The Gala's Secret Ingredients: One Part Charismatic Hosts, Another Part Inspiring Speaker
At Elevate 2024, we invite you to embrace hope—the driving force behind every bold idea and daring vision. This event is crafted for those who not only dream but have the courage to pursue their dreams, despite the challenges ahead. Through powerful talks and immersive sessions, you'll gain the confidence to turn those aspirations into action. This is your moment to embrace the audacity to dream bigger. Surrounded by a community of trailblazers, you’ll push past limitations and open yourself to new possibilities. Elevate 2024 is where courage meets opportunity, and where your dreams are given the wings to soar.
Chidera Okoye
Executive Director at Vennly Institute
Host
Chidera Okoye is the Executive Director of the Vennly Institute, a Cambridge-based applied learning and certification organization that helps local businesses grow through social media, cloud-based applications, and cybersecurity best practices. She is also Managing Director of Transform Power Systems, an electrical engineering design and clean energy placement firm. In both capacities, Chidera leads teams that deliver next generation technical solutions to promote the sustainable and inclusive growth of businesses and communities.
Chidera earned her B.S in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. She began her career in industrial controls with Rockwell Automation. She held roles ranging from account management to sales leadership while in that industry. Her passions lie at the intersection of business, education, and technology. In keeping with those threads, she is President Emeritus for the Boston Professionals chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and Chair Emeritus for Boston’s Affinity Leadership Consortium – a forum of Greater Boston minority affinity leaders to advance diverse programming initiatives for the region.
Chidera was selected by the World Economic Forum to join the Boston Hub of the Global Shapers and is currently a Shapers alum. In February 2017, Chidera was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to serve on the then newly commissioned Black Advisory Commission for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 2020 she joined the board of directors for the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) and Resilient Coders.
Earnest Timothy
Adjunct Professor, Computer Systems Institute.
Co-Host
Ernest Timothy Anaemena is a skilled professional with over 15 years of expertise in public sector engagement, strategic partnerships, and management consulting cutting across Africa, Asia and Europe.
Ernest has driven national and global policy initiatives, advocating for regulatory reforms in the Oil and Gas sector, leveraging his deep understanding of mass communication and economic data analytics. He has deep expertise in leveraging data-driven insights to foster business growth and operational efficiency. Before his foray into the Energy Sector, he had 7+ years as a radio and television host, columnist, and Ministerial Aid.
Ernest holds an MBA with major in Business Analytics from, Hult International Business School and a BSc. in Economics. He is a Certified Management Consultant and has completed various advanced certifications in project management, sustainable finance, and managerial accounting.
He’s currently an adjunct professor with Computer Systems Institutes, Charlestown Campus, Massachusetts, USA.
Get Your Tickets!
This is your moment to embrace the audacity to dream bigger!!. Secure your tickets now to the NPG Gala & Awards 2024, where the stage is set for an unforgettable night of empowerment, fun and unbridled success.
Our Speaker Speaker Speaker
Segun Idowu
Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, City of Boston
A lifelong resident of Boston, Segun is a proud product of the Boston Public Schools. Following his graduation from Boston Latin Academy, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and honors from the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key Societies.
Segun, a recipient of the Impact Award, is a dedicated advocate for social justice and economic equality. He has played key roles in various organizations, including the Boston Police Camera Action Team (BPCAT), the NAACP, the ACLU, and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).
As the former CEO of BECMA, Segun successfully transformed the organization, expanding its membership, services, and reach. He championed legislation to improve procurement opportunities for diverse businesses and advocated for relief grants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recognition of his contributions, Segun has received numerous awards, including Boston Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and the Boston Globe’s “Man of the Moment” and “Bostonian of the Year.” Currently, he serves as the Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion for the City of Boston, where he is working to create a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape.
Segun stepped down from his role as BECMA’s CEO in December 2021 in order to join the Wu Administration as the Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, beginning this role on January 3, 2022. In this new position, he is focused on making Boston a resilient, economically equitable, and vibrant city that centers people and creates opportunities to build generational wealth for all communities.
Segun’s recognition at the NPG Gala and Awards Night stands as a testament to his profound dedication to advocating for social justice and economic equality.
Get ready to experience an unforgettable night of music and entertainment at the NPG Gala and Awards Night! With a line-up of sensational artists and musicians set to take the stage, this event promises to be a thrilling fusion of rhythm, beats, and pure joy. Sneak peek to our Guests below
Introducing Chief, the master of vibes and the heartbeat of the NPG 4th Gala and Awards Night Afterparty!
Chief isn't just a performer—he’s a force of nature, blending responsibility, creativity, and electrifying energy into every moment. With a flair for leadership and a magnetic presence, Chief knows how to command a room and keep the party alive. His sharp communication skills and unstoppable drive make him the perfect mix of hype and professionalism. From hyping up the crowd to delivering unforgettable moments, Chief brings passion, precision, and pure fun. He’s not just here to entertain—he’s here to transform the night into an epic celebration of excellence and community. Get ready, because when Chief hits the stage, the afterparty becomes an unstoppable wave of energy and good vibes!
Guest Artist : Solomon Albert
Solomon Albert, widely recognized by his stage name, Solosax, is a versatile and highly talented Nigerian-American contemporary saxophonist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Solosax's musical journey is an eclectic fusion of various genres, where he shines as a saxophonist, songwriter, producer, recording artist, and a dedicated purveyor of soul, Afrobeats, and contemporary jazz. Solosax's music is an embodiment of soulful expression. Whether he's playing a classic soul ballad or improvising over contemporary jazz, his saxophone weaves a narrative that resonates with the human spirit. His ability to infuse soul into his music sets him apart as an artist who can truly connect with his audience on a deep emotional level.
Dj Zazu: The Sound Alchemists Taking Center Stage
Zazu is a DJ born and raised in the Boston area. Ever since he was young, he always was intrigued with being a DJ after witnessing them spin at family functions. His music taste has always been eclectic - though born and raised in an afrobeat/highlife music scene, as he grew up, he began adding more genres to his music library. His musical versatility and curiosity has helped him to feel comfortable spinning any and every genre - Afrobeats, Soca, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Rock, Latin, and even the occasional Country. Perfect for private parties, weddings, corporate functions, and special events, ZAZU is a Boston-based DJ offering exactly what you need to put on a great show. You can count on him to play the music you love and that your audience wants to hear.
DJ Collins Turns Up The Heat and Owns The Night
DJ KingCollins is renowned for his ability to blend diverse African sounds with the region’s vibrant cultural mix. With roots in Nigeria, he’s celebrated for seamlessly blending genres like Afrobeats, Afro house, amapiano, highlife, soukous, and more—representing communities from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Congo, Cape Verde, and beyond. Known not only for song selection but also for his distinctive voice. Collins has a rare ability to connect with his audience on a deeper level. Whether hyping the crowd with energetic calls or guiding them through smooth transitions, his vocal presence is a signature element of his sets. He’s shared the stage with international stars like Omah Lay, Burna Boy, Rema, Afro B, and more, and has rocked Boston’s premier venues such as The Grand, Big Night Live, Memoire, and Royale. From high-profile club nights to special events, DJ KingCollins brings an unmatched energy that leaves every crowd wanting more. NPG is in for a great time!
