Mr. Banwo Smith is a retired brewer turned farmer. At 70, he has retired from ‘Active Service’ but still passionate about helping the next generation of community builders. He does this by playing advisory roles and giving back with strategic planning, business and marketing strategies for community development. Besides being a patron and playing an informal role as senior advisor to Stick Universe and Afro Projects HQ towards global Youth Empowerment and Community building, he serve as Trustee for his secondary school alma mata- Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), D.J. Bullock Endowment Fund and Bamol Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Board in Molly Specialist Hospital, Medifield Healthcare Ltd and Liquid Food Ventures. He is married with children and grandchildren and finds time for golf and his farm!

EDUCATIONAL RECORDS: 
– 1979 – 1980:  Birmingham University, England (M.Sc Brewwing Science)
– 1966 – 1970:  University of Technology, Loughborough, England (B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry & Diploma Industrial Studies)
– 1959 – 1965:  Government College Ibadan (Higher School Certificate)

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: 
* 2007 to date:  Chairman, Medifield Healthcare  
* 2007 to 2010: Chairman, Vitamalt Plc. 
* 2001 to 2007:  Consultant to Lawson Associates. 
* 2001 to date:  Chairman, Bamol (Nigeria) Ltd. | CEO, Liquid Foods & Equip. (Nig.) Ltd. / Liquid Foods Ventures. | Chairman, Molly Specialist Hospital.  
* 1/96 – 1/01:   Heineken Internationaal Beheer BV | MD, NOCAL & EKA Breweries, Angola (5/99-1/01) | Chairman/MD Sierra Leone Brewery Ltd. (1/96 – 4/99) 
* 8/70 – 11/95:  Nigerian Breweries Plc | Chairman/MD, Kumasi Brewery Ltd. Ghana (8/91 – 7/95) | Director/Brewery Manager Lagos Brewery (1989 – 1991) | Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc (8/89 – 11/95) | Brewery Manager, Ibadan Brewery (1984 – 1989) | Brewery Manager, Aba (1981 – 1984) | Production Manager, Lagos Brewery (1978 -1981) | Brewer, Kaduna/Lagos Breweries (1972 – 1977) | Trainee Brewer (1970 – 1972)
 
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP: 
– Brewers Association of Nigeria  – Fellow
– Nigerian Institute of Management  – Member
– Master Brewers Association of America

OTHER BODIES:   
– Trustee, Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association. (GCIOBA)
– Past National President, Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association. (GCIOBA)
 
HOBBIES: Golf and farming.

