GCHRA24 SPEAKERS

Speakers

MEET OUR ESTEEMED SPEAKERS & PANELISTS

Keynote Speaker

JOHNNY C. TAYLOR JR.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JOHNNY C. TAYLOR JR.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. is President and Chief Executive Officer of SHRM. Recently named one of the “Most Influential People Shaping Public Policy” in our nation’s Capital by the Washingtonian Magazine, Mr. Taylor’s career spans more than 20 years as a lawyer and an executive, serving at IAC, Paramount Pictures, Blockbuster Entertainment Group and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, among other organizations. He is a Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, the University of Miami; a member of the United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees; Independent Director of the Flores & Associates corporate board and a member of the corporate boards of Guild Education, and XPO Logistics (NYSE: XPO). He previously served as chairman of the President's Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and on the White House American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. Mr. Taylor is a weekly contributor to USA Today, a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and a SHRM Certified Professional.

Main Speakers

DR. FRANCIS EDUKU

MAIN SPEAKER

DR. FRANCIS EDUKU

MAIN SPEAKER

Dr. Francis Eduku is the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana (CIHRM), with over twenty-two (22) years of experience in human resource management and organizational effectiveness. He has worked extensively in executive leadership roles with multinational gold mining corporations as Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs; Vice President, Human Resources; Acting Vice President, Sustainable Development; and Operations HR Lead. He has developed and mentored most HR Managers in the gold mining industry. Dr. Eduku holds a PhD with Distinction in Human Resource Management from National University, USA. He also holds an MBA with a specialty in Human Resource Management and an Executive Master’s Degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). He is a Fellow of CIHRM; Chartered HR Professional of CIPD, UK; and Certified Balanced Scorecard Professional of the Balanced Scorecard Institute and George Washington University College of Professional Studies, USA. He has delivered several presentations in HR Conferences and to universities on topics such as “Managing Generational Power Balance in the Workplace,” “Unveiling the Qualities Employers Look for in Prospective Candidates,” “The New Face of HR in the New Normal,” “Strategic Human Resource Partnering,” “Pursuing Organizational Value Through Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” among other topical HR areas. His areas of expertise include Strategic Human Resource Management, Change management and Cultural Transformation, Talent Optimization, Organizational Alignment, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Strategic Communication and Industrial Relations, Organisational Branding, and Stakeholder Engagement. Dr. Eduku is an alumnus of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK, and Adjunct Faculty of University of Ghana and Ashesi University, Ghana.

DAVID SSEGAWA

MAIN SPEAKER

DAVID SSEGAWA

MAIN SPEAKER

David Ssegawa is Ugandan and a seasoned Business and Human Capital Management leader, having provided strategic-thought direction as Group Human Resources Director at some of the leading global multinational organisations including Unilever East & Southern Africa, The Standard Bank of South Africa, Coca-Cola Central, East, West & Southern Africa, Bharti Airtel International and the Africa Development Bank. He was also the Global Director for People & Culture at Oxfam International and the Global Chief People & Culture Officer at Living Goods. He is currently the Group Director for Human Resources at the Equity Group Holdings plc. Has led organisation-wide transformations at Country, Regional and International levels, provided successful business solutions for Mergers and Acquisition, Organisation re-design, start-ups, and is adept at building organisational capabilities for the future. He is a guest speaker at many international business and Human Capital Leaders’ forums and a faculty member at the RIKA Leadership Programme. He is the Founder and first President of the Human Resources Managers’ Association of Uganda (HRMAU). He was recently awarded the first ever Life Time Achievement in the HR Professional by the HRMAU. He holds an MBA in Strategic Human Resources from the University of Leicester, UK and a Bachelor of Arts – Social Work & Social Administration degree from Miserere University, Uganda. He is currently pursuing a PHD in Global Leadership. He is also a Certified ICF Coach.

