Karine Sokpoh
Chief Executive Officer
402 Legal
Karine Sokpoh
PresidentMs. Karine Egbemimo Sokpoh, is the visionary founder and CEO of the Midlands African Chamber. Her remarkable journey encompasses law, advocacy, and community empowerment, reflecting a career marked by excellence and service.
Ms. Sokpoh embodies a commitment to advancing global trade, legal expertise, and inclusive entrepreneurship. As the driving force behind 402Legal, Ms. Sokpoh has established a legacy of excellence in immigration, international law, and corporate matters. She brings a wealth of academic accomplishments to her role, holding a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Lomé in Togo, West Africa, and a Bachelor of General Studies in Communications with a minor in Women's Studies from the University of Nebraska Omaha.
Ms. Sokpoh obtained her Juris Doctor, Magna Cum Laude, from Creighton University School of Law, with a Certificate of Concentration in International and Comparative Law.Her accolades speak volumes about her contributions, including the Judge Elizabeth D. Pittman Award for Excellence in Legal Service (2024), the Inclusive Leadership Award from African Immigrant Family Services (2023), the African American Leadership Award in Business from the Urban League of Nebraska (2023), and the Reisman Award by Clio (2022), among others.
As the founder and CEO of the Midlands African Chamber, Inc., Ms. Sokpoh has championed diversity and entrepreneurship in Nebraska's business landscape. Her leadership extends beyond boardrooms, as she actively serves on the Global Partners in Hope Advisory Board and as president of the MAC Foundation board, driving impactful change and fostering economic growth.
Fluent in French, English, and Mina, Ms. Sokpoh’s linguistic versatility enhances her advocacy efforts, facilitating communication and representation for clients from diverse backgrounds. Her passion for empowerment and entrepreneurship is further evident in her role as a motivational speaker and esteemed law instructor, where she imparts wisdom on topics ranging from women and girls’ issues to business and immigration law.
Ms. Karine Sokpoh’s multifaceted contributions exemplify her unwavering dedication to community service, legal excellence, and fostering inclusive growth. As a beacon of leadership and advocacy, she continues to inspire positive change and elevate the voices of underrepresented communities in Nebraska and beyond.
Laban Njuguna
Board President and Chair
Zabuni Specialty Coffee
Laban Njuguna
Board President and ChairLaban Njuguna has joined the board of the Midlands African Chamber, as its new Board President and Chair. Laban is a dynamic and results-driven business leader with robust experience launching successful business ventures while continually striving to give back to local and international communities. Originally from Kenya, Laban is the CEO of Zabuni Specialty Coffee and a state of Nebraska Commissioner for African American Affairs.
He is able to leverage exceptional technical, decision- making, and communication skills to spearhead high- profile projects and deliver stellar results within strict deadlines. In his previous roles, he was recognized as a visionary leader who focused on making the world a better place, one experience at a time.
Philipe Bruce
VP of advocacy
The Bloc
Philipe Bruce
VP of advocacyPhilipe (Phil) Bruce, is a skilled cybersecurity professional and the visionary founder of The Bloc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and youth in Omaha and Lincoln. As a published author, Phil has shared his expertise in Organizational Management as an instructor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, in collaboration with the Nebraska Business Development Center. His passion for meaningful connections is evident in his work. Phil's extensive knowledge in International Business Law and advocacy further defines his multifaceted career. In his leisure time, Phil enjoys the strategic world of chess as an amateur player, reflecting his analytical and thoughtful approach to both professional and personal pursuits.
Folly Gnininvi
VP of Fundraising
Cox
Folly Gnininvi
VP of FundraisingFolly Gnininvi is a Technical Operations Engineer at Cox. Beyond his professional expertise, Folly finds joy in immersing himself in literature, and when he's not engrossed in a good read, Folly cherishes the moments spent with his loved ones, prioritizing quality time with his family. Serving as an ID&E Culture Program Manager at Cox, he passionately works to foster a culture of unity and acceptance across the company. Folly's dedication to his work, love for literature, commitment to family, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion truly define him as a multifaceted individual making a positive impact in both his professional and personal spheres.
Martine Quartey
VP of Membership
Radio personality, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and speaker
Martine Quartey
VP of MembershipMartine Quartey is our new VP of membership. She is a radio personality, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and speaker, who partners with small business owners, authors, and community leaders to help them gain exposure for their businesses. She has landed coverage in print and broadcast outlets, including 95.7 FM THE BOSS, KPAO Public Access Cable TV, the Omaha World-Herald, and the Omaha Star Newspaper.
