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Flying to Cameroon from New York and Washington
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Welcome Address (Offi ce of the President)
Dear Colleagues, It feels like just yesterday we rounded up the 2012 Congress. Here we are again in very high spirits setting the ball rolling for the 2013 Congress. It is always such a delight being host to the finest group of men and women with brilliant ideas, who challenge themselves on a daily base, to give back to our motherland however way they can. We are all aware of the state of affairs in our country; there is no harm however in reminding ourselves of the changes we can make, individually and collectively. That has constantly been a driving force behind all the work we do at the CPS. The 2013 Congress will take us to a whole new level of implementing our dreams and aspirations for our country. Over the years we have had discussions on a wide range of issues, this year we focus on making this discussions a reality. Following the prevalent discussions and the vision of making Cameroon an emerging country over the next 25- 30 years, we as a people who love our country can only find concrete ways to be part of history in the making as we strategize with a view to foresee structural changes in our society. The challenges facing our country abound, and we all know them too well. Economic growth and employment are just a tip of the iceberg. Despite the gradual recovery from the devaluation of the CFA franc in 1994, Cameroon’s growth is still to find its strength in terms of its inner dynamics and the expected impact on the living conditions of the population. An analysis of the country’s growth factors reveals that its economy depends more than 50 per cent on Household and Sole Proprietor Businesses which constitute a sector comprising mostly informal units (notably agriculture and trade) with no guarantee of sustainable growth due to their generally fluctuating performances.Cameroon has been unable to develop a competitive industrial sector especially because of its poor performance in the global economy and lack of an operational potential at the domestic level. This problem is also compounded by distribution of the wealth generated. As a matter of fact, dividends on share capital continue to have an edge over salaries and other social contributions. There is hence a general outcry for strong growth with an equitable distribution of its fallouts.
the Diaspora. For in merging both our ideas and know how, we can begin to meet up with the many challenges our country faces; from economic to infrastructure to development, urban congestion, just to name a few. We all know that execution and implantation are always deal breakers to most projects. Having the vision is one thing, putting every strategy in place to ensure these projects are actually materialized will take more than just talking but a lot of doing. Thus it is our mission to be part of the emerging process for Cameroon. The vision for making Cameroon an emerging nation is more than apparent. The big questions are how do we even begin to implement these visions? How do we partnership with our Cameroon government to ensure that these projects are aptly, appropriately and efficiently put in place? The congress as usual is that forum through which we learn from the best, those strategies which will curb our socio-economic challenges and act as a springboard towards growth and development. “From Vision to Action – The Cameroonian Imperative” The Congress as you well know is also an opportunity to recognize Cameroonians making an impact around the world. The CPS Distinguished Awards recognizes Cameroonians for excellence in the sciences, the arts, for service to the world, for leadership and finally the Cameroonian of the Year. Past recipients have included Jacques-Greg Belobo, Gisele Yitamben, and Prof. Rose Gana Fomban Leke. Now is the time to put your ideas together and be ready to engage a cross-section of Cameroonians who are passionate about the holistic development of our country and are doing whatever it takes to move forward. The CPS believes strongly that through our collective efforts, sustainable development can be greatly accelerated and we can be proud of the changes that would have resulted from our direct actions. See you in Washington D.C. Denis A. Foretia, MD.MPH.MBA. President, CPS.
At the CPS, we absolutely believe there should exist a mutually beneficial relationship between the Cameroon government and
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tAble of Contents
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Welcome from the President
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About the CPS
Table of Contents
Executive bureau
12 Keynote speakers
Board of trustees
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Congress Overview
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Scholars Program
Speakers
20 Program
23 Sponsors
CPS Distinguished Awards
Designed by Fosso Consulting Communications - Marketing - Graphic Design - LobbyingBusiness Connections - Publics Relations
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US-Africa : Connecting Business Principal : Jean Paul Fosso Location : Washington, DC E-mail : jeanpaul@fossoconsulting.com / jpfosso@gmail.com Phone : 202-552-9282 Cameroun : Hercule Business 237 70 72 80 87 - 237 73 77 62 19
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About the CPs The Cameroon Professional Society (CPS) seeks to fundamentally transform our communities by leveraging the expertise, leadership and extensive networks of Cameroonian and African professionals both in the United States and abroad. With a focus on nurturing a robust network of patriotic leaders and entrepreneurs, the CPS believes in the strength of our collective union, to critically analyze our problems and propose concrete
solutions to foster our development. Without regard to political ideology, linguistic preference or ethnic origins, the CPS projects a united front to empower us to seek novel ways of transforming our communities and our country. Through various symposia, seminars, Leadership initiatives, philanthropic projects and business forums, the CPS directly engages the citizenry to spur development. We hope you will become involved.
boArD of trustees
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r. Gabriel Kuiatse has 28 years experience in the Oil and Gas Industry. He has spent most of his career with Schlumberger where he started as a fi eld engineer. He then occupied various management positions as Training Center Manager based in UK in charge of training and developing fi eld engineers, fi eld technicians and front line managers; Operations Manager Well Service and WCP for West and South Africa; Marketing Manager
Schlumberger Oilfi eld Services for West and South Africa . He also served as Marketing Manager Schlumberger Well Completions and Productivity for Europe and Africa for based in Paris. He is currently a Global Account Manager based in Houston. He is also the current President of LAFABAH (La Famille Bamileke of Houston). Mr. Kuiatse holds an MBA from the University of Surrey UK.
