Princess Philomena Desmond, Director of the Africa Program
E-mail: pdesmond@upliftingafrica.org
Philomena Desmond is the Director of the Uplifting Africa Program. Princess Philomena Desmond is an esteemed International Consultant specializing in Trade and Investment Business Development, Government Relations, and Diplomacy. With over two decades of experience, she fosters US-Africa trade and investment, providing invaluable advice to investors and companies seeking opportunities in Africa.
Desmond excels in building strategic partnerships between US and African investors and corporations, with a proven track record in various sectors including infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, financial services, healthcare, and education. She was pivotal as a Senior Consultant for Businesswomen Network on International Business, leading international product strategy, brand development, and market entry implementation. Notably, she was instrumental in advocating for the passage of the Africa Growth and Opportunities (AGOA) Act into law during the Clinton administration and was personally invited by President Clinton to witness the signing of the AGOA Bill into law at the White House.
Desmond boasts extensive in-country experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in regions such as ECOWAS, COMESA, and SADC. She has held directorial positions in several esteemed companies and serves as a volunteer consultant to various organizations promoting business and governance in Africa.
In addition to her corporate endeavors, Desmond is deeply engaged in political activism. She has held significant roles in numerous presidential campaigns, including those of President Biden, Secretary Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, and Vice President Al Gore. Her dedication to political engagement and community service underscores her commitment to effecting positive change both locally and internationally.
Educated in Microbiology and Business/Public Administration, Desmond continues to leverage her academic background and extensive experience to drive impactful initiatives in trade, investment, and political advocacy on the global stage.
Dr. Gerard Janco
President
President@upliftingafrica.org
Ambassador Charles Egenti
Director, Uplifting Africa (AFRICA)
Ben Bangoura
Director, Uplifting Africa (USA)
Princess Philomena Desmond
Director, Uplifting Africa, African Diaspora
Christina Petrakis
Director, Uplifting Africa (New York)
Michael Cooper
Vice President, Director of Development
Director@upliftingafrica.org
Mark Farr
Vice President
Charles Sills
Senior Director, Environmental Program
Ralph Winnie, Jr.
VP, Global Development
Jan DuPlain
Honorary Board Member
CEO & President of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc
Dr. Samir Witta, MD
Director of the Humanitarian Program
Tatiana Samarskaya-Vozniouk
Artistic & Cultural Representative
Dean Sergei Andronikov
Director of International Education
Drew Barrett
Director of Tourism/Travel Marketing
Len Yurovsky
Artist, Senior International Art Advisor
Daniel Emblidge, III
Assistant Director, Uplifting Africa
Nadiira Haybe
Assistant Director, Uplifting Africa