Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, Ms. Lisa Sylvester ACOGNY, a multi-ethnic American, French, and Senegalese mother of five, has lived on 5 of the 7 continents and visited 35 African countries.

Lisa received her Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and her Honorary Doctorate from TIUA School of Business. Attending an HBCU gave her the spiritual foundation and motivation to pursue a career path devoted to improving human existence. Additionally, she has served as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in America, Europe, and Africa for more than 30 years.

Lisa has 20 years of experience in nonprofits, where she serves as Co-founder and Chair of International Relations for Knowledge-First International Academy, headquartered in Houston, Texas. Lisa is in charge of opening campuses throughout Africa. While in Africa, she proudly serves as an Elder of the 6 regions Afrikan Diaspora Alliance of Tanzania.

Ms. Acogny is Co-founder of the reFocus Africa Group, a leading pan-African investment organization with a presence in over 12 African countries, headquartered in Zanzibar, Tanzania, East Africa. Lisa leads the team of global investors with a passion for Africa to the continent’s development and empowering its people while connecting the Diaspora nation to return to the land of their ancestors.

Being an Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. member inspires her to actively participate in women’s empowerment and advocacy in Africa. Her dream is to use knowledge to help democratize wealth for those in the motherland. Dr. Lisa Sylvester Acogny is a 2023 United States of America Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.