Gabriel Kuiatse, MBA (Chair)
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r. Joyce Ashuntantang, actress, screen writer, fi lm producer and poet, is a major force in contemporary Anglophone Cameroonian culture. As a founding member of Cameroon Flame Players and member of Yaoundé University Theater, she starred in numerous stage and TV plays. Her full length fi lm, Potent Secrets (2001), is an undisputable milestone in her nation’s fi lm industry. Her awards include, “The Spirit of Detroit Award” from the Mayor of Detroit, 1987, Cameroon Cultural Festival Awards 1989 and 1994, Outstanding Women in Action Award, Cameroon, 2002, and MOHWA Cameroon, “women making a difference” award, 2010. Dr. Ashuntantang earned a BA in Modern English Studies from the University of Yaoundé, A Mas-
A Augustine Ayuk, PhD
ters in Library and information Science from the University College of Wales, U.K. She also earned an M.A. in English, M.Phil and a Ph.D in English from the City University of New York. She is the author of Landscaping Postcoloniality: the Dissemination of Anglophone Cameroon Literature. Her short story, “My Mother’s Recipe” just got published in the ground breaking anthology, speaking for the Generations: Contemporary Short stories from Africa. Her collection of poetry, A Basket of Flaming Ashes is highly anticipated. She is the CEO/founder of EduART INC, a non-profi t organization created to promote art as a medium for social change. Currently professor of English and African Literature at the University of Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
ugustine E. Ayuk is Associate Professor of Political Science, Clayton State University. He earned his undergraduate and Masters degrees at Georgia College and State University and a Ph.D. in Political Science at Clark Atlanta University in 2001 and previously taught at Kennesaw State University and the University of West Georgia. He is married to Esther Ayuk and we have three children. Dr. Ayuk’s areas of interest include electoral politics in Africa, African Political Economy, African International Relations, leadership and political institutions in Africa. His article “Privatization in Cameroon and Costa Rica: A Comparative Analysis.” Published, In the Proceedings of the Georgia Political Science Association (an on-line journal 2008), undertakes a cross-national study of privatization by both
Joyce Ashuntantang, PhD (Vice Chair)
countries in the late 1980s and early 1990s, focusing on the challenges encountered and how both countries resolved these problems. In addition, he made contributions to a custom edition textbook, We the People: Refl ections on American Politics at the University of West Georgia. He reviewed “Electoral Violence in Africa: A Continent’s Soft Political Underbelly.” for publication in the Proceedings of the Georgia Political Science Association 2008. He is currently reviewing “Contemporary Igbo Nationalism and the Crisis of Self-Determination in the Nigerian Public Sphere” for publication in the African Studies Review. He is working on a manuscript, “Western Union, Money Gram and Cell Phones: How Remittances have created a ‘new and ungrateful breed in Africa.” Distinguished Annual Congress
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D Gwendoline Shang, M.D.
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r. Gwendoline Shang, often called “Gwen” works as a clinical scientist with Johnson & Johnson. In her current engagement, Dr. Shang is involved in research and development for Johnson & Johnson’s immunology division focusing on new therapies for Psoriasis – A growing disease that affects more than 7.5million patients in the US alone and 125million people worldwide. She is a graduate of the University of Pavia, Italy where she studied Medicine & Surgery focusing on Pediatric Surgery. Dr. Shang graduated within the scheduled 6 years of the medical training program, an achievement which less than 5% of medical students in Italy attain. Her experience in the fi eld included working as a surgical assistant to Professor G. Parigi (MD) at the Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy, assisting in more than 150 surge-
ichael Fondungallah is a founding member of Fondungallah & Kigham, LLC. His practice focuses on all aspects of immigration law, business law, international law, landlord tenant law, discrimination law and general litigation. Michael received his bachelors degree in law from the University of Yaounde in Cameroon (1991) and a post-graduate diploma (maitrise) in business law from the same university (1992). He worked for the Tazem Chambers as a pupil lawyer and for The Herald Newspaper before coming to the United States in 1993 and in 2001 obtained his juris doctor JD degree in law from William Mitchell College of Law in Saint Paul Minnesota. From 1995-1998, Michael worked for Pillsbury as a team leader in Lewisville, Texas where he was HAACP certifi ed and while attending law school worked for Maun & Simon as a law clerk; the intellectual property law fi rm of Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth as
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ries over her 3year tenure at the hospital. Gwen is involved in various community organizations that mentor young Africans, but her main focus is her work with the Shemka Foundation, along with her siblings. The organization was created in honor of their late father, Simon Shemka Shang. The goal of the Shemka Foundation is to provide affordable healthcare and education to local communities in and around Yaounde and hopefully expand to other rural areas in Cameroon. Gwen speaks four (4) International Languages fl uently along with a host of Cameroonian languages. Aside from career activities, Gwen loves gardening, traveling, listening to good music, remodeling and hosting family & friends to exotic Italian and African dishes and most of all, spending quality time with her loving partner.
an Information Disclosure Specialist and later for software developer Cyrus, Inc. as a law clerk. Upon graduation from law school, he worked for Westlaw as a research attorney while building his practice. Michael is admitted to practice in the state of Minnesota (2001), the United State District Court for the District of Minnesota (2006) and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (2006). Michael is president of the Minnesota Cameroon Community (MINCAM) which he co-founded and is also president of the Lewoh Cultural & Development Meeting (LECUDEM-USA) his village development association in the United States. He is also a board member and vice president of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC). He volunteers and mentors for William Mitchell College of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law. Michael is also fl uent in French.