Toyin Ayeni is a Nigerian-American and founder of Stick Universe, a company whose mission is to train, inspire, engage and empower the mind, body, spirit and soul of today’s youth. She is also the author of the book titled “I am a Nigerian, Not a Terrorist”. This book was released in 2010 for Nigeria’s 50th Independence Day to celebrate the Nigerian people, the culture, past, present and potential for the future. The book was also written for a global audience, Nigerians and non-Nigerians to promote tolerance, embrace diversity and to enlighten the world about Nigeria. Toyin is also the Founder of a company called Afro Projects HQ, an online, crowd funding and Project Management Consulting Company that targets funding African development-focused projects, ventures and small businesses and managing each project to completion. Afro Projects HQ was formed to promote common wealth, expand the system of wealth sharing and to empower & encourage creativity & hard work. Along with being a Project Manager in Chicago, she is a motivational speaker especially for the youth. She has had the privilege and honor to be key note speaker at some Chicago Public Schools including Horace Greeley Elementary school at their “Celebration of Africa” event during which she was able to speak to the entire school in 3 sessions and in a final address to motivate parents to support their children and pursue their dreams. She also spoke to the student ambassadors at Ogden Intl High school in a Q & A session about Nigeria and had the honor of teaching the Chicago Public School 7th to 12th grade students in a 2 session workshop on “Setting and accomplishing goals” at the annual “Mayor Daley Book Club” at Lane Tech High School on May 14, 2011. She was also the Keynote speaker at the 51st Nigerian Independence Day in Springfield Illinois, in a speech that focused on being unified for peace and progress to leave a Legacy for our children but also advocated as Dr. Martin Luther King stated that, “A time comes when silence is betrayal.” Toyin believes in volunteer work and is involved in various community building efforts. She champions activities that would empower and enrich women as contributors in the community and was the pioneer chairperson of the Northside chapter of the Signatures of Prolific Women, an organization founded by Dr. Mildred C. Harris, the Commissioner for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), to empower and mobilize women for community developments efforts. She is a leader in her church, Calvary Redemption Center in Skokie, Illinois, the pioneer president for the Bank of America’s Black Professionals Group (BPG) Chicago branch as well as a past President of the Bank of America Chicago Toastmasters International chapter. Her first book, I am a Nigerian, Not a Terrorist”, was written out of a passion to leave a legacy of heritage for her children, their friends and other young people. The book increases knowledge for all generations, exposes the Nigerian history to the younger generation and she has received positive feedback from both Nigerians and Non-Nigerians and hopes it will encourage others to learn about other cultures. Her new books are the Stick People Advice series with the first of the series scheduled for release in 2016. The books provide mentorship for pre-teen to young adult boys and girls. This is a dream project of hers providing everyday advice on life issues directly to the children because she believes that communication and being informed is power and children should not be making the same mistakes that have been made in past. These books have so far evolved into a youth empowerment program called Stick Universe that she hopes will be the global movement that pushes today’s generation of young people to become the leaders of tomorrow by learning basic fundamentals. Toyin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria as well as a Master of Science degree in Information Systems Management (MSISM) from Loyola University Chicago. She is happily married with three children and enjoys event planning, mentoring and providing encouragement to people especially the youth, singing, listening to music, dancing, writing, reading and sports.

Kehinde Omoni is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Country Manager-Nigeria of Afro Projects HQ, LLC and also the Africa Liason for Stick Universe. Mrs. Omoni is an experienced Manager and Entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics. Her experience includes working as an IT facilitator and Marketing Executive at the Universal Trust Bank in Nigeria after which she became Founder and Manager Director of a Salon and Spa in Nigeria called “Brushes and Clippers” in Gbagada, Lagos, covering the Mainland area of Lagos. In an attempt to extend her reach and services across Lagos State, she is also a co-founder of a new Executive Luxurious Salon and Spa called “The Mane Isle”, in Lekki, covering the Lagos Island area where she manages a robust staff in both places. Kehinde is a people person, loyal and committed to her cause. She is philanthropic and believes in developing young people and preparing them for success.

Toksy Ogunyemi is the President of Evergreen Anchor Capital, a Georgia licensed residential mortgage company. Prior to Evergreen he worked at Dekalb Office from 1998 to 2013 in several roles. His education includes a Bachelors degree in Architecture from the University of Lagos, and Masters degree in Finance as well as an MBA from Georgia State University- J Mack Robinson College of Business. Other interests include playing squash, golf and composing music. He has a black belt in Taekwondo, obtained a Private Pilots License and enjoys hanging out with his wife and 3 boys.

Elnora Levant is a graduate of North Park University with a Bachelor of s degree in management. She has over 30 years experience managing teams in the medical insurance revenue cycle. She also has 10 years experience teaching, mentoring and, empowering under-privileged students. Currently, she minister at Calvary Redemption Center working with teenagers and young adults. Elnora’s passion is to help young people especially young women to grow in spite of their life situations. She believes that life experiences are opportunities for growth and has therefore held workshops and small group meetings guiding young women to use their inner strengths. One of her life groups meeting titled “real talk girl talk” was very successful in helping young women. This group met periodically to talk about life issues, share practical feedback and provide encouragement. Her philosophy is “Use the resources you have!” She realizes that often, women are not aware of their power and resourcefulness so she uses her current position as instructor and every opportunity possible to empower young women to be their best! Her desire is to continue the life groups and mentoring with the help of other women! We must plant seeds on good ground for our future.