Taylor Johnson
VP of Marketing
WOWT
Taylor Johnson
VP of MarketingOriginally from the DMV area, Taylor Johnson is an Omaha-based anchor and reporter, a public speaker, and a mentor to undergraduate journalism students.
Johnson has experience as an anchor/reporter at WOWT News, morning reporter at KCTV5 News in Kansas City, anchor/reporter for WTWO in Terre Haute, Indiana, and digital content producer at ABC13 News in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Taylor graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, earning her B.A. in Broadcast Journalism in 2015.
Ishmael Samuel
Chair of the Pitch Black Committee
Paragon
Ishmael Samuel
Chair of the Pitch Black CommitteeIshmael Samuel grew up in Omaha, Nebraska after he moved here as a Sudanese refugee when he was three years old. He is the co-founder and CTO of Los Angeles-based startup, Paragon that recently raised a $13 million Series A round after being founded in 2019. Ishmael and his co-founder Brandon Foo were honored in 2021's Forbes 30 Under 30. An engineer, executive, and entrepreneur, Samuel’s mission is to use technology to build a better, more equitable world. The software products he has built, have been used by millions of people, raised millions in venture funding, made millions in revenue, and include multiple acquisitions. His customers include Uber, Universal Studios, and dozens of other startups, corporations, and non-profits.
He joined the MAC Board in Janurary 2024 and is the current Chair of the Pitch Black Committee.
Euloge Sekle
Treasurer
Bank of America
Euloge Sekle
TreasurerEuloge Sekle, was born and raised in Togo West Africa, where he graduated from high school, and a few years in college in prelaw and Anthropology, transitioning to continue higher education in the United States of America. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with marketing as emphasis from Bellevue University.
Euloge Sekle have an extensive banking experience helping small businesses, from Wells Fargo and is currently holding the position as Senior Banker, Consumer and Small business Banking at Bank of America.
Euloge Sekle is a huge community enthusiast and love volunteering with so many non-profit organizations are the metro area. Euloge is board member of Midlands African Chamber, as treasurer. Euloge Sekle is also honored to be the chair of Pitch-Black competition planning committee for the Midlands African Chamber in Omaha. He was a diversity and inclusion council member for BLUPRINT NEBRASKA, a statewide effort to brainstorming, and working on impacting legislation at the local and state level to help Nebraska economic prosperity. Served as teacher and presenter of financial literacy at the annual Omaha Teen Summit, with the collaboration with black police officers Association, along with KAPA ALPHA PSI fraternity INC. Euloge is also a member of MBA (Millard business Association), and West O Chamber. For my love to giving back to the community, I often volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and volunteer to teach financial literacy in Benson high School and other school around the metro area, with Avenue Scholar, Urban League of Nebraska, Omaha Home for boys, Metropolitan Community College and so many others. Also, Coach and judge at the No More Empty Pots Entrepreneurship competition, entrepreneurship judge and coach for UNO Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Franchising, as well as Midlands African chamber Inc.
Fidele Mienso
Operations Manager
Nouvelle Beautée, LLC
Fidele Mienso
Operations ManagerCurrently serving as the Operations Manager at the Midlands African Chamber, Fidèle Mienso, brings her fervent passion for leadership and community advancement to the forefront. Her dedication to driving dynamic initiatives is underscored by her diverse professional experiences.
Originally from Togo in West Africa, Fidele attained her Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. With a robust background in administrative roles, including positions at UNMC as an Administrative Assistant and as a Community Health Advocate at CHI Health, she has cultivated a keen understanding of organizational operations and community engagement.
Fidèle stands as a distinguished community leader, leveraging over a decade of experience at the helm of her business, Nouvelle Beautée, where she serves as CEO. Her tenure as a seasoned entrepreneur underscores her exceptional leadership acumen and strategic vision. Through Nouvelle Beautée, Fidèle has not only established herself as a trailblazer in the beauty industry but also as a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and engagement.
With her unwavering commitment to excellence and a profound understanding of community dynamics, Fidèle embodies the essence of effective leadership. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful initiatives has earned her widespread recognition as a respected figure within her community and beyond.