Michael Fondungallah, Esq
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exeCutive bureAu
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Denis A. Foretia, MD.MPH.MBA President
r. Denis A. Foretia is a Resident in Surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. A native of Cameroon, he has for the past years been intricately involved in community development and collective progress within the Cameroonian community. As the former Executive Co-chair of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, he helped spearhead major community service-oriented and leadership-driven projects geared towards uplifting inner-city children in the Greater Nashville area. His leadership as National President of the Cameroon Students Association (CAMSA-USA) saw a paradigm shift towards positive intellectual discourse and the development of philanthropic projects that solidified CAMSA’s standing in the community as the premier student organization in the diaspora. Denis remains very involved with helping young Cameroonians transition into professional institutions and grow in their professional careers. He has been recognized with multiple academic and professional awards such as the
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ofeyin Yengo Bonito is a Forecast Analyst – Appliances and Electronics division with Rent-ACenter’s corporate headquarters in Plano, Texas. His professional experience is diverse. He was previously Account Manager with RentWay, Inc. and later as Retail Manager with RentWay and Rent- A-Center stores in Arkadelphia and Benton, Arkansas. He is involved in many local and national organizations. A Cameroonian by birth, Fofeyin is a consultant for small businesses and has a passion for reading and travelling. He hails from Oku subdivision in the North West Region of Cameroon and attended Baptist High School Buea and St. Augustine’s
A Austin Awasung,CPA Chief Financial Officer Boston MA aawasung@cpsociety.org
Vanderbilt Deans Scholarship and the Overall Fellowship. He is a prolific writer with strong interests in community development, cultivating a new crop of patriotic leaders and the empowerment of individuals for self-determination. His recent article “The Cameroon Dilemma” challenged Cameroonians from all walks of life to “participate constructively, in nation-building and the advancement of ethnic, tribal, religious and political tolerance across all sectors of the social strata.” Dr. Denis A. Foretia holds a Bachelors degree with honors in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a Doctor of Medicine degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He also holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Bloomberg School at the Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Carey School of Business also at the Johns Hopkins University. He currently sits on various leadership committees within the Cameroonian community.
College, Kumbo where he obtained the G.C.E Ordinary and Advanced Levels respectively. Prior to graduate school, Mr. Yengo completed undergraduate studies in Business Administration still at Henderson State University. He served as President of the Henderson International Students Association and is widely credited for gaining representation for international students on the Student Government Association. Fofeyin holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree with concentration in Finance from Henderson State University School of Business – Arkansas and is a lifetime member of the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Business Excellence Society.
ustin is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and currently practices as an independent auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (Boston) where he provides industry expertise to biotechnological and pharmaceutical firms. He is a strong advocate for leadership development among Africans but especially within the Cameroonian community. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State College – Massachusetts, with both a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance (Magna cum Laude) and a Master’s degree in Management Science.
Fofeyin Y. Bonito Chief Operating Officer Plano,TX fbonito@cpsociety.org
Austin is the recipient of numerous awards including the Bridgewater State College’s Alumni Association Award – an Award for Excellence. In addition, Austin won first place in the 2006 annual student essay competition sponsored by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). He was named to the 2005 list of Who’s Who among American Colleges and Universities and recognized at the 2005 Massachusetts Hall of Black Achievement (HOBA).
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Anne A. Fombu, RN,BSN,MBA,MHA Chief Marketing Officer Atlanta GA afombu@cpsociety.org
nne Alexis E. Fombu is a native of Boston, Massachusetts who spent much of her childhood in Cameroon. She currently resides in Atlanta Georgia, working as a Registered Nurse at The Emory Clinic, a subsidiary of the Emory Healthcare System. In addition to her position at Emory, Ms. Fombu recently completed her Professional MBA and Masters of Health Administration degrees at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Ms. Fombu completed her undergraduate studies in Massachusetts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a Bachelors of
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enora Ebule is a Financial Operations and Controls Manager at Late Rooms Limited, a multinational tourism company specializing in providing accommodation services in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Prior to Late Rooms Limited, she worked as an Accounting Team Manage at ExxonMobil, UK, where she led and successfully managed a number of social and professional teams. As a member of the Association of Certifi ed Chartered Accounts and CPS, Lenora believes
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Benison Forfeke, Esq General Counsel Indianapolis, IN bforfeke@cpsociety.org
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Science in Nursing degree. She has experienced a variety of healthcare settings over the span of 10 year nursing career. Ms. Fombu is currently pursuing her career goal of becoming an executive health care administrator in a healthcare service organization. She is actively involved in various community services, including volunteering as a Mentor at the Big Brother Big Sister of Atlanta. Her other interests include watching international football matches, traveling, and spending leisure time with her family and friends.
that the right kind of education that not only teaches employability and entrepreneurial skills, but also builds patriotic responsible accountable citizens. A collective relentless effort in pursuing that education is one, if not the most signifi cant factor that can improve our future leaders and our nation at large. She received a fi rst class BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
enison is from Mezam Division, North West Province of Cameroon. He obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis. Currently, he volunteers legal services at the Protective Order of Pro Bono Projects, where he assists victims of domestic violence. Also, he serves as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem for Kids Voice of Indiana, where he represents the best interest for kids. Prior to attending law school, Benison obtained a Masters of Science in Chemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology, concentrating in organic synthesis of biomolecules, and a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Chemistry from Henderson
Lenora Ebule, B.A. Chief Human Resource Officer Baltimore, MD lebule@cpsociety.org
State University. While at Georgia Tech., he helped co-found and served as a student advisor for the Initiative for the Development and Education of Africa (GT-IDEA). GT-IDEA is an organization that aims at fostering economic development initiatives in Africa. GT-IDEA has helped train entrepreneurs in different areas of Africa, and engaged in collaborative teaching projects at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. Benison has received several academic awards and recognitions. He is a recipient of the Tech Tower award for academic excellence at Georgia Tech. He is also a Fellow of the Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity (ICLEO).