Dr. Julius Akinloye Makanjuola attended Loyola College Ibadan and graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria after which he travelled to the United States. In the year 2001 he was accepted into a medical residency program in Internal Medicine at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, Texas. A talented physician with a penchant for excellence, he served as the Chief Resident during his Internal Medicine residency. He was accepted into a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship at the Louisiana State University in Shreveport Louisiana in 2005 and where he also served as the Chief Fellow. He is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Medicine as well as Critical Care Medicine and board eligible for Sleep Medicine. He continues to practice high intensity Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and has a growing hospital and outpatient based practice, including Georgia Universal Lungs in the Atlanta metropolis and Riverdale, Georgia. Fondly referred to as Dr. J by most of his colleagues and patients, a name he picked up in the first month of his training in America at the Texas Tech University in Amarillo, Dr. Makanjuola is an unrepentant philanthropist and works with various organizations to give back in cash and kind as much as possible. He is a member card on the Board of the Bethel Educational Foundation, which is based in Nigeria and assists with occasional medical missions, while working fervently to help develop sustainable health care solutions for under-served regions in Nigeria. A person of many parts, (a writer, a musician) Dr. J founded a band “Uyibaba and the Revelation Band” in the late 1990’s. The band played a fusion of Afro-beat and reggae music. He released his debut album “Show Me the Way” in 1998.

Gillian Downey has been working in Technology Product Development for more than a decade. She recently joined I.C.Stars as Chief of Operations. She is an adjunct Professor at the Seagull Institute of Chicago where she teaches Project and Product Management courses. Prior to working in the technology sector, she was a professional vocalist performing operas and concerts in Europe and North America. She is most excited by local youth empowerment and mentoring projects.

Kyle White is the founder of Swish Basketball Chicago, a member card of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) in the United States. He is a Chicago native who has played, coached, worked and excelled at every level of organized athletics, including professionally. White’s passion for the game of basketball and the development of today’s youth stem from the opportunities, knowledge and relationships he’s experienced throughout his life-long participation in organized athletics. Swish looks forward to extending the same experiences and opportunities to all its participants. Swish Basketball’s staff strives to have fun and teach the game of basketball and assist in helping today’s student-athletes be successful on and off the court. “A STRONG, POSITIVE FOUNDATION CAN HELP BUILD A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS.” – Kyle White, Founder/ Director of Basketball Operations http://swishbasketballchicago.com/

Robin Shannon is currently the Communications Manager at The Theraplay Institute, a local non profit organization in Evanston, IL. She also works as a therapist at a private practice in Chicago’s South Loop and in Evanston, having earned her masters degree at Governors State University in marriage and family counseling. One of her passions includes working with adolescents and families, having had experience not only as a therapist but also as part of the youth ministry for a number of years at her church before relocating to Chicago. Robin also serves as a freelance graphic designer and webmaster for select clients including a gym that hosts the largest women’s artistic gymnastics meet in the world. When she is not working, you can find Robin enjoying her hobbies including playing her guitar and enjoying the outdoors.

Kim Marren is a highly regarded financial partner to start-ups and middle market companies undergoing significant change. Ms. Marren specializes in implementing streamlined, scalable accounting operations for lean start-ups and in developing and managing high-performing finance teams. She is adept at designing financial models that help business owners attract funding and skillfully manage resources. Ms. Marren has built her career servicing entrepreneurs. She has served as CFO, Finance Director, and Controller of organizations with revenues of up to $100 million. Ms. Marren’s diversified industry experience includes insurance, professional services, warehousing and distribution, technology, trade shows and conventions, and nonprofits. Her articles regarding budgeting and teambuilding have appeared in award-winning magazines. Ms. Marren holds a Master of Management degree from the Executive Master’s Program, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University. She is a registered CPA in the state of Illinois.