Main Panel

PRATHAN

PANELIST

PRATHAN

PANELIST

Prathan L. Powell Jr is a world-class global HR leader specializing in lending expertise to global brands like Netflix, Nike, The Coca-Cola Company, Google and Instacart. Prathan specializes in building teams and standing up and developing ER functions for the world's largest brands. Prathan is also President and CEO of The Black In HR, a technology based professional services firm. Black In HR is the fastest growing community for professionals of color to learn grow and build successful careers.

KHYATI SUNDARAM

PANELIST

KHYATI SUNDARAM

PANELIST

Khyati Sundaram is the CEO of Applied and a Linkedin Top Voice. In her former life, her pursuits range from co-founding an AI based sustainable supply chain company to having worked in investment banking with the likes of JP Morgan and RBS. She has a breadth of experience in data science, product development, and fundraising. She holds an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics and an MBA from London School of Business / the Wharton School.

WINNIE FRIMPONG

PANELIST

WINNIE FRIMPONG

PANELIST

Winnie Frimpong is a Lead People Scientist and business psychologist, specialising in organisational culture and employee engagement. At Culture Amp, she used technology and data to provide clients with evidence-based strategies for shaping organisational culture. Her work focuses on employee engagement, retention, performance, inclusion, remote work, and workplace culture. Winnie is highly skilled in enablement, coaching, and talent development, helping individuals and teams reach their full potential. Her strategic thinking and innovative solutions enhance employee experiences and organisational efficiency, making her a leader in improving workplace environments for everyone.

FARIDA BEDWEI

MAIN PANEL

FARIDA BEDWEI

MAIN PANEL

Currently serving as the Platform Product Consultant at the Digital Opportunity Trust, Farida collaborates with the technical team to ensure effective implementation of solutions for projects being executed by the organization. Her career highlights include contributing to Microsoft’s metaverse platform development, designing a banking platform for the microfinance sector, and creating mobile gateways for telecommunications and content providers. Farida's impact extends beyond technology; she is an author and disability-rights advocate, notably creating the first superheroine with Cerebral Palsy in a comic. Her advocacy efforts have earned her recognition on global media platforms like CNN African Voices and numerous awards for her professional achievements and community advocacy. She brings extensive experience from her roles on the Board of the National Communication Authority in Ghana and as an executive member of Sharecare Ghana, where she raised awareness for autoimmune and neurological conditions. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Farida continues to drive change through innovation and advocacy

SAMUEL BROOKSWORTH

MAIN PANEL

SAMUEL BROOKSWORTH

MAIN PANEL

Samuel Brooksworth is a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, public speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Remoteli, a rapidly expanding, tech-led staffing company. Founded in 2020, Remoteli provides on-demand staffing solutions for businesses globally, helping organisations scale efficiently with remote, world-class talent. Headquartered in the UK and Ghana, and operating across key markets including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, and Senegal, Remoteli is on a mission to create over 1,000,000 jobs across Africa, fostering inclusive economic growth and breaking down geographical barriers. Samuel first rose to prominence in 2016 as a candidate on the UK’s The Apprentice. He later founded Build & Master, a platform that supported hundreds of UK businesses with expert guidance from prominent institutions such as The Chartered Institute of Marketing, Goldman Sachs, and Panasonic. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and emerging markets, Samuel is also a writer and mentor, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and building a connected future of work. He frequently speaks on topics related to sales, management, and the empowerment of African talent on the global stage.

Regional HR Association Panel (RHRAP)

FUMIE HANAZONO

RHRAP

FUMIE HANAZONO

RHRAP

Fumie Hanazono is the Founder and Chair of the Human Resource Accreditation Institute (HRAI) and a qualified US CPA. With over 30 years of experience managing Global HR, Finance, IT, and Legal functions in multinational companies, she established HRAI in 2020 to focus on Global HR education and certification. Under her leadership, the 1st Global HR Conference in Japan (23GHR) was successfully organized 2023 as an annual event. She also advises on government projects and received the SHRM International Top Partner Award in 2023 for her contributions to Global HR education.

