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 Bruce, known as Phil, 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.
Rose McKelvey
VP of Strategic Planning | Partnership Chair
Omaha Public Power District
Rose McKelvey
VP of Strategic Planning | Partnership ChairGrowing up in the Philippines, Rose was a very active student leader and grassroots community organizer. She worked as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Her interactions with her refugee students, each with a unique story to tell, deepened Rose’s passion and resolve to find meaningful ways to give back to the refugee and immigrant community. In 1992, Rose moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where she worked in various multinational companies and global law firms. She moved to Nebraska in 2002.
Rose is the Supplier Relationship Specialist at Omaha Public Power District and plays an integral role in leading the Supply Chain business transformation strategies in key areas of Supplier Relationship Management and Supply Base Resilience (Data Enrichment; Supplier Diversity and Development) programs. She is the founder of the employee resource group, OPPD Global Connections, with a mission to welcome all immigrants, refugees and interested employees in building inclusive diversity through respectful interactions in the workplace. She also served as a member of the Advisory Committee for United Way of the Midlands DEI Fund.
Rose holds a Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and Technology (The University of Arizona Global Campus, USA); a Master of Arts degree in Management (Bellevue University, USA); a Bachelor of Arts (English) degree from the Philippines; and is an Advanced Certified Paralegal (National Association of Paralegals, USA). In addition, she is a Commercial & Contract Management Practitioner; a Prosci® Experienced Change Practitioner; and an Expert Practitioner in Project Management.
To connect with Rose, visit her LinkedIn profile.
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
Secretary
Nouvelle Beautée, LLC
Fidele Mienso
SecretaryOriginally from Togo (West Africa), Fidèle earned a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2015. She is currently working for UNMC as an Administrative Assistant. Prior to that, she worked as a Community Health Advocate At CHI Health. With her passion and ambition to lead dynamic organizations and contribute to the betterment of her community, Fidèle brings to the Midlands African Chamber the same passion and ambition.
Fidèle is the owner of Nouvelle Beautée, LLC, a beauty salon specializing in makeup and hair. She earned the title of Master International Makeup Professional after completing her Master Makeup Artistry course at QC Makeup Academy in 2019. She truly believes everyone should look their best in every occasion and this translates into her mission to offer her clientele professional-grade beauty services with a personal touch. When she's not busy with everything she's involved in, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Luper Akough
Member at Large
Clout Enterprises
Luper Akough
Member at LargeLuper Akough is a first-generation Nigerian born in the United States. He was recently named one of the 40 Under 40 by the Midlands Business Journal. Luper spent the early part of his life in the Chicago area and has lived in the Omaha Metro for the past 15 years. He has a passion for helping others that want to help themselves. Luper has spent the past seven years working for a few of the top property and casualty companies in the nation and has truly found a home at Farm Bureau Financial Services.
Luper was able to grow his agency to over 500 households in five short years with word-of-mouth advertising. He is also a founder of a real estate group that buys, sells, and holds real estate property. His most recent venture is a mobile application that is currently in the beta stage. He was recently a fellow participant with the New Leaders Council of Nebraska and serves as the Insurance 101 instructor for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, as well as the Commercial 101 instructor with the Omaha Chamber. He currently serves on the following boards: Urban League of Nebraska Young Professionals and New Leaders Council of Nebraska. He is a committee member for the Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Group. 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.