OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CORPORATE AMERICA

Gowton Achaibar began his career at ATT Bell Labs in 1986 after graduating Summa Cum Laude from NJIT. Shortly thereafter, he earned a MS in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech and eventually an MBA from Auburn University. In 1995, Gowton joined Powertel, as CTO, to build and operate a wireless network in the Southeast of the United States. To view Mr. Achaibar's biography, please click here.

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Roger Bobb will receive our Trailblazer Award. He is one of the most successful producers working in the film and television industry today.  Roger is the President and CEO of Bobbcat Films, a film and television production company based in Atlanta, Georgia.  Mr. Bobb is being awarded with our Trailblazer Award. To view Mr. Bobb's biography, please click here.

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Robert France will receive the award for Excellence in Science and Technology.  He is a 2014 Professor Laureate at Colorado State University. He holds a Ph.D. from Massey University in New Zealand. Dr. France is renowned for his work on model-based software engineering.  He is in high demand as an international speaker. In 2008, Dr. France was awarded a Ten Year Most Influential Paper on formalizing the Unified Modeling Language (UML). To view Dr. France's full biography, please click here.

EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

Jeff Haynes will receive the award for Excellence in the Arts . He is a Grammy award winning percussionist and producer. He has toured with artists such as the Pat Metheny Group, Harry Belafonte and Lizz Wright. His work can be heard on nearly 200 albums. His creative direction as a producer is portrayed on his recent release of Pete Seeger The Storm King which has won recognition from Publisher's weekly, Amazon and AudioFile Magazine. For a more in-depth look at Mr. Haynes' biography, click here.

Carol Maraj is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Carol Maraj Foundation, which provides support for women and children who have suffered domestic violence. Carol is a long standing advocate for housing, employment, public assistance, and health care for these affected families. Through the Foundation, Carol helps to provide individual and group counselling for battered women and assistance with safety planning and shelter placement in crisis situations. 

Carol is a singer, songwriter, playwright, who is also a survivor of domestic violence. She’s the mother of rap-icon Nicki Minaj. Through motivational speaking she raises awareness of domestic violence issues. She is dedicated to helping families recover from abuse and women to re-integrate into society through job-training and self-empowerment.   For more on Mrs. Maraj, click here

OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Dr. Rudy Moise will receive our award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship. He is a successful entrepreneur in Miami. His academic achievements include a JD, MBA and M.D. He served as colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. 

MARCUS GARVEY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dr. Mortimer Neufville will receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to Education. He is a proven higher education leader. He currently serves as the President of Coppin State University. He previously served as the Vice-President for academic affairs, Dean of Agriculture Sciences and Research Director at The University of Maryland Eastern Shore. 

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE

Major General Stewart will receive the Award for Outstanding Public Service.  General Stewart currently serves as the Commander, Marine Forces Cyber.  His principal command tours include: Commanding Officer, 1st Intelligence Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA. (1999-2001) and Commanding Officer, Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC, (2006-2008). Major General Stewart's military decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, with two gold stars; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; the Combat Action Ribbon; and the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.   For complete biography please click here.