Meet the 2019 ’30 Black Stars’- America’s distinguished business and professional achievers

CHRIS FOLAYAN
CEO / Founder
Mall for Africa Ltd

Chris is a serial entrepreneur, board advisor, mentor, and speaker with over 25 years of C-level role experience in marketing, technology, startups, and corporate acquisitions. Born and raised in Nigeria, Chris founded his first venture at age 7 recycling tyres with a group of friends which he ran for 2.5 years. He migrated to the U.S to attend college in the heart of Silicon Valley.

GINA PAIGE
President and Co-founder
African Ancestry

In 2003, Dr. Gina Paige co-founded African Ancestry, Inc. (AfricanAncestry.com) and in doing so, pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics, and a new marketplace for people of African descent looking to more accurately and reliably trace their roots. Paige travels the world helping people demystify their roots and inform on identities so that they may better understand who they are by knowing where they’re from.

SHERRIE DEANS
Executive Director
National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation

Sherrie Deans currently serves as the Executive Director for the NBPA Foundation. In her role as ED, Sherrie leads the philanthropic efforts of the Union and supports the individual efforts of the 450 NBA players who make up its membership.

MICHAEL WARNER
Partner & Chief Relationship Officer
Egami Group

Mike Warner has had an illustrious and exciting career that, over the last two decades, has spanned music, entertainment, marketing, fashion, business development and tourism.

DR. SOPHIA ONONYE
Founder and CEO
The Sophia Consulting Firm

Dr. Sophia Ononye is an integrated medical affairs, marketing and communications professional with a core in scientific strategy. She recently founded The Sophia Consulting Firm where she leverages her multidisciplinary education, broad therapeutic area experience and passion for amplifying scientific innovation to lead the provision of fully integrated communication services for clients in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device space.