Luper Akough
Member at Large
Clout Enterprises
Luper Akough
Member at LargeLuper Akough, first generation Nigerian American is the Co-Founder of Clout Enterprises, Principal Agent at Sommelier Insurance Group, Owner of Refined Properties & Owner/ Master Franchiser at Anago Cleaning Systems. He started his entrepreneurial adventure at 12 years of age: “Dope Lawn Care Services” was the name. He then expanded his business by helping local friends make money alongside him. In that, he was able to grow his lawn contracts. When Luper became of adult age, he knew entrepreneurship is where he belonged. He had a passion to help others that wanted to help themselves. Luper pivoted to a new industry and has spent the past 12 years working for a few of the top Property & Casualty Companies in the nation and has truly found a home as an independent insurance agent and co-founder of Sommelier Insurance Group..
Luper was able to grow his agency to over 1400 households in 12 short years with word of mouth advertising. Over the years, Luper grew an interest in Real Estate, so he started another company in which he bought, sold, and held real estate property. Luper owns Logistics Company with 125 employees running 50 trucks daily. He was recently a 2022 Next Pioneer Fellow with the Nebraska Start- Up Collaborative, 2019 fellow participant with Leadership Omaha, 2017 40 Under 40 Award by the Midland’s Business Journal & a 2016 New Leaders Council of NE Alumni. He currently serves on the following boards: Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Aksarben Floor Committee, Chair of the American National Bank of Omaha Emerging Leaders Advisory Board, Midlands African Chamber of Commerce & Carver Bank of Omaha. He enjoys traveling, trying new cuisine, and spending time with family and friends.
Ali Husain
Member at Large
Bank of America
Ali Husain
Member at LargeAli Husain is the Consumer Banking Market Leader for Bank of America in Omaha. Ali has been in banking for 10 years and is responsible for serving clients, associates and the community in the Omaha market.
Ali was born and raised in Pakistan and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in Finance (Banking & Financial Institutions). Ali is currently enrolled at Boise State University for MBA and will be graduating in December 2023. He currently lives in Omaha with his wife Omema and two children.
Toyi Jack Beguedou
Member at Large
Beguedou Insurance Services LLC
Toyi Jack Beguedou
Member at LargeMillennial entrepreneur, WSET ii Spirits expert, and content creative Toyi “Jack” Beguedou is building community through his spirited digital platform , the Hood Sommelier. Jack is a native of Togo in West Africa who currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and is a proud “girl-dad” to his daughter Brennan.
Jack is the co-host of YouTube web series MONDAY SUCKS, founder of the trending, TRUTH IS BARREL PROOF PODCAST, SCOTCH SCHOOL education series , AFROFUSION food and spirits pairing series and owner of BEGUEDOU INSURANCE SERVICES LLC.
As a native French speaking immigrant, Jack resonates with the importance of creating community. His thoughtful and inspiring approach to content development focuses on humanizing the spirited consumer journey experience. Jack enjoys being an educational resource to both consumers and talent in the hospitality community. A community architect at heart, Jack bridges the gap between curious consumers at every level and brands through empowerment and engagement. He applies this philosophy both in the insurance and the spirits world.
LaTricia Harris
Member at Large
Hayes & Associates, LLC
LaTricia Harris
Member at LargeLaTricia Harris is currently the Senior Manager of Support Services at Hayes & Associates, LLC, a minority-owned CPA firm. She holds a management degree and has over ten years of experience in the banking industry and thirteen years of rail transportation experience. She firmly believes she is most successful when she finds a way to accomplish her goals while helping others along the way.
John Ouedraogo
Member at Large
eXp Realty
John Ouedraogo
Member at LargeMeet John Ouedraogo, a distinguished member of the Midlands African Chamber's board. With a rich background as a United States Armed Forces veteran and a licensed real estate professional, John brings decades of invaluable experience spanning both the US and West African markets.
John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence and International Security from Bellevue University of Nebraska, and a Master’s degree in Political Science and Business Law from the University of Ouagadougou. Committed to community enrichment, John has dedicated himself to giving back and bringing value to his surroundings.
Having served in the Nebraska Army National Guard until 2019, John's military journey cultivated his leadership and discipline, seamlessly integrating Army values into his personal and professional ethos.
Currently, John serves as the President of the Association of Burkinabe in Nebraska, demonstrating his profound commitment to community leadership.
As a Licensed Real Estate Agent at eXp Realty and the proud owner of Johnow Enterprises LLC, a thriving real estate investment firm, John's entrepreneurial endeavors flourish. He has spearheaded fleximmobf.com, an innovative real estate platform facilitating residential and commercial property transactions in Burkina Faso, underscoring his dedication to global business ventures and community development.