Lekan Ajibola is the current CEO of the Nigeria International Chamber of Commerce-Chicago. He has a strong interest in community development with vast experience in various organizations including an active position with the Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce (CACC) where he served as the Director of Sales, Marketing and Outreach programs from 2012 to 2014. In addition to Lekan’s volunteer efforts in community building, he has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Devry University with 10 years of property management and 8 years mortgage consulting under his belt. Other organizations he has been involved with includes Nigerian Community of Chicagoland (NCC), Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Aircraft Owner Pilot Assistant (AOPA), Chicago Area Black Pilot Association CABPA), American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

Onome Alabi has 16 years of experience teaching Biology and Forensic science at Carver Military Academy and program director for Girls 4 Science. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Science education from University of Lagos Nigeria. She earned her masters from Governor State University in University Park, Illinois and an Eds in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University Chicago campus. She is a member card of National Science Teacher Association and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. She received the National Bio Teacher Leader award from iBIO institute.

Mario Smith is a graduate of East-West University with a Major in Computer Science. He is an organizer with great people skills and currently works in the Psych Administration Department at Loretto Hospital. Hobbies include playing video games, cooking, and playing sports.

Conora Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from East West University located in Chicago, Illinois. She is a licensed Cosmetologist as well as a Licensed Master Educator of Cosmetology with the State of Illinois. She currently works in Government Compliance and is the President of her Local School Council. She is a Homeschool organizer and administrator as well as a Competent Communicator with the Toastmasters International organization. Conora is a mother of two with an open mind and believes family is the foundation of the world. As the oldest of four siblings, she is a leader and strategic planner by nature. She loves to spend time coaching, developing, and mentoring others to achieve their goals. When additional time permits; she will attend any and all things dealing with the arts. Conora Shaw is a go-getter, passionate about community building and an exceptional team player!

Roland is a French native speaker originally from Togo, and has lived and worked in Chicago IL for the past 8 years as a business sales and marketing professional. He is a graduate of DeVry University and currently completing an MBA in Business Intelligence. Roland has great exposure in project management and non-for profit strategic growth which he has derived from many years of serving in various organizations. Born and raised in Africa on the front line of poverty, through hard work and determination from his parents, he managed to earn a path to citizenship in America. Roland maximized that opportunity with numerous academic and personal achievements throughout the past years. He is a proud father of two and happily married to his wife Jocelyne.

Emmanuel Adewole played professional soccer for over eight years in 7 different countries; winning two professional accolades along the way. Upon retirement as a player, he went into practice as an attorney, working In-house as a legal counsel. Emmanuel also qualifies and hold a Masters of Sports Law and Corporate Law which he attained from the prestigious Nottingham Law School, UK. Aside his legal exploits, Emmanuel is a businessman that strives to impact and influence his community through philanthropic measures. Some of his ventures include online sports magazine GarberSports, Amán Afro-Men’s Couture, The WonderCamps and globally recognized sports and entertainment agency Wonder Sports and Entertainment Group. “By joining the Stick Universe Project I want to be able to directly educate and empower the next generation. I believe in the beauty of your own dreams.” Knowledge is power, but majority of the time all some of these younger kids need as motivation to do great things is to have role models they can look up too encouraging them.

Olawale Ebietomiye is the Founder, CEO and Managing Director of Uptown Courier & Comm. Chicago Inc., a business with a wide variety of intercontinental services in travel, shipping, global money transfer and telecommunications on the north and south side of Chicago, Illinois. Wale is not only a hardworking entrepreneur but a selfless community builder. He is passionate about making the world a better place for the next generation and has volunteered in various charitable organizations. These include The All Saints organization in Lagos, Nigeria, feeding orphans and providing free education for under privileged elementary school children. He continues to volunteer in his local community in Chicago in various organizations. He is happily married to Sandra and blessed with two boys.