CHRP Ahmed Quresha Abdullahi

RHRAP

CHRP Ahmed Quresha Abdullahi

RHRAP

CHRP Ahmed Quresha Abdullahi is the Executive Director at the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM). She is a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) the highest HR certification in Kenya, Certified Human Resource Auditor (CHRA®) and Certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner by Genos International. She holds a Master’s of Science degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology. As the strategic leader at the helm of IHRM the professional body of HR professionals in Kenya regulating a membership of over 19,000 she is tasked with driving change, enhance competencies, promoting innovation, advocacy, influencing policies and standards of HR practice at a National and Global level. Previously, she worked as East Africa Regional Human Resources Coordinator, International Rescue Committee; Human Resource Coordinator, IRC- Somali Program; Ag. Human Resource Director, IRC- Horn of Africa and the Yemen Region among others. She has collaborated with multiple agencies and has worked with government, not-for-profit organizations, education sector, and other organizations in several countries across the globe. With over 18 years of local, regional and global experience in Human Resource Management much of which has been within the development sector, Quresha has the expertise to transform the HR Profession in Kenya. She has also served as the IHRM North Eastern Branch, Vice Chairperson and played a critical role in the successful establishment of the branch. CHRP Quresha has made immense contribution to the IHRM fraternity through her participation in various HR activities especially in continuous capacity building Quresha is passionate about people and is committed to inspiring teams to do more and have an impact in everything they do she enjoys mentoring young people to be the best versions of themselves

DR. NAJAT El MAHDY

WIHRT

DR. NAJAT El MAHDY

WIHRT

Dr. Najat El Mahdy boasts an impressive track record in the domain of HR, change management, and executive coaching. With more than 18 years of global experience spanning across diverse sectors, she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to understanding and catalysing organizational change. A pioneer in many respects, Najat has been instrumental in introducing the culture of coaching to several establishments. What stands out is her ability to coach senior executives who are at the helm of change. It is a testament to her skill and understanding of the nuances of corporate transformations. Delving deeper into her capabilities, Najat shines in the arena of human capital development. She knows the ins and outs of taking a team or an individual through the ebbs and flows of major organizational changes. Her proficiency isn't just limited to guiding teams but extends to building robust HR strategies. Specializing in Talent Management, Employee Engagement, and Retention Strategies, Najat partners with her clients, ensuring that the change initiatives are in tandem with the client's needs. Her strategic vision doesn't go unnoticed. On numerous occasions, her forward-thinking approach in talent development, organizational performance management, and cross-cultural diversity management has earned her regional accolades. Najat founded the Qatar HR Forum as a platform to share knowledge and best practises in the community of practise. The QHRF under her leadership has build a robust, agile and dynamic forum. As a testament to her standing in the professional community, Najat holds a Doctorate, the prestigious title of a Fellow with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Moreover, her credentials from the International Coach Federation (ICF) as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) further solidify her standing as a trusted figure in the world of executive coaching.

Women in HR Technology (WiHRT) Panel

IRENE ASARE

WIHRT

IRENE ASARE

WIHRT

Irene is the Global HR Director for BBC News, overseeing the UK and International divisions. With over 20 years of experience in HR leadership, Business Transformation and Organisational Effectiveness roles for top multinationals like BBC News, Tullow Oil, Vodafone, Standard Bank, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Serco, she's garnered numerous industry awards and holds many qualifications including FMCIPD, an Executive MBA, and a Master’s in Human Resources Management. As well as being a seasoned HR generalist, Irene is a Strategic Business Partner to and a key member of the News Board at BBC, working closely with the Senior Leadership teams across the company to shape and develop HR initiatives, policies and processes to improve the employee experience. At BBC News, Irene currently leads the transformation of a world class HR function, which supports over 7500 employees including freelancers, with a presence in 67 global locations. She devised and leads a 3-year implementation plan to transition towards a ‘Digital First’ organisation, with the design of a new operating model to deliver a lean, agile structure for simplified decision making, governance and ways of working, against institutional culture challenges. Notably in her career, Irene has led significant organisational transformations at Vodafone Ghana where she led the integration and organisational restructure of the business following their acquisition of Ghana Telecom, and established their HR Business Partner model. She subsequently headed up Business Transformation and led the country’s largest-ever cash and cost programme, before being promoted to head Organisational Effectiveness & Change for a group of countries, including South Africa, Vodafone’s fifth largest market globally. Irene would go onto join Standard Bank as Regional Head of HR for West Africa, designing the people strategy for an employee population of 6,000 and later was headhunted by Tullow Oil as Head of HR for Ghana, accountable for 75% of the company’s global revenues and >30% of the employee population. Here, she spearheaded a HR strategy that radically improved employee engagement, operational and cost effectiveness, as well as championing DEI, directing workforce localisation and gender diversity initiatives. Throughout Irene’s career, she has excelled in building proactive HR functions, advising boards and C-level executives, and spearheading transformative people strategies that elevate organisations and foster growth, performance, and profitability.

