Peace Summits

Dr. Umar Johnson is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Certified School Psychologist who is considered an expert on the education and mental health of African and African-American children.Dr. Umar, as he is known to friends, is a paternal blood relative of both the Great Abolitionist Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) and the late Bishop Alexander Wayman (1821-1895), 7th Bishop of the AME Church, both from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. A direct descendant of formerly enslaved civil war veterans who served in the United States Colored Troops of Maryland, Dr. Umar is an educational diagnostician who specializes in special education issues. He is known most for his work in identifying mis-diagnosed learning disabled and ADHD students. Dr. Umar has been featured on “News One Now” with Roland Martin, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Bev Smith Show, The Breakfast Club, as has appeared as a special guest life coach on Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA8). As a child therapist, he works with depressed and behaviorally-challenged males. Dr.Umar is widely accepted as one of the leading Pan-Afrikanists of the 21st century.Dr. Umar is author of the new book “Psycho-Academic Holocaust: The Special Education and ADHD Wars Against Black Boys,” the 1st book ever written by a African-American male school psychologist to Black parents with specific strategies on how to fight back against special education and ADHD.Dr. Umar also holds degrees in education and political science. Largely considered the top school psychologist, Pan-Africanist, Orator & Scholar of his generation, he is one of the most requested speakers in the world, and has lectured in North America, South America, The Caribbean, Europe and Afrika. Dr.Umar is currently working on building his new school, The Frederick Douglass & Marcus Garvey RBG International Leadership Academy for boys. He can be reached at DrUmarJohnson.com, GoFundMe.Com/DrUmar or 215-989-9858.

Aya Chebbi is an award winning Pan-African feminist and renowned blogger. Her blogs were published at Al-Jazeera, OpenDemocracy and Foresight-Africa among other international medias. Beside her prominent online presence, Aya is the co-founder of the Voice of Women Initiative (feminist collective) and founding Chair of the African Youth Movement, one of Africa’s largest movements fighting for peace and social justice. Aya is an international speaker,keynote at BONDconference, the UN Commission on the Status of Women celebrity event, US Congress hearings, TEDx and DW among others. In recognition to her achievements, Aya was named one of Africa’s most Outstanding Young Women leaders in 2013 (Ghana) and won the Young Achiever of the year 2015 recognized by the Forbes (South Africa) and she appeared on top lists of people to watch; at the Huffington Post and Youth Hub Africa as well as 100 under 40 Most Influential Arabs byArabianBusiness. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of CIVICUSWorld Alliance for Citizen Participation.

David is a political science graduate from the University of Nebraska with a teaching endorsement added in. He taught in public school systems within the United States (Nebraska) and has been an adjunct professor for Bellevue University and Mid-Plains Community College. He received his Masters Degree in Leadership from Bellevue University and later graduated from the international CTI Co-Active Leadership Program in California.His interest in politics and the world came early as he studied at American University in Washington D.C. while working in the Press Liaison section of the United States Senate. It was a difficult time for the nation as international conflicts combined with the fight for civil and women’s rights created much tension. It was here David began his true education about politics, world affairs, and leadership while learning from some of the best political minds of the times. David reluctantly went into teaching young minds and to his surprise found great fulfillment and joy in helping others to think critically, broaden their perspective, and learn. He was chosen as Nebraska’s Teacher of the Year in 1982 and was one of four national finalists for Teacher of the Year within the United States. Yet even with these honors, he sensed there was something more he should be doing and eventually gravitated into politics where he was a Senator in the Nebraska State Legislature for nine years. He never lost an election. From there he became President of a small Chamber of Commerce within the State of Nebraska. Finding little fulfillment in Chamber work, David eventually formed his own business, Leader Development Group (LDG), as he felt the urge to go out into the world while combining his strengths as a teacher and knowledge of developing new, authentic leaders. Soon afterwards, he teamed up with Women for Justice in Africa to create and implement an Empowerment and Self-Leadership program for women and youth throughout Kenya. From there he, along with 4 brilliant Kenyans, created a new Kenyan company, Effective Change Consultants, Ltd where he currently serves as CEO. While living and working in Nairobi David continues to inspire people around the world to be the purposeful and ethical leaders they were born to be. He mentors clients around the world. His personal story of how he chose to take a “leap of faith” to totally change the direction of his life from business and politics to that of leadership development in the world is both powerful and inspiring. That story will is told in his newest book “A Leap of Faith” published in 2015. Teaching in a way that allows individuals to personally grow, think differently and internalize concepts; David teaches the kind of leadership which will create growth and change others thought to be impossible. His teaching apply to businesses, corporate executives, organizations and individuals who want to build teams and programs that are resilient, sustainable and able to reach beyond the traditionally perceived boundaries. He is most happy however when inspiring people who have lost hope into discovering their own power to create their future from what they have with no need for a handout. He gives people the critical thinking skills, tools, and knowledge so they may choose to be that which they were created to be… and more. Though mostly retired, David, when he is not upcountry in Kenya working with groups and helping to create sustainable jobs, has been known to do trainings on Anti-corruption, ethical leadership, learning HOW to think differently and HOW to change one’s life, their community and over time country. In 2012, David married Ruth Jepngetich who is Kenyan. David has two sons from a previous marriage, David and Matthew, who are both married and living in the United States.