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Asong Lekeaka Co-Director CPS Scholars Program Atlanta, Georgia alekeaka@cpsociety.org
song Lekeaka is a graduating senior at Southern Polytechnic State University majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences. Asong has a passion for service and leadership. He has served as Retention Program Coordinator and President at SPSU Society of Black Engineers. He currently holds the Region III Academic Excellence Chair position for the National Society of Black Engineers. In this role, he leads a team tasked with collecting and analyzing academic performance data
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yong Nsoesie is a Senior Software Engineer currently working for Airclic, Inc. He worked as a Software Engineer for HCL Technologies, Inc and CA, Inc before taking on his current role. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County , and a Master’s degree in Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Eyong has held several leadership roles within the community including President of the As-
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Thomas Ndomb CPS Executive Advisor Orlando FL tndomb@cpsociety.org
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sociation of Cameroonian Youths in Baltimore, and National Financial Secretary of the Cameroon Students Association (CAMSA-USA). One of his areas of interest is how Information Technology can improve the lives of Cameroonians and Africans in general. If computerbased solutions could replace the current ledgers that are still being used at various government and private facilities across the country, productivity and effi ciency will be signifi cantly improved.
graduate of the Nigerian College of Accountancy Jos Nigeria (1996) and a Certifi ed Accountant in Nigeria( ANAN), Thomas has been Vice President Carrier Relations at Telco 214, Inc, since 2003. Having worked in the Telecoms Industry for over 11 years, he has gained a wealth of knowledge on the African Telecommunications industry. Prior to his work at Telco 214, Thomas served for 3 years as an auditor for Arthur Andersen Central Africa offi ce in Douala Cameroon where he was exposed to the specifi c challenges faced by
evin is currently the Director of Volunteer and Philanthropic Programs at the Cameroon Professional Society. He is a critical care registered nurse by training and presently works at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr Ousman holds BS in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Health
from NSBE chapters in the Southeast. A key component of the NSBE mission is to increase the number of Black Engineering students who excel academically. Asong has worked as an Electrical Engineer Coop with Jordan & Skala Engineers, an MEP design and consulting fi rm. He currently works in process automation and industrial controls in an internship role for Wiley-Engineering. Prior internships include lab assistant at the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Division of Global AIDS.
Eyong Nsoesie, MSc Technical Lead Baltimore, MD ensoesie@cpsociety.org
many public and private corporations in the CEMAC Region. He will later use that experience in expanding the business footprint of Telco 214 in the whole continent of Africa. Thomas has held a number of positions during this time in both business development and account management on the African and Carrier side. His work has taken Thomas to about 35 countries across the continent and open him to multilingual partnerships in the Arabic, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish speaking zones of Africa.
Systems Management at the Johns Hopkins University with a focus in Global Health Systems Development. Mr Ousman worked at the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Johns Hopkins University until 2009 after which he spent a year as a travel nurse. Kevin is a member of the Association of Critical Care Nurses and holds a certifi cate in HIV management from Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Kevin Babila Ousman, MS-HSM(c) 2012 Distinguished Annual Congress
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Armel Femnou Technical Administrator College Park, MD afemnou@cpsociety.org
rmel Femnou is a Biomedical Engineer with the Food and Drug Administration in Maryland USA. He works for the x-ray calibration laboratory under the division of imaging and applied mathematics as a software programmer designated for radiation ion chamber calibration. Armel obtained, with top honors, his Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering and Masters in Electrical/ Biomedical Engineering from the George Washington University in DC USA. His future interests include cardiovascular imaging in which he plans to specialize by obtaining a PhD. He has always been involved with various organizations including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Standards Engi-
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zocha Nkobena is an executive at Accenture, a Fortune 100 global consulting fi rm where she has spent her entire professional career. Her experience spans across multiple industries in the commercial and public sectors (i.e. Telecommunications, Federal Government, Postal Services, Banking). She specializes in project management, governance, business development, organizational change and strategy. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance from UMUC in 2004 and is currently pursuing her MBA. In parallel with her education and career, Azocha has always believed in the power of leadership, networking, mentorship and entrepreneurship. She is the co-founder of ForceAfrik, a non-profit organization started in
2007 with a mission to provide a platform for the African Diaspora to display its cultural diversity. One of the highlights of ForceAfrik was the annual African Dance Exhibition that attracted hundreds from diverse cultural backgrounds. She was also one of the founders of the Cameroonian Student Union (CSU) in 2001 which provided networking events for young Cameroonian students seeking mentorship and advice on how to succeed in the US. Mentorship is very dear to Azocha as she strongly believes in its power to foster growth and success. She strongly credits her strong leadership skills to the mentors that have infl uenced her life hence her heavy involvement within her community. She is eagerly looking forward to sharing her professional experience with the next generation of African leaders.
