Come and get inspired
Emerge is an event to celebrate the emergence of refugees in their adopted countries. Displaced people face a great deal of challenges in order to integrate in a new country, understand cultural nuances, navigate social-economic norms, earn a living, become self-reliable, and positive contributors to the overall success of the adoptive country.
JUNE 20, 2023
HOUSTON
The Speakers
04
FEATURED INDUSTRY EXPERTS
01
Educator • Reasearcher • Visionary
Dr. Goli Andi
Founder, One Education One World
An educator, researcher and a visionary, Dr. Nogol Andishehjoo has spent the past ten years of her life serving children and youth from underserved communities. Her journey began in 2001 when she left her home town as a religious refugee with her family in hope of a better future. In Iran, Bahai’s like her family are treated as second class citizens and are even prosecuted. For many children challenges and struggles can be paralyzing, but for her it created a reason for growth, inner strenths, and compassion.
Femi Ojetunde
Multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning music producer, composer and songwriter
Femi Ojetunde, is a multi-platinum Grammy Award-winning music producer, composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Femdouble Entertainment Group. As the architect of the AfromonicMusic genre, his professional career spans over three decades with over 2000 songs produced across genres including Rap/Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Afrobeats& Indigenous African Orchestration. His accomplishments span across the global
entertainment industry, with notable works in music, movies, and television.
02
Producer
03
Businessman
Fabrice Kombo
Owner of Kombo Enterprises
Fabrice Kombo was born in a small diamond mining community located in Mbuji-Mayi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He came to the United States as a refugee as a teenager during politically motivated civil unrest and a coup by rebel forces in the late nineties after former President Mobutu Sese Seko was ousted. Fabrice survived a tumultuous and dangerous time in his
homeland but managed to achieve a great deal of success with the support of community organizations like the Village Exchange Center and individuals who invested in his development into the business leader he is today.
Rudy Mutombo
Business Owner • Investor • Author
Philanthropist
Rudy Mutombo, a first-generation immigrant born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, moved to Dallas with his family at the age of 17.
Once settled in the United States, Rudy earned his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Texas in Arlington. His education paved the way for his entrepreneurial ventures. As a child, he always
envisioned a future that would impact and inspire other people’s lives with the fruit of his labor.
04
Business Owner
Refugee Services of Texas
Social service agency dedicated to refugees
Founded in 1978, Refugee Services of Texas (RST) is a social-service agency dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and other displaced persons fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group - as well as to the communities that welcome them. RST provides services to hundreds of refugees, asylees, survivors of human trafficking, and related vulnerable populations from over 30 different countries of origin each year. Originating in Dallas, RST now has service centers in Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio.
05
Featured Charity
Melissa Ricci
Event Host/MC
Global Impact, Producer & Host - Los Angeles, CA
Agenda
JUNE 20, 2023
5:30pm
7:00pm
7:30pm
8:30pm
Guest Check in
• Cocktail Hour
Introduction (Melissa Ricci) • Live Entertainment
• Dinner - 1st Course
Guest Speakers
• Dinner - 2nd Course • Auction
Award Ceremony
• Dessert - 3rd Course
16:00
Q & A Session
The Venue
911 Preston Street
Houston, TX 77072
MAJESTIC METRO
For over 30 years Houston’s Majestic Metro has been the venue of choice for hosting Houston’s most memorable events. From its stunningly restored classic historic interior architecture to the addition of its modern amenities, the Majestic Metro is truly a distinctive one of a kind special place.
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