Phra Pasura Dantamano, who once was hotel manager, flight attendant and a DJ, has chosen the life of Theravada monk since 2006. Before becoming a monk, he studied humanities at Ramkhamhaeng University. He has traveled extensively both as a monk and a layperson. He organized several dozens of ceremonies and events in many countries such as Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and etc. whereas up to 20,000 people attending. He serves as chief of international relations division of Wat Phra Dhammakaya Temple and Vice President of World Buddhist Sangha Youth (WBSY). He represented his organization and spoke in many Buddhist and non-Buddhist conferences held in many countries. He also conducting more than 1,000 meditation workshops, courses and retreats in more than 50 countries to people with diverse backgrounds of beliefs. He has shared his insights on mindfulness, meditation and Buddhist Philosophy for living full, enriched and balance life of happiness in modern era to individuals, NGOs, governmental agencies, universities, and companies (such as Columbia University, Northeastern University, TEC Milenio, Wilbur Wright College, PUC in Minas Gerai, São Paulo, Santiago, University of Illinois, University of Mendoza, Santa Casa Medical School, DHL and etc.)

Mediatrix is an accountant and social worker by profession currently working with Initiatives of Change Kenya as a full time volunteer. She received her Bachelor of Business Management degree in 2009 at Moi University and went on to pursue her Master’s in Strategic Management at Catholic University. She also was a rotary peace fellow in Chulalongkhorn University in Thailand where she pursued Conflict resolution. She started working with Initiatives of Change in 2009 thought the Harambee Leadership Programme. In 2010-11 she participated in the Action for Life Programme and in 2013 was a participant in the Workshop for Africa. In June 2012 she became a peace agent in Peace revolution programme. She is currently in Kenya working with the Creators of Peace Kenya as the National coordinator of Kenya, challenging women in breaking the chains of hatred and revenge.

Dr. Sidi-Mohamed Dhaker is the Head of Training & Development department and the Manager of the Strategic Steering Center of the Central Bank of Mauritania. He is also Associate Professor of Strategy and Management at the University of Nouakchott and an Associate researcher at the Mauritanian Institute of Strategic Studies (IMES), where he focuses on public policy evaluation, good governance and institutional change.He was formerly Associate Director of design, monitoring and evaluation (DM&E) at World Vision International where he was leading the quality assurance team. Prior to returning to Africa, he worked for several years as management consultant and researcher in Europe.Engaged youth activist and afro-optimist, he has a keen interest in Africa’s development, human capital development, youth leadership and entrepreneurship. Being convinced that youth empowerment is the prerequisite of democracy and development, he founded the Institute of Leadership (iLead), a not-for-profit organization which aims at empowering the young generation of entrepreneurs and political and public leaders.Sidi-Mohamed graduated from University of Versailles with a Research Master in Management and from HEC Paris with a Master in Strategic Management. He also received a Master’s in International Development from University of Paris XII and completed a doctoral program (PhD) in Strategy & Management. He earned also a Certificate in Intercultural Communication from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Postgraduate Certificate in International Management from Georgetown University and an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Georgia State University.He participated in more than 15 international and regional youth forums, summits and conferences and is an active member of several international, regional and local organizations. He received several distinctions and awards, the last being the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders in 2015.