Kangalla Dillon Pefok is a software engineer for Booze Allen Hamilton. He obtained a Bachelors in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Maryland - CollegePark in 2005. Upon graduation, Kangalla worked for Curtiss Wright Controls as an embedded software engineer. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Systems Engineering & Business Administration from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Professional certifi cations include CXWorks Realtime Operating System and also radar communica-
Dillon Pefok Co-Director CPS Scholars Program College Park, MD dpefok@cpsociety.org
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neering Society (SES) , the George Washington Biomedical Engineering society. He was the president of the African Student Union at Montgomery Community College. His strong Catholic beliefs inspire a feeling of gratitude and make him want to give back. He volunteers for Us Helping Us (a non-profi t HIV awareness organization), Big Brothers Big Sisters (a non-profi t child welfare organization). Long term career goals involve importing highly specialized medical devices to Cameroon for healthcare system improvement along with setting up training programs for in place healthcare professionals. Along with reading and travelling, he enjoys educating himself with subjects such as languages, music, politics, theology, and archeology.
Azocha Nkobena
tion & combat identifi cation systems development. Kangalla led a volunteer team from Dunamis Life Chapel to collaborate with an initiative with the Cameroon-American Council to bring awareness to African and African-American communities in the Washington DC-Metro area in 2011. Earlier this year, he was recognized as the 2012 Modern Day Technology Leader by BEYA-STEM, Black Engineer of the Year conference.
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Lovette Nkontan, MBA.MHA
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ovette Nkontan is a Cameroonian by birth who currently resides in Baltimore Maryland. Her drives and aspirations are deeply rooted in her native culture from which her sense of familial unity and responsibility continue to nurture and infl uence her life, beliefs, morals, values and career aspirations. She remains active and has been able to nourish her team and leadership skills through her involvement in community youth groups and other organizations with a focus on public service. She acquired many volunteer experiences at hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ms. Nkontan also serves as the current vice president of her alumnae association Our lady of Lourdes College (Baltimore Chapter) and participates in other associations. Ms. Nkontan understands the value of education, but especially health education, as she is a partner in their family business of offering vocational healthcare training programs to nur-
oannes Petrus Yuh hails from Boyo Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. He attended secondary and high school education in St Bede’s college Ashing Kom from where he later moved to the University of Buea where he obtained a B.Sc in Biochemistry and Medical Laboratory Technology (Hons). His passion for biomedical research made him join the Malaria Research group at the University of Buea, where he worked as a laboratory technician for two years trying to identifying malaria vaccine targets. His desire to further his studies gained him a scholarship to pursue graduation education at East Tennessee State University USA where he obtained his M.Sc in Biological Sciences. Upon graduation, he was offered a research fellowship position at Vanderbilt University School
sing assistants, phlebotomist and pharmacy technicians. It is this understanding that unifi es her views with likeminded Cameroonians who are dissatisfi ed with a deteriorating healthcare system in Cameroon and agree on the need for change in healthcare and pharmacy in particular. Currently employed by Kaiser Permanente as a Certifi ed Pharmacy Technician, Ms. Nkontan has been awarded several opportunities to work in unit based teams and in pharmacy supply chain management as an inventory technician. She holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Masters of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the University of Maryland University College. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology/Psychology from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Ms. Nkontan aspires to effect positive changes in people’s lives when and where possible, for people are her passion.
of medicine where he currently conducts research on HIV/AIDS. Conducting research on HIV/ AIDS and trying to understand the different ways by which the virus enters the human body and infects different body cells has been a worthwhile experience, says Mr. Yuh. He intends to obtain a masters degree in Global Health which is of global concern. During his free time, he participates actively in his community, volunteering with local hospitals and nongovernmental organizations. He currently volunteers with the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville TN, USA. His greatest wish is to one day go back home and share the knowledge and experience he has acquired so far with his community especially in the area of public health. He loves singing, playing volleyball and table tennis.
Joannes Petrus Yuh Awards Committee Head/Tech Team Nashville TN jyuh@cpsociety.org
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Joannes Paulus Yimbesalu Panel Manager CPS jyimbesalu@cpsociety.org Milwaukee WI
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oannes Paulus Yimbesalu is from the North West region of Cameroon. He obtained his BSc in Medical Laboratory Sciences from University of Buea in 2004, and later joined the Infectious disease laboratory of the University of Buea with focus on Malaria immunity in pregnant women and children as a Research Assistant. In 2011 he obtained my MSc in Biomedical Sciences from New Mexico Highlands University and a diploma in Leadership Excellence from the Donahue Leadership Institute/University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA. Presently he works as a Research Technologists II with the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics department of the Medical College of Wisconsin with research emphasis on Male and Female infertility. Joannes is currently enrolled in a Master degree program in Public Health here at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Joannes was student body president in his former University, and during that time, he started a UNICEF Campus Initiative Club sponsored by the US Fund for UNICEF at NMHU aimed at involving campus students to get involved in issues affecting children worldwide. In 2011 Joannes received the overall best stu-
eorgette holds a Master’s degree in Organizational communication from University of Douala and first degree in Linguistics and English language from University of Buea. She’s gained a lot of interactive experience through trainings and workshops on tele marketing, customer service and public relations over the years. She’s also been imparted with wealth of experience working with diverse groups of persons and organizations. World class companies, AESSONEL and CITI Bank Cameroon have been instrumental in giving her solid professional training in corporate communication and custo-
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dent of the year award and then later inducted as a member of the PHI ETA SIMGA Honors society. In the same year he received the Student Speaking award for best research abstract at the New Mexico Annual. Last August, he was the recipient of the Lalor Fellow award with the Lalor foundation for my contribution in reproductive health. In 2009, he was appointed Peace Paint ambassador with the Art Miles Mural Project. Besides my academic career, Joannes has been involved with AMNESTY International and the UNESCO chair as well as health promotion of maternal and child health through UNICEF activities, Women Deliver, the Clinton Global Initiative, Youth Action for Change with focus on Youths and the MDGS. He has volunteered with Big Brother Big Sisters and the Salvation Army. Presently serving as a Do Something.org’s Youth Advisory Council member and have also served as Co-Chair; Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS, USA. Active member with Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR), the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), Sigma Xi as as well as member with Global Voices for Maternal Health of the University of Oxford.