EMILY M. DICKENS

WIHRT

EMILY M. DICKENS

WIHRT

As the Head of Government Affairs for the world’s largest human resources trade association, Emily M. Dickens leads SHRM’s advocacy and policy initiatives. This includes its Advocacy Team — the “A-Team” —composed of nearly 30,000 HR professionals across the United States positioned front and center in efforts to advance the interests of the HR profession. She oversees government affairs, global policy, legal affairs, and the SHRM Foundation, the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of SHRM. Dickens has been a featured expert on workplace issues and business leadership – with commentary appearing in CBS News, NBC News, AP News, Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg Law, Crain's Business, Marketplace, WTOP, Yahoo Finance, HR Brew, and HR Dive among others. In addition, Dickens has testified before Congress and the EEOC on worker and workplace topics like AI, gender bias, and paid leave. Dickens serves on the boards of the following industry organizations to maximize SHRM's impact and voice in global, national, and local business and labor policy debates: B20 Brazil Women in Business Action Council (Co- Chair); USCIB-United States Council for International Business (Governance Committee); The Bryce Harlow Foundation; Skill-up, and the National Foundation for Women Legislators. Before SHRM, Dickens served as a passionate advocate for access to higher education as the general counsel/head of policy for the DC-based Thurgood Marshall College Fund; Vice President of Public Policy for the Association of Governing Boards for Colleges and Universities; and the Assistant Vice President for Federal Affairs at the University of North Carolina System. Dickens leverages her higher education background to promote the importance of leveraging the education-to-employment pipeline to address future workforce needs. She has also worked at Duke University and Fayetteville State University in administrative and external affairs roles. Actively engaged in board service, Dickens is a member of the North Carolina Central University Board of Trustees and the NCNW Board of Directors (Co-Chair Personnel Committee). She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she has served as Chairman of the International HBCU Task Force, and on the sorority’s Education Advancement Foundation Board (AKAEAF). Emily is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and North Carolina Central University School of Law.

DR. NAJAT El MAHDY

WIHRT

DR. NAJAT El MAHDY

WIHRT

Business Executives and HR Roundtable (BEHRR)

JOHNNY C. TAYLOR JR.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

JOHNNY C. TAYLOR JR.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

KHALED SASSI

BEHRR

KHALED SASSI

BEHRR

Khaled Sassi is NOVATIVE’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Khaled is the owner and the founder of NOVATIVE Group and he is in the HCM area for more than 35 years. Since 1993, Khaled managed with success NOVATIVE’s development. He is a globally recognized expert in the area of HCM and an experienced executive with extensive operational, financial and technical knowledge with specialized expertise in the Human Resources and software development processes. Following market trends, Khaled expanded NOVATIVE to different countries, leads the strategic and tactical evolution of the world services and enterprise software solutions allowing sustained growth for many years. Before this enriching experience he served the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne(EPFL) and was in charge to follow, manage and evaluate many students during more than 6 years. During this period he has also been involved in many projects and contributed in numerous research sectors such as the software security, biomedical and encryption industries. He has degrees in engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (EPFL) and is a member of various professional organizations.