Sahaya G. Selvam is currently an associate professor and programme leader of the master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at Tangaza University, Nairobi, Kenya. His academic preparation includes undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Sociology, and Religious Studies, and two master’s degrees in Philosophy of Religion and Psychology of Religion. He holds a PhD in psychology from the University of London. He has contributed to several international peer-reviewed academic journals, and written several popular books, including Scaffoldings: Training Young People in Life Skills (Nairobi: Paulines). His personal website: www.sahayaselvam.org; contact: selvamsdb@gmail.com.

Marcela Michel, Mexican, world traveller, considers herself a messenger. She Studied Law at University of Guadalajara in Mexico. She studied to be an attorney of law but never knew she would end up deciding to plead for people’s health.She found her real passion was helping people heal from their diseases, since then she has been studying different kinds of alternative methods to cure, from shamanic medicine, healing massages and the relation between the illness and mind, then, she started now to study about neuroscience and even though she is not an expert in the field she believes she can simply be guided by her intuition to assist others. But after all the studies, she conclude that the key for a better life and world is meditation, which has now direct her into a new path, spread the word about what she considers the best treatment for the world. She states that her most valuable knowledge has actually come from life and travelling and deeply believes she can make a difference in this world by simply talking to people and help them understand that our mind is the one that delimits our goals. She believes in a symbiotic world so now she has decided to go around the world making people understand this.

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Dr. Tom Mboya has over ten years of experience leading and working closely with the youth. While at Agoro Sare high school in Homabay County Tom served as School Captain, attained mean grade of ‘ A’ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations providing the opportunity to gain admission at Kenyatta University School of Medicine.While in campus, Tom served as the chair of the Electoral Commission of the Association of Medical Students and President of Kenyatta University Students Association that has over 70,000 members.He was elected National convener of the Kenya University Students Organization leading a partnership with the media, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Vision 2030 among others towards the realization of the first ever Kenyan Electoral Presidential Debate. He also served as the Chairperson of the building and investment committee of Kenyatta University SDA Group. In which he mobilized resources towards the building of a new church that was officially opened in September 2014.Tom served as the Country leader – Kenya from 2012 to 2013 in the All Africa Students and Youth Union headquartered in Ghana. He serves as a Member of Africa Youth Leadership Forum, an organization that promotes leadership values among university student leaders and organizes their attendance at the National Prayer Breakfasts in Kenya, Uganda and Burundi.Tom’s strengths lie in fundraising, coordinating events, and Public speaking. He often leads motivational talks in high schools towards mentoring emerging leaders. He completed a one-year medical officer internship placement at Kiambu District Hospital having graduated from Kenyatta University in December 2013. Currently works as a Medical Officer in Nairobi County as he waits to begin his specialization.He is the current youth representative in the Mkenya Daima Secretariat; an initiative for peace by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) aimed towards fostering peace in Kenya before, during and after national elections.

Besigye Joseph Bazirake is an assistant researcher and coordinator of the masters program in Reconciliation and Social Cohesion at the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice, University of the Free State in South Africa.Joe is currently undertaking a doctoral research project that interrogates South Africa’s Higher Education change praxis. He holds a masters degree in Peace and conflict studies (2013) and a Bachelors of social sciences degree (International Relations, 2008) both from Makerere University in Uganda.Joe’s scholarly publications to-date engage various interdisciplinary topics such as: The climate change discourse in Peace building (2013); Rotary clubs and peace building (2013); The Potential for volunteer-tourism among African youth (2015); the conceptual and practical limitations of the Responsibility to Protect (2015); Students as agents of change (2016); and motivating an empathic approach to Race-based conflict (2016).Joe is a member of the Rotary club of Bloemfontein-Raadzaal and is serving on the steering committee for the 2016 Bridges for Peace Rotary conference to be held in Winnipeg, Canada. As an avid peace advocate, Joe offers mentorship and support to university student leaders and volunteers. He also facilitates ongoing Nonviolent communication workshops for lecturers at the University of the Free State.Joe is also an enthusiastic sportsman who has completed numerous marathons and is part of the 2016 Free State province volleyball squad.

