The Diaspora African Forum (DAF), Embassy for the Diaspora, has honoured three outstanding women leaders whose work continues to shape communities and advance global African development through service, justice, and transformative leadership.
The prestigious awards ceremony, held in the spirit of Pan-African unity and service to humanity, brought together distinguished leaders from across the Global African Diaspora.
The event recognized exceptional commitment to cross-continental collaboration and the advancement of Africa and its people worldwide.
Speaking on behalf of DAF, its founder and head, H. E. Dr. Erieka Bennet, welcomed guests by reaffirming the Forum’s core philosophy—that African identity transcends geography and is rooted in shared heritage, responsibility, and purpose.
Dr. Bennet noted that DAF works closely with the African Union to mobilize the collective intellect, resources, and influence of Africans in the Diaspora to support Africa’s sustainable development.
She emphasized that this year’s ceremony reflected the Forum’s enduring mission to honor leaders who uplift communities, strengthen the Global African Diaspora, and foster purposeful collaboration across continents.
A key highlight of the event was the recognition of distinguished leaders from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA), the oldest Greek-letter organization founded by African American college-educated women.
Established on January 15, 1908, at Howard University and incorporated in 1913, AKA has a rich legacy of promoting high scholastic and ethical standards, cultivating sisterhood, and providing service to all mankind.
From its founding by nine visionary students, including Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, the organization has grown to more than 365,000 members across over 1,085 chapters worldwide and has produced iconic leaders such as Coretta Scott King, Maya Angelou, and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
Among those honored was Mrs. Kiahna W. Davis, a dynamic leader within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Mrs. Davis currently serves as Central Regional Director and Central Regional Representative to the International Standards Investigation Committee.
Her leadership spans chapter, regional, and international levels, including her role as chartering President of Chi Chi Omega Chapter and Chair of the 79th Central Regional Conference. Initiated into Tau Chapter at Indiana University in 1997, she has been a steadfast advocate for excellence, governance, and sisterhood.
Beyond her sorority leadership, she is the Founder and CEO of MYB Accounting and Consulting and an influential civic leader, serving as Board President of the African American Legacy Fund of Indianapolis and President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter.
Also recognized was Ms. Tracey Clark Jeffries, Founder and CEO of Capital Consulting Services, a nationally respected women- and minority-owned firm specializing in management and facility consulting for government entities.
With more than 20 years of service, Ms. Jeffries has provided strategic planning, policy leadership, and economic development expertise to both rural and urban communities across the United States.
A consultant with the International Economic Development Council, she is also the founder of Missouri’s first private, state-funded women’s business incubator and a mentor to countless women and minority entrepreneurs. Her work reflects a deep and sustained commitment to equity, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization.
The ceremony further honoured Hon. Nicole Colbert-Botchway, Associate Circuit Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, serving the City of St. Louis.
Appointed to the bench in 2015, Judge Colbert-Botchway has earned widespread respect for her fairness, legal insight, and dedication to justice.
Her distinguished legal career includes service as an Administrative Law Judge, Assistant Circuit Attorney, and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri.
A lifelong resident of St. Louis, she balances exemplary public service with strong community engagement, faith, and family leadership.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
About The Author
