As a mother of a 7-year-old boy, Lulu has a deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of mentorship and role modelling for young people in creating positive youth development.

Rutendo’s path has been paved with the mentorship and encouragement of men and women. She believes that life is better lived with others. Rutendo has a rich background working with young people from all across the globe.

Elsie realizes the importance of paying it forward. She understands that many of us would not be where we are without the support of mentors. Elsie believes that through mentoring boys, we can positively impact their lives and help them achieve their potential and discover their strengths.

Tom Cummings has served as global head of Learning and Organisation Effectiveness for Unilever and ABN Amro Bank; project leader/adviser on planning and learning in companies such as Shell, Compass Group, Fortis, Marakon and BUPA and others. Tom has created and co-designed business transformation and learning vehicles such as Cambridge Energy Research Associates, Center for Strategy Research, Leading Ventures and Common Purpose Netherlands.

He is the co-author, together with Jim Keen, of Leadership Landscapes.

Tom is on the board of directors of the Tällberg Foundation. He has led the Tällberg Leader Program since 2006. This work has involved him as a designer and catalyst in hundreds of projects and board retreats across many cultures. He works with people who wish to engage with complexity and want to learn how to move between and across different perspectives. The approach helps to integrate experience and anticipate challenges.

His work encourages leaders to be present and mindful of their personal impact while sustaining a perspective on their legacy in the wider world.

Dr. Shepherd Urenje is a Programme Specialist in Education with the Swedish International Centre of Education for Sustainable Development (SWEDESD). His current work supports teaching and learning for the future (within and among countries) in Scandinavia, Africa and Asia. His expertise includes facilitating strategies of learning for change that develops in learners, 21st-century skills for a changing world. Dr Urenje studied Developmental Education at the University of London, United Kingdom. His professional background includes teaching environmental science and development education in Zimbabwe, Regional Programme Manager for Education and Training at Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and Principal Examiner of Environmental Science in the UK.

Gbenga Oyebode is the Chairman of Aluko & Oyebode (Barristers, Solicitors & Trademark Agents), one of the largest integrated law firms in Nigeria. He also serves on the Boards of MTN Nigeria Limited, Nestle Nigeria Plcand Socfinaf S.A.

He has been a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria since 1980 and an Attorney at Law of the Supreme Court of New York State since 1983.
Oyebode sits on the Africa Advisory Committee of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), is the Chairman of Teach for Nigeria, Director at Teach for All – New York, Member of the Global Advisory Council of the Africa Leadership Academy –  Johannesburg, Director at Jazz at the Lincoln Centre – New York, Director at the African Philanthropy Forum and Member of the Board of Trustees Carnegie Hall – New York.

Oyebode received his undergraduate degree from the University of Ife and his masters from the University of Pennsylvania. He was conferred Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa), by the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti (2016) and Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria (2017). He is the Chancellor of Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Baba Reggie Singleton, Executive Director of The Males Place Inc. is a Health Educator and a highly regarded authority on issues that include: Mentoring, Fatherhood, Parenting Education, Manhood and Youth Development.

Baba Reggie has mentored thousands of Black boys in Charlotte, North Carolina and the surrounding communities on their arduous journey to manhood. He is also a Farmer and Master Gardener and utilizes growing and farming to solve serious problem regarding food access, employability and self –sufficiency.

He was a lead consultant with the Gang Alternative Program – G.A.P. More recently he conceived and led an educational and cultural immersion trip to Ghana West Africa for nine “high risk” males.

Baba Reggie is a frequent guest on talk shows, conferences, radio and has been featured in numerous publications.  Reggie Singleton is a husband of 25 years and a father of three. He is a native of the Sea Islands of Charleston, South Carolina and a graduate of the University of South Carolina.