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Mohamed S. Ahmed (Br. Mohamed Diini) is a global motivational speaker whose lectures on spirituality, personal development and social issues. He has an undergraduate degree in Islamic Studies from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Oh – USA and a masters degree in International Relations from The University of Westminster in London, UK. He lives in Columbus, OH.

Oscar Twizerimana graduated in 2015 from University of Rwanda with a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology. His great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience.Many people find in Oscar a great leader and this made him to be elected by his peers from AERG (Association of Students Survivors of Rwandan Genocide) to be the coordinator of the association for 2 year while he was an undergraduate student and at the same time he was the Adviser to the Guild president of University of Rwanda students association.Oscar as a young survivor of 1994 Genocide against Tutsi who wants to fight against the genocide ideology, in 2012 he took an initiative to volunteer in Unity and reconciliation for peace association as co-founder and president of that association. Currently Oscar Twizerimana is working as Mentor of Boys orphans of 1994 genocide against Tutsi who were homeless and who are now living in One Dollar Campaign Complex. Where he provides them with carrier counseling, behavior therapy, and helping them in step to trauma resilience.

Michelle Mashonganyika is a trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Psychotherapist and an Art of Hosting practitioner. She has worked with diverse groups of people in Africa. She is an avid learner and is passionate about hosting conversations that cause transformation. She is currently based in Nairobi where she works as a consultant and psychotherapist in private practice with young people.She is also actively involved in growing the practice of facilitation in Kenya. In her free time she enjoys watching grass grow while drinking lemonade.

Ntakarutimana Salvator, Burundian, is a laureate of a Master’s Degree in leadership and management of organizational. For the last five years, he has been working full time as coordinator of community development department in humanitarian organizations (Nouvelle Esperance, Bujumbura and SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE, Nairobi) and part-time, a Junior Assistant lecturer in a public institution.Salvator is a zealous young man who aspires to cultivate the entrepreneurship spirit among Burundian young people. He is very committed to bring about sustainable social change and poverty eradication in Burundian society.Since early 2015, having experienced the atrocities of insecurity in Burundi, Salvator felt a strong appeal to involve himself in peace restoration in Burundi. He joined the World Peace Initiative foundation’s training.He had, in December 2015, a two-weeks intensive training in Thailand on inner peace practice technics and integral human development and was promoted “peace agent” by Peace Revolution project under world Peace Initiative. Outside his regular professional work, Salvator is now seriously involved in creation of peace clubs in different universities and youth from different local organizations in Burundi.

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Bikundo Onyari is a business coach, trainer and Art of Hosting practitioner based in Nairobi, Kenya with over 10 years’ experience in leadership development, consultancy experience, advising, training and coaching for corporate, SMEs and development organisations. He is passionate working with high impact professionals by nurturing their potential to create a dynamic and inspiring life.Bikundo is also an accomplished people development professional with expertise in assisting leaders build stronger, more effective teams. He is valued for helping teams think strategically and engage in meaningful conversations that allow for reflection and inquiry that lead to change.He is a professional facilitator who has developed and delivered programmes that have impacted thousands of people. He has served as an MBA business coach at Catholic University of Milan/Tangaza University College among other organisations.With his years of experience, he has developed and delivered training/coaching/hosting sessions locally and internationally in countries that include Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Morocco, Malawi, the Netherlands and Mexico.Bikundo is a graduate of Social Entrepreneurship and has an International Diploma in Training and Teaching.

Has been working in Media organization for the past 13 years as, an author, writer and professional youth advocator. Started work as freelancer in Triumph Publishing Company in 1995. Later joined Media Trust Nigeria Limited, Publishers of Daily Trust, Weekly Trust, Sunday Trust, Kilimanjaro and Aminiya Newspapers) since 1st April, 2003 now became the Ag.Head of Editorial Production (Operations)/Deputy Production Manager (Editorial). He is also an Associate Member Society for Monitoring & Evaluation of Nigeria. A widely traveled youth empowerment professional who has won several awards in the course of his travel. Find out one of his works here: //allafrica.com/stories/201606120186.html