Meet the Panelists

Edwige hails from Central Africa and now call the United States home. She is an African woman: a mother... an immigrant... a princess! She spent 20+ years in the US developing drinks that tasted like home. . TITÙN is the celebration of our blended cultures, and proudly showcases our Cameroonian heritage and identity. TITÙN’s blends marry consumers’ sense of adventure to create drinks that incorporate authentic African flavors. TITÙN is more than just a product... it’s a feeling. It’s a phrase in Bamoun, an indigenous language to Cameroon: when something tastes so good, you can’t help but shout “DAMN, THAT’S GOOD!”

Husband, Father, Brother, Alchemist Kristopher is a motivated, energetic, driven charismatic born leader. He adopts a holistic approach that creates an environment to promote transparency and collaboration so that everyone can win. He sums up his approach to life in by the famous two word quote, “Be Water.” Kristopher spent his undergraduate days at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his technology training/education from Cisco Academy. He holds a PMP, CCNA, CCENT, Network +, and AI/ML Proofpoint certifications along with previously obtaining his Series 7, 66 securities licenses with Life, Property & Casualty licenses in 36 states.

Drawing on years of experience in taxation management, human resources, finance and business administration, Mr. Robins presently excels as the owner of AmeriSpec Chicago – Xperience Home Inspections LLC, which provides licensed home, commercial and ancillary inspections. Additionally, he works as a financial business professional with Xperience Financial and has previously owned Petals Nail Salon & Spa. Prior to obtaining his current positions, Mr. Robins worked as a Human Resources Manager and Interim Assistant Director for DCS, through which he also prevailed in positions as a Counselor, Case Manager and Administrative Assistant. During an earlier stage of his career, Mr. Robins gained varied professional expertise with the Chicago Sun Times and Velma Butler & Company Accounting Firm. Likewise, he served as a Business Developer at Redemption Employment & Training and in sales with Americall and ORC Protel. Throughout the course of his career, Mr. Robins has also volunteered at educational & counseling events in South Suburban, Illinois, devoted himself to New Faith Baptist Church, and has remained professionally aligned with the Illinois Association of Home Inspectors, the Chicago Association of Realtors, Dearborn Realtist Board, Better Business Bereau, South Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. An expert in his field, Mr. Robins furthered his industry expertise, earning a Degree in Business Administration and Management from American Intercontinental University in 2018. In a career that has been filled with standout moments, he takes the most pride in being able to maintain the AmeriSpec Chicago - Xperience Home Inspections LLC franchise. Looking toward the future, Mr. Robins intends to acquire his Real Estate Broker License as well as his Loan Officer License, both still in the Real Estate Field. He also hopes to work toward his goal of becoming a sponsoring broker and build an entrepreneurial enterprise that allows him to utilize his knowledge of finances, real estate and business administration to leave a legacy for not only his children, but his childrens children.

Born in the 70's grew up in Roman Ridge /Airport Accra Ghana . Went to Presec Sat my O and A level s Got on the slave ship and here I am in the states for so many years. I have a lovely wife and 3 precious kids. Live in Ohio after so many years in the east coast. I remodel and flip homes and own a few properties in the areas. I am controversial when the need be but a good guy. I believe in polygamy although I don't practice. Alinco has been my childhood friend and proud of what he has achieved. Great guy.

A trained interior designer with a natural flair for architecture.

Makeda Smith is an International Business consultant, investor, and sales agent. She is disrupting international territories buy helping agents and investors in multiple countries travel, sell and invest all over the world. Makeda Smith is CEO & Founder of Savvy Chicks in Real Estate® which is a Global Real Estate Network for real estate professionals and business owners looking to diversify their income portfolio across multiple continents, countries and currencies. She is an International Speaker, Visionary & Global Business Coach helping her clients scale their revenue to 7-figures and beyond. With the exponential growth of Savvy Chicks in Real Estate®️, Makeda has been featured in press & media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune, Fox 32, Sheen Magazine, Fox Soul, XOnecole, the cover of Hope Magazine and more. Makeda is curator of the renown annual conference, Licensed and Unbothered®️ that gained notoriety for exposing attendees to experts hotel owners, private money lenders, traditional lenders, real estate investors, lawyers, financial advisors, brand strategists, marketing gurus, master coaches, team leaders, broker owners, top producing agents, celebrity influencers and more. Makeda and the Savvy Chicks brand has now expanded territories abroad to help real estate agents and investors build global brands in countries like Dubai UAE, Indonesia, Ghana, Greece, Egypt, Kenya, Maldives, Dominican Republic and more through education, retreats and syndication.

Jade is a mom to a beautiful two-year-old boy and the middle sister to a squad of five ladies. Hailing from a family of women Jade knows a thing about managing chaos with grace and humor. Jade's upbringing taught her the power of community and the beauty of embracing her unique place in the world. Jade is now the co-founder of The Sanctuary Chicago, an organization on a mission to create abundant life! With her passion and commitment, she's shaping a brighter future for all.

My name is Irene Anderson. I was born in Cameroon, West Africa and moved to the USA in 1999. I have 2 young adult children and a teenager. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with CIMPAR group located in Oak Park il. When I moved to the USA, had obtained a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. I obtained a Bsn Nursing from Purdue University in 2016 and an Msn fro South University GA. I am recently widowed and live in Plainfield Il.