FATOUMATA DORO

BEHRR

FATOUMATA DORO

BEHRR

Fatoumata Doro is a dynamic and accomplished professional who served as the Managing Director of Tex Styles Ghana Limited (TSGL), a subsidiary of the renowned textile giant, Vlisco BV. With headquarters in the Netherlands, TSGL is known for 3 esteemed brands: GTP, Woodin, and Vlisco (sold in the world and in major African countries including Ghana). Fatoumata's remarkable achievements in that role as the first female Managing Director since the establishment of TSGL in 1960 makes her a trailblazer in the industry. With a workforce of over 600 and a remarkable turnover, she has evolved GTP brand into a premium and stylish brand under Fatoumata's outstanding leadership and strategic vision. Her extensive professional background spans across more than 20 countries, including Dubai, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana.. and encompasses involvement with 10 brands from global multinationals such as Procter and Gamble and Arla Foods. Currently, she serves as a Board member of Ecobank Niger. She was also a board member of the African Science Academy, an exclusive advanced-level school for young women across Africa with exceptional mathematical and scientific potential. She remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering others, particularly women. Fatoumata is also the founder of Hourera, an NGO based in Niger that mentors young Africans under the guidance of C-level women from both Western and African countries. Additionally, she supports SMEs through business acumen guidance. She was named among the Top 100 Careers in Africa and awarded CEO of the Year in the Textiles category at the 2023 CEO Summit. In her leisure time, she advocates for leadership with integrity and women's empowerment. She also enjoys running and hiking. Recently, she became the first person from Niger to climb Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest peak, as well as the world's tallest free-standing mountain.

Adora Ikwuemesi

BEHRR

Adora Ikwuemesi

BEHRR

Adora Ikwuemesi is a prolific speaker, writer, and influencer in the field of Human Resources Management. She is the Founder of Kendor Consulting Ltd, a firm specializing in Learning and Development solutions, and the author of Change Your Career. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Teesside University, a Master's in Information Technology from Cranfield University, and a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Reading. Additionally, she has a Diploma in Psychology from Middlesex University and is an accredited Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). Adora also serves as a board trustee for the Society of Human Resources Management, Nigeria. A trained coach and experienced facilitator, Adora offers coaching services to individuals and organizations. Her career spans the IT, Telecoms, and Consulting industries, with a current focus on transforming HR practices in Nigeria. She has led several initiatives, such as the Nigerian Labour Act app and the HR Nigeria platform, aimed at advancing HR and people management. Before founding Kendor Consulting, Adora headed HR Transformation at Transnational Corporation Plc, aligning human capital with organizational strategy. She also led the Human Capital Group at Interswitch Ltd., where she developed HR strategies, including a sustainable compensation system. Her consulting experience includes several years at Phillips Consulting, where she worked on process improvement and restructuring projects. In the telecoms sector, she spent years as a Design Engineer at Nokia UK, contributing to the design of the first multimedia and Java-supported mobile phones. Adora is a published author and has contributed articles to national newspapers. She regularly speaks at conferences, hosts seminars, and facilitates training programs. In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading, technology, public speaking, and creating opportunities for personal and organizational development.

Guest Speaker

DR. STELLA AGYENIM-BOATENG

GUEST SPEAKER

DR. STELLA AGYENIM-BOATENG

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Stella Agyenim-Boateng is a highly accomplished C-Suite Executive and transformational leader with extensive expertise in Human Resources Management. With a distinguished career spanning the private, public, and multinational sectors, she has led major organizational transitions and people-centered initiatives across industries like telecommunications, energy, and public service. Currently the Vice Chairman of the Public Services Commission, she previously held senior leadership roles at Volta River Authority (VRA), Vodafone Ghana, and GLICO Group, where she made significant contributions to business transformation and human capital development. Dr. Agyenim-Boateng is also a seasoned lecturer and public speaker, with a strong focus on leadership, career development, and diversity and inclusion. Dr. Agyenim-Boateng holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She is a Fellow of several prestigious institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRMP) and the Institute of Directors (IoD). She is passionate about mentoring, youth development, and supporting gender-related initiatives, and has received over 30 awards for her contributions to HR and leadership. She is also the author of the book 100 Career Nuggets – Keeping it Punchy.