

As the curtain closes on the first International Decade for People of African Descent (2015โ2024), the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to the rights, freedoms, and dignity of people of African descent worldwide. At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, where I had the honor of being recognized as one of the Most Influential People of African Descent, the UN proclaimed the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, set to commence in 2025.
When I first moved to New York City, I quickly became acquainted with the complexities of the American economy, many of which I had only observed from afar. One of the most striking aspects was the tipping cultureโa seemingly small but pervasive feature of daily life that speaks volumes about deeper systemic issues.
On the 15th of December, 2024, I stood on stage at the Africa Achievement Awards, honored to receive the Best International African Youth Empowerment Award. The moment was surreal, not just for the recognition itself but for the opportunity to pause and reflect on what it all means. Being recognized for the work Iโve poured my heart into over the past decade is humbling. Yet, in this moment of celebration, I am also acutely aware of the immense responsibility that we all share.
When I started my MBA, I made a conscious decision to remain openโto let the universe guide me, as opposed to committing to a specific industry. I didnโt have a clear goal or a pre-determined path; I just wanted to immerse myself in learning and let opportunities unfold organically. As I near my summer internship with Xbox, Iโve been asking myself: Why gaming? Why has the universe nudged me into this industry? During my visit to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, my MSFT mentor, Miguel mentioned that gaming generates more revenue than all other entertainment industries combined. This was VERY eye-opening.