mer service domains. She thrived as communications officer, ensuring the proper flow of information from one division to the next at AES-SONEL. As a customer service representative, she was key meeting the needs and enquiries of customers at CITI Bank. Also, building business networks in sales of various female accessories have been a major activity for her. When she is not working as the CPS executive assistant, she is working on various projects especially ones that broaden her knowledge base and increase her number of clientele.
Georgette Njweng Fonane Administrative Assistant Douala, Cameroon gfonane@cpsociety.org
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Keynote sPeAKers
Mathias Fobi,MD CEO Bariatec Corporation
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r. Mathias Fobi is an internationally recognized bariatric (weight-loss) surgeon based in California. He has changed the shape of Hollywood heavyweights such as Etta James and American Idol’s Randy Jackson. MAL, as he is known among friends, was born in Nkwen, a small village in Cameroon, West Africa. He is a member of the first batch, class of 1965, 0f Sacred Heart College in Mankon Bamenda in Cameroon. He came to the USA through the Afri-
Christopher Che Chairman of The Che International Group
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hristopher Che is the president/CEO of the Che International Group, LLC (CIG), a multi-national holding company that he founded in 2005 with the objective of creating subsidiary companies in diverse industries through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Under his visionary leadership, in 2007 the Che International Group successfully acquired Hooven-Dayton Corporation (HDC) as its first wholly owned subsidiary, which he is also leading as President/CEO. Hooven Dayton Corporation is a 75 year old provider of high quality prime product labels, flexible packaging, promotional coupons and specialty printing solutions and has two state-of-the art manufacturing facilities in Dayton, Ohio. Under his leadership, both CIG and HDC are experiencing exponential increase in revenues through acquisitions and organic growth. As President/CEO, his responsibilities include setting strategy and
can Scholarship Program for American Universities (ASPAU) in 1966. This was a scholarship program that was inaugurated by President Kennedy along with the Peace Corps Program. Dr. Fobi received his Pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from University of Cincinnati. Dr. Fobi completed a General Surgical Residency at the King Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles Where he was Chief Resident and later becoming a professor at the school. He is a Board Certified General Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In 1977, he experienced a life-changing encounter while teaching at Drew Medical Center. He met a woman who feared emergency surgery to repair complications from intestinal bypass surgery she was willing to die rather than regain the weight she had lost. Her story of physical incapacity and ridicule struck a cord of compassion, and after some research, he developed a procedure that helped her. That experience eventually led him to shift the focus of his surgical career from trauma and oncology to the fledging field of bariatric (obesity) surgery. Currently Dr. Fobi is the President Elect of the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity,
the President of the California Chapter of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the immediate past President of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation, is a fellow of the International College of Surgeons and the American College of Nutrition. He is the past president of the ASBS Foundation. He is a member of the over two dozen medical associations, including the Los Angeles County Medical Association, North American Association for the Study of Obesity, American College of Nutrition, Los Angeles Surgical Society, Southwestern Surgical Association, the National Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He sits on the Board of the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, is a lifetime member of the NAACP and is on the editorial board of publications Obesity Help and WLS Magazine. Dr. Fobi lectures worldwide and has published numerous articles on obesity and surgical treatment for obesity. His research has appeared in Journal of the American Medical Association, Update: Surgery for the Morbidly Obese, Obesity Surgery, and the Journal of the National Medical Association and in several medical school textbooks related to obesity and bariatric surgery.
