COMMUNITY ADVOCATE – WAKILI AWARD
PATAVEE VANADILOK
Patavee Vanadilok is an immigration attorney who represents individuals, families, entrepreneurs, businesses, investors, and international students navigating the U.S. immigration system. She is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals, reunite with loved ones, and build successful futures in the United States.
ANDREA HENDERSON
Andrea Henderson is the Race, Identity, and Culture Reporter at St. Louis Public Radio, covering discrimination and disparities in housing, health, education, and other areas. An award-winning journalist, she has contributed to NPR, Reveal, ESPN’s Andscape, and other leading media organizations.
COMMUNITY IMPACT – ATHARI LA JAMII AWARD
BRAN – DEE JELKS
Bran-Dee Jelks is Co-Founder and Director of Programs at the Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, where she empowers domestic violence survivors to achieve stability and independence. With more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, nonprofit development, and community outreach, she leads initiatives that provide essential resources and support to survivors and families.
KELLY MOORE
Kelly Moore serves as Director of Community Engagement at the International Institute of St. Louis, bringing more than 23 years of experience supporting immigrants and refugees. She builds community partnerships and promotes collaboration to help newcomers feel welcomed, connected, and empowered to thrive.
INCLUSION & BELONGING – UJUMUISHAJI NA MSHIKAMANO AWARD
SUZANNE SIERRA
Suzanne Sierra is Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, leading regional efforts to attract and integrate international talent into the St. Louis community. A recognized civic and business leader, she champions collaboration, inclusion, and the economic benefits of immigration.
WILMETTA TOLIVER – DIALLO
Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo oversees post-graduate and pre-professional programs at Washington University in St. Louis and directs the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program and Senegal Summer Program. A historian, educator, and community leader, she promotes African and African American studies, cultural engagement, and student development.
HUMANITARIAN – SHUJAA AWARD
DIANE BERRY
Diane Berry has dedicated 27 years to nonprofit service, including 16 years as Executive Director of Health Protection and Education Services (HPES). She expands access to free health screenings and connects underserved communities with medical, legal, and mental health resources.
MENTOR OF THE YEAR – MSHAURI AWARD
DR. ASTER BEYENE
Dr. Aster Beyene is a Global Regulatory Affairs Manager at Bayer Crop Science and an active mentor supporting international women, graduate students, and African students in their professional development. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Immunology, she is committed to fostering inclusion, leadership, and opportunities for emerging talent.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT – WEZESHA AWARD
SHANISE JOHNSON
Shanise Johnson is Executive Director of Career and Workforce Readiness at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, where she leads programs preparing young people for college and careers. A former leader of the St. Louis Internship Program, she is dedicated to expanding opportunities through internships, career planning, and workforce development.
IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR – MJASIRIAMALI AWARD
DR. ANNE STEWARD
Dr. Anne M. Steward is a dentist, entrepreneur, and technology startup founder originally from Nairobi, Kenya, with more than 20 years of healthcare experience. She founded Appointly Now, an innovative platform designed to connect patients with available healthcare providers and improve access to care.
EMERGING LEADERS – KIONGOZI AWARD
NGOHILE YAKUBU
Suzanne Sierra is Executive Director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project, leading regional efforts to attract and integrate international talent into the St. Louis community. A recognized civic and business leader, she champions collaboration, inclusion, and the economic benefits of immigration.
ETHAN OKETCH
Ethan Oketch is a senior at Francis Howell Central High School and a youth leader in Vitendo4Africa’s Teen TRACTION program, promoting road safety throughout the St. Louis area. Trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid, he is committed to community service, peer support, and youth leadership.
NASIR ABDALLA
Nasir Abdalla is a St. Louis entrepreneur and community advocate who founded Bantu Global Alliance to advance education, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment for Somali Bantu communities. He also owns Darba Somali Restaurant, bringing Somali and East African cuisine and culture to the local community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE – HUDUMA YA JAMII AWARD
DR. KIMANI CHEGE
Dr. Kimani Chege is a retired Presbyterian Church of East Africa minister and educator who dedicated decades to pastoral care, theological education, and counseling. Through his ministry and academic work, he has supported individuals and families through leadership development, research, and pro bono counseling.
SERAH MUNENE
Serah Munene is a senior at Lindbergh High School who leads community initiatives through the Young Women’s Leadership Challenge and Vitendo4Africa’s TRACTION team. Passionate about education, leadership, and advocacy, she hopes to pursue a career in public relations or sports and entertainment law.
BAKARI DELPHIN
Bakari Delphin is a community organizer, youth mentor, and coach of Thunder FC who serves as Secretary of the Congolese Youth Committee in St. Louis. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he is dedicated to empowering young people through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement.