able to direct change in others.
Ryan Jones
Head Lacrosse Coach Morehouse College
For over 15 years and counting, Ryan Jones, a Prince George’s County native, has left his mark on and off the lacrosse field. Jones took up lacrosse as a junior at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School to emulate his idol, former NFL running back Jim Brown. Growing up, Jones lacked the financial resources to afford coaching, so he taught himself to play. As a head coach, Jones has brought lacrosse to a more diverse player base. Jones has played an integral role in elevating lacrosse programs at HBCUs, helping to build lacrosse programs from the ground up at Howard University, Bowie State, and Morehouse College. Jones has even taken his talents to Africa, helping the nations of Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Uganda by organizing lacrosse equipment donation drives and coaches’ and players’ educational clinics to help these countries have the opportunity to play in the Olympic games in 2028 when lacrosse becomes an official Olympic Sport. Jones is currently a student at Montgomery College with a 4.0 GPA.
Dr. Oliver T Reid
“The Writing Coach,” Motivational Speaker, HE MEN CONFERENCE
Dr. Oliver T. Reid is an international multi-bestselling and award-winning author, motivational speaker, and the founder and president of I Am a Solution Consulting Firm, LLC, a human development organization providing specialized relationship, business consulting, counseling, and coaching services. Known as “The Writing Coach,” he uses cutting-edge writing coaching techniques to help Entrepreneurs, Speakers, and Coaches while leading them to live to their highest potential. In addition, he is the creator of the revolutionary interactive card game for singles and couples, The InnerView™. Within the past seven years, Dr. Reid has published 25 bestselling books, contributed to 12 anthologies, and has won multiple awards for his literary work, including the 2016 IALA Distinction of Excellence Legendary Honoree and NAACP 2016-2017 Black Men Image Award. Dr. Oliver T. Reid has had the distinct honor of speaking to millions around the world and coaching individuals on four continents. Dr. Reid has been featured on HuffPost, Black Enterprise, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Roku TV, and other international media outlets.
Francis Kangere Wangui
Realtor, Real Estate Investor
Francis Kangere Wangui is an exceptional young professional who embarked on his real estate career at the remarkable age of 19. His unparalleled passion and drive for real estate investing have set him apart from his peers, enabling him to swiftly gain invaluable experience in the field. A key factor in Francis’s success as a real estate professional is his adeptness at building a strong clientele portfolio. Over the years, he has diligently established relationships with clients from diverse regions, including Miami, New York, and Baltimore, Maryland. Francis’s dedication and hard work were further validated when he earned his certification as a realtor in the state of Maryland. This significant achievement allowed him to broaden his expertise and cement his status as a trusted authority in the real estate industry. Currently, Francis is an integral part of a team that manages over 700 residential properties in Baltimore, Maryland. His sharp attention to detail and robust business acumen enable him to play a crucial role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of these properties. By continually honing his skills and expanding his knowledge, Francis has firmly established himself as an expert in the field. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and relentless hard work in achieving success in real estate.
Jamaal Smith
Wireless Technology Leader, VP, Kajeet
Jamaal Smith is the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Private Networks at Kajeet®, where he directs the company’s initiatives in the private wireless networks sector. With over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and wireless infrastructure, Smith specializes in public sector, IoT, and federal market sales. Before joining Kajeet, he served as Vice President of Sales for the Eastern Region at Geoverse, and held several leadership roles during his 18-year tenure at Verizon, including Area Vice President of Federal Sales, Managing Director of Sales for Wholesale, and Director of Business Sales. A seasoned leader, Smith has effectively transformed sales teams into high-performing units focused on delivering customer-centric solutions. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is actively involved with a local nonprofit, T.H.U.G.S Inc dba Man2Man, dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth in Montgomery County. Smith has also been a youth basketball coach for over two decades, where he has nurtured the development of young men aged 8-17, emphasizing the translation of basketball skills into life skills. His coaching career is distinguished by having guided over 100 young athletes to college, many of whom have progressed to professional basketball careers. He resides in Montgomery County, MD with his wife. Smith has 3 daughters and 2 sons that he enjoys spending his time with.
Yusuf Henriques
Founder, CEO, IndyGeneUS AI & IndyGeneUS Institute
Yusuf N. Henriques is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndyGeneUS AI & IndyGeneUS Institute (pronounced indigenous) a precision genomics company aiming to create the world’s largest blockchain-encrypted digital health platform of indigenous and diasporic African clinical and genomic data. Their genomics laboratory is located at the Center for Genetic Medicine Research (CGMR) in Washington, DC, on the historic grounds of the old Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where Henriques once walked the halls as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. The Jamaican-born immigrant is a serial start-up visionary whose companies are at the helm of technology and thrive at the intersection of financial and health equity. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of founders and was recently named a 2022 Techstars Mentor-In- Residence. Henriques is a sought after thought leader where he frequently speaks on the importance of precision health equity and the power of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), with an emphasis on BIPOC communities. Prior to Henriques’ start-up ventures he was a sought after regulatory affairs expert. He launched his career in the regulatory space as the acting Branch Chief for the Ob/Gyn, Gastroenterology, and Urology Divisions in the Center for Device and Radiological Health at the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). He served as Director of Regulatory Affairs for SAIC, where he oversaw regulatory compliance strategies for multi-site clinical trials. He was a lead regulatory scientist for the Strategic Innovation Group (SIG) at Booz Allen Hamilton and Senior Research Health Scientist for Outpatient Psychiatry at the James J. Peters Veteran Affairs Medical Center in The Bronx, NY. Henriques managed a $45M scientific portfolio for a large multi-center clinical trial research project in PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries) for the VA Cooperative Study Research Program and the Department of Defense, where he studied alongside Rachel Yehuda, the Vice-chair of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) Psychiatry Department. It was through his association with ISMMS that he gained exclusive rights to the patent for the PTSD genomic assay (TruGen-1) that he developed under his first start-up TruGenomix (Polaris Genomics). The patent is currently being piloted at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) hospitals nationwide to address the high rate of suicides in the veteran and active-duty populations. The Howard University graduate earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Magna Cum Laude). He is a proud father of four girls, an avid LinkedIn contributor, and a lover of soccer.