vision, building cohesive executive teams that will lead the company to the next level, creating a conducive culture of sustainable growth and properly allocating capital resources. Christopher is an accountant by profession and a veteran Senior Financial Executive with over 20 years of vast and dynamic business experience during which he has held progressive Auditing, Corporate Controller and Chief Financial Officer positions with various progressive, high profile, privately held manufacturing, Service and Technology corporations. Prior to starting the Che International Group in 2005, Christopher held CFO positions for 17 years. Responsibilities included all Operations, Accounting, Finance & Administration; Human Resources, MIS and Treasury departments as well as Risk and Benefits Management in multi-state and multi-national environments. He has significant expertise in financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, policy and procedure administration, and design and implementation of internal accounting controls. Christopher is a proven expert in designing, sourcing and implementing technology (ERP systems) to optimize accuracy and efficiency of accounting operations. Backed by Big 8 Public Accounting Auditing experience, he has significant experience in restructuring financial and operating procedures to provide a solid foundation for exponential growth. Christopher is an innovative executive who has deep entrepreneurial skills and strong ability to mentor staff, management and owners, creating a cohesive team to finding strategic solutions to business problems and opportunities for growth both internally and through acquisitions. He is a proven strategist who has led the growth of pri-
vately held firms from $2million to $75 million through multi-industry acquisitions and integration. Christopher has strong expertise in sourcing capital through building strong relationships with Commercial banks, Private Equity and Venture Capital firms. Christopher’s specific manufacturing experiences include, concurrently, over 10 years in Flexographic Printing & Packaging; ten years in Corrugated Box packaging; Fifteen years in the Specialty chemical industry. He also spent approximately three years in the Technology and Service industries. Christopher is a strong believer in giving back to the community through direct involvement. He currently serves as a board member of the Dayton Minority Economic Development Council, the Dayton Area Chamber of commerce, the Southern Advisory Council for the Printing Industries of America (PIA), the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland- Dayton Area Business Advisory Council, and the Small Business Advisory Council of the Cincinnati USA Chamber of Commerce. Christopher also serves in the membership committee of the Tag & Label Manufacturing Institute (TLMI); mentors minority and small business and is involved in other community outreach efforts in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. He was a long time president of the Tristate Cameroonian Association of Ohio, Indiana & Kentucky during which he pioneered the longest running life insurance program for Cameroonians in the U.S. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting with a minor in Computers from Wilmington College, Ohio in 1985. He proceeded immediately to obtain a Master’s of Accountancy degree From Miami University in Oxford Ohio in 1986. Distinguished Annual Congress
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Congress overvieW The Distinguished Annual Congress of the CPS is a seminal event that brings together Cameroonian professionals from all walks of life and throughout the world to discuss concrete issues facing Cameroonian communities throughout the world and especially issues facing Cameroon. Through its various working sessions, round-table discussions, debates and symposia, Congress attendees interact closely with other professionals from across the globe in formulating strategies for socio-economic development and progress. The Congress emphasizes leadership development with the goal of empowering and nurturing the next generation of Cameroonian leaders.
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Who shoulD AttenD ?
Why you shoulD AttenD
This Congress is open to all Cameroonians resident in the United States and abroad. Other Africans, businesses, venture capitalists and internationals with interest in Cameroon are especially welcome. Cameroonian professionals are urged to not only attend but to actively participate. The following are invited to attend : 1. Cameroonians from all walks of life residing in Cameroon and abroad. 2. Leaders of professional associations, expertise centers, nongovernmental organizations. 3. Academic leaders, directors and researchers from universities and the higher education sector. 4. Corporate training and development personnel 5. Senior staff from government departments and international development agencies 6. Publishers, journalists, human rights activists, legal and healthcare personnel, engineers, business entrepreneurs, philanthropists, artists, writers, educators, IT developers etc. 7. Young Cameroonians and students in the diaspora.
1. Network and mingle with other Cameroonian Professionals. 2. Keep up with all the major issues, latest developments and trends in Cameroon. 3. Hear from the experts on practical ways of spearheading a change, however small it may be. 4. Form lasting relationship with individuals of like-mind and work towards community empowerment. 5. Learn specifi cs about Cameroon’s rich history and cultural heritage vis as vis its interaction in the international scene 6. Become familiar with Cameroon’s bilateral and multilateral relationship and its impact on the society 7. Develop business and professional contacts in various fi elds. 8. Become involved in community development projects and various leadership opportunities.
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sCholArs ProgrAm mission The mission of the CPS Scholars Program is to nurture a new generation of Cameroonian leaders in business, law, education, healthcare, engineering, public service, among a wide
variety of professions. Participating students also learn to be leaders within Cameroonian communities.
About the ProgrAm Each year the CPS offers up to five scholarships to students who are enrolled in their final year of high school. These awards are determined on a competitive basis and require the submission of a personal statement and an essay written by the applicant. All eligible students are encouraged to participate in this process. The CPS Scholars Program is funded through private and public donations and operated by the Cameroon Professional Society, Inc. as a public charity. This program was established to provide academic scholar-
ship, leadership training and service opportunities to promising young Cameroonians. On acceptance into the program, each scholar is awarded $500 to be use for academic expenses at any college or university of their choice. Scholars are also provided with the mentorship and nurturing that is required to excel in college and beyond. The program seeks to produce outstanding young men and women who will pursue careers in the arts, sciences, public service or professional degrees in business, law and medicine, among others.
CPs DistinguisheD AWArDs Every year, the Cameroon Professional Society (CPS) gives out awards to individuals, groups or organizations — regardless of national background or origin — as recognition
for their outstanding contributions made with significant impacts on humanity in general and in the lives of Cameroonians in particular. The various award categories are :
CPs AWArD for exCellenCe in the Arts Given the rich and vast diversity of the peoples of Cameroon, any work of arts that transcends cultures and whatsoever barriers does not deserve to go unnoticed; this is exactly why this award was established to recognize such
talents. The award covers such fields as among others, performing arts, visual arts, literature, film, architecture, painting and music.
CPs AWArD for exCellenCe in the sCienCes This was established to recognize outstanding Cameroonian scientists who have contributed significantly in their fields of specialty. The award recognizes individuals and organi-
zations that have excelled in the natural and social sciences. That is, in domains such as medicine, engineering, mathematics, economics and much more.
