Brandon S. Davis

2023 TOP P&E

Iwas originally Born in Detroit, Michigan living with my mother in the historic poverty-stricken Dexter Blvd area. After a bout with CPS, I transitioned to living with my father, which was slightly better, but was still plagued with some of the same problems. Eventually, I ran away from home and landed in a delinquent placement home. With all this uncertainty in my life during my developmental years, the one thing that stayed consistent was me playing the trumpet as an outlet from my day-to-day struggles. Due to my house hopping and basically being homeless, I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade. I started working at different odd jobs, including working in the automotive plants, and even doing door to door sales. Sales is what opened my eyes to what success looks like and how achievable it really is. However, being young, I still found myself looking for my place in the world. Shortly after becoming a father, I wanted to break the generational curse of poverty and hurt; I developed a new drive. I still didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. I witnessed a lot of my friends going to jail, dying, and I even got close to death myself. I was fed up. Never giving up on playing the trumpet, I fought to get into school and obtain a degree. It was a journey that lasted two years, but I finally landed a scholarship at Prairie View A&M University. As soon as I was accepted, I didn’t waste the opportunity. I became a member of the Student Government Association, received University honors, and graduated in three years with a BBA in Accounting. This started a career in supply chain management. After obtaining some initial experience, I went on to hold several positions at the senior specialist level within supplier diversity. My drive to excel in this field was attributed to my upbringing and I wanted to be the change that I wanted to see. I even started mentoring youth in poverty-stricken areas like 3rd and 5th wards as a member of Emerging 100, the young professional’s arm of the 100 Black Men of America. Currently, I’m working to develop the new MWBE program with the Port of Houston. I believe increasing opportunities in urban areas will decrease the need for youth to result to crime to fulfill basic needs. Over the course of my career, I have been attributed to over $100 million of awarded contracts to small minority and women owned businesses in the Houston area. What they see is what they’ll be!

Brandon S. Davis Business Equity Manager Business Equity Division Port Houston (713) 670-2618

Afia Cuffe is a relationship manager who has been in the financial industry for over 15 years. She’s committed to understanding what makes your business unique, providing financial solutions that help grow, manage, and protect your business while helping you plan. Being a relationship manager has its perks I can get out and meet clients at their place of business.

The position also allows her to network every day, all day. Creating authentic relationships with my client is treating them like not just another account number. However, understanding the client and their passion is important. It’s imperative to learn what got them started in this business in addition to learning their business inside and out. I have an appreciation for being vested in the client’s business for optimal results.

She relocated from NYC to Houston for a change of environment, “NYC wasn’t where I wanted to settle my family long term,” the banking specialist said.

Cuffe believes in creating genuine and authentic relationships with all her clients so she can become their trusted financial partner to assist with any banking solutions.

The bank maven was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Her parents are first generation immigrants from Jamaica. She holds a business bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate from Temple University.

When she’s not working, Ms. Cuffe spends time with her family. She enjoys traveling often, hosting family and friends, and working-out, specifically cross-fit/ HITT training,

“I absolutely love my gym, and my gym family. It’s a black owned gym in the heart of Third Ward. Feast With Beast located on Alabama and Emancipation Ave. As a gym, we do a lot to support the Third Ward community. To name a few local foods food drives, Back to School Books and Bags for local schools.”

While in Houston, her future goals are to open a healthy juice bar in my neighborhood and purchase real estate. Currently, Cuffe is servicing commercial, healthcare, and small business clients with lending needs.

Afia Cuffe Business Banking Relationship Manager PNC Bank - Houston, TX