CPs DistinguisheD AWArD for serviCe Going beyond the call of duty in service to one’s community or country is remarkable. This prestigious award is to acknowledge individuals of widely recognized eminence in and who have made tremendous contributions to advancing
community growth and development. Recipients receive the distinction of Honorary Members and are exempted from all CPS dues.
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CPs DistinguisheD AWArD for leADershiP This was established to recognize extraordinary leadership within the Cameroonian community, nationally and internationally. This award is based on outstanding contribution in
leadership development, community empowerment and progress. Recipients receive the distinction of Honorary Members and are exempted from CPS dues in perpetuity.
“CAmerooniAn of the yeAr” AWArD The “Cameroonian of the Year” will be awarded annually, usually during the Distinguished Annual Congress of the Cameroon Professionals Society. This award, the highest and most prestigious, is presented to an individual: male, female, group, or idea who have had a significant impact on
the lives of Cameroonians in particular and humanity in general. He/she should represent a positive example for other Cameroonians to emulate. He/she is judged by the CPS to have gone far and beyond in making a difference in Cameroonian affairs and to humanity in general.
generAl seleCtion CriteriA : Nominations should be forwarded to the Awards Committee no later than May 30th, every year. Nominations can be submitted by any Cameroonian. The Nomination Package should include the following: ● Letter from the individual, group or organization nominating a candidate for consideration. ● Detailed letter (at least one page long) explaining why the Individual should be considered for the prestigious award. If possible, please submit a detailed curriculum vitae of the individual.
Awards are not issued posthumously• All nominations will be fully evaluated by the Award Committee, appointed by the President. The selection process is very confidential and deliberations are not to be made public. Recipients must be personally present to receive their awards. In addition to the recognition the awards bring, recipients also receive a Diploma issued by the CPS and a Plaque. None of the awards has a cash prize. The recipient of the “Cameroonian of the Year” Award will deliver “The CPS Lecture” during the Distinguished Congress; usually after the Award presentation.
ADministrAtion of AWArDs : 1. No more than two (2) individuals or entities can be selected for any award in a single year. If no suitable candidates are identified for any particular award in a particular year, that award is not given that year. 2. Nominations must include a detailed description of the nominee’s accomplishments, vision, leadership, and commitment, as well as relevant examples of achievements that fulfill the award criteria.
3. Award winners will be announced on the CPS website and in CPS’s print and online news publications. A news release will be issued. Question and answer interviews with Award recipients are encouraged for print publication and on the website. 4. Nominations are valid for only one year, but may be resubmitted each year up to a maximum of three consecutive years.
AWArD nominAtion form : Please submit your nomination by completing the CPS Distinguished Awards Nomination Form online at www.cpsociety.org. If you have additional questions or concerns please send your inquiries via email to awards@cpsociety.org
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Successful nominees are notified of their awards by the CPS President or the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Presentation of Awards takes place during each Distinguished Annual Congress.
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sPeAKers
Christopher Che President & CEO - HoovenDayton Corp
Eric Chinje Director of Strategic Communications, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Dr. MAL Fobi Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Bariatec Corp
Samuel Buma Managing Partner, IMEX Capital
Kahiga Tiagha Principal, Tiagha and Associates
Viola Lllewellyn Director of Operations, Ovamba Solutions
Dr. Vincent Fondong Prof. of Biotechnology, Delaware State University
Dr. Arnold Etame Neurosurgeon, MoďŹƒtt Cancer Center Florida
Esther Gadpille National President, EXSSA USA
Chris Nasah Chartered Architect, United Kingdom
Gabriel Kuiatse Global Accounts Manager, Schlumberger
Diane Diaga Sr. Principal, Oracle DBA
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sPeAKers
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Dr. John Nkengasong Global HIV/AIDS Division, Center for Disease Control
Dr. Valentine Nzengung Professor, University of Georgia
Brice Asopjio CEO, MAES
Arrey Obenson Deputy Secretary General, Junior Chambers Intl. (JCI)
Marie-Flore Wekoue Structured Finance Consultant, Dinosaur Securities
Dr. Aloysius Ajab Amin Economist, Kimep University
Thomas Ndomb Vice President, Telco 214
Dr. Julius Agbor Africa Research Fellow, Brookings Institute
Maybelle Boma Co-Founder, Cameroon Entertainment Awards
Ozong Agborsangaya Senior Operations OďŹƒcer, World Bank
David Akana National President, SWESA USA
Edwin Fogam Principal, Fogam and Associates
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sPeAKers
Igxtelle Acha Founder, Innocence Reclaim Intl.
Azocha Nkobena Manager, Accenture Consulting
Joannes Yimbesalu CEO/Founder, Hope for Children Cameroon
Raymond Yosimbom Parliamentary Monitor, Republic of South Africa
Angele Kwemo President, A StrategiK Group LLC.
Jacob Ngumbah Communications Officer Nevis Disaster Mgmt.
Denis Foretia Co-Chair, Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation
Besong Tarh Frambo Foreign Affairs Officer Ministry of Ext. Relations
Annick Koloko Partner - Annick Tchokonte-Koloko Law
Fieyim Njuonjuo Human Rights Advocate
Cedric Metangmo Sr. Member Services Rep, Hanscom FCU
Daniel Anagho President, African Investment Corp
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ProgrAm friDAy July 26th, 2013
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ProgrAm
sAturDAy July 27th, 2013
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ProgrAm
ChAirmAn’s CoCKtAil
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golD sPonsor
silver sPonsors
bronZe sPonsors
other PArtners
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