African Millionaires in America
Many Africans have migrated to the United States in the last 3 decades. Most are in search of the American dream- the belief that America is the place where you can have it all. Voice of America recently featured 3 Africans who have achieved the American dream. Dr. Akindele Kolade, Douglas Eze and Adissa Barry. Here is their story…
Dr. Akindele Kolade, MD
Dr. Akindele Kolade, MD is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatry and Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American society of Addiction Medicine.
Popularly refers to as Dr K. he is a seasoned Psychiatrist with 25+ years of experience in medicine Results-driven and service-focused professional whose entrepreneurial drive coupled with vast academic credentials has resulted in numerous successes as a Medical Director and Consulting Psychiatrist for large-scale hospitals. Well versed working with clients from diverse ethnic and demographic backgrounds specializing in the treatment of child, adult, adolescent patients as well as patients with addiction.
Dr. Kolade is in private practice specializing in psychiatric and addiction management services for all age groups in Las Vegas. Additionally, Dr. Kolade is the President/CEO of Cal Psychiatric Services, which provides consultations, evaluations, telepsychiatry, and direct medical care in several hospitals in Las Vegas.
Outside of Medicine Dr K. is a venture capitalist, a start-up investor with interest in few technology companies, a well-respected business man and a philanthropist, he is the founder and CEO of ProAscella Productions and Films. He is a Movie Producer, an Actor with his debut upcoming movie “Loving Daniella “coming soon to theaters. Other mini TV Series as well as Live reality shows are currently in production.
ProAscella productions has Partnered with Nabtry Entertainment to promote and enhance the raw talents and beauty of Africa and African talents in the entertainment industry in the Diaspora showcasing it as a rising Beacon with its multi ethnic diversity and cultural fountain for which flows all talents. As an Entrepreneur, he has sponsored and mentors many upcoming talents in music and movie business. Many entertainment ventures, including sponsoring several arts. LEARN MORE
Adissa Barry- CEO, TEI Electrical
Barry established TEI in 2001 and has grown the company to annual revenues of $25 million. TEI has 100 employees with offices in Frederick and Baltimore. Barry manages TEI’s day-to-day financial operations, provides executive oversight on all TEI contracts in support of healthcare, research, DOD, and commercial facility design/build and design-bid-build projects. She supports her team by ensuring adherence to project goals, budgets and schedules. Barry is just as committed to her community, devoting her time to Habitat for Humanity, several local churches, and youth programs. She recently worked with Project JumpStart to mentor Baltimore City residents in an 87-hour pre-apprenticeship training program. Five of those individuals are now proud employees of TEI. The entire TEI team celebrates Adissa Barry’s accomplishments and looks forward to continued prosperity and achievement.
Adissa Barry, Owner, President and CEO of TEI Electrical Solutions, was recently recognized by ABC Baltimore and the Governor Office. She served as a panelist for ABC Baltimore’s “ABCs of MWBE Certification Panel Discussion and Network.” The event featured an impressive panel of Minority and Business Owned Enterprise leaders. Barry was invited to shed light on her 26 years of experience in the day-to-day financial management of design and construction firms (with a specialty focus in construction accounting). Panelists shared advice and tips on obtaining and leveraging the Minority & Women Owned Business Certification. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with general and specialty contractors.
Adissa Barry was also awarded the Governor’s Citation Award from the Government’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs and Maryland’s business community. Barry was nominated by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. The award recognizes significant contributions to Maryland’s economy as a result of hard work, dedication, and commitment in pursuit of excellence and success for business, the community, and the state. LEARN MORE ABOUT TEI ELECTRICAL
Douglas Eze- CEO, Largo Financial Services
Douglas A. C. Eze established Largo Financial Services Inc. in 2000 with a vision to provide individuals and small business owners with the education and guidance needed to achieve financial freedom. As a wealth strategist, former registered securities representative and award-winning insurance agent, Douglas believes in helping his clients find money in places they may be throwing away money unknowingly and unnecessarily. He also equips individuals with the information and knowledge to make sound financial decisions.
The hard work and dedication Douglas has exhibited in his many years of business has brought him widespread recognition and awards. He has been awarded the ACE Award through American Classic Agency for four consecutive years. National Life Group has recognized him as a Chairman’s Club Qualifier and Diamond Club member, a significant recognition reserved for the company’s top insurance representatives throughout the nation. Douglas is a distinguished member of the exclusive Million Dollar Roundtable, an organization of notable financial representatives. He was awarded the 2013 EPNET Male Entrepreneur of the Year in addition to being nominated among the Top 100 Financial Advisors of 2013 by the International Financial Leadership Association (IFLA). As a leading business figure, Douglas has also been featured in Profile Magazine and Power Broker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Top Wealth Builders and Financial Professionals in the Tampa Bay Area.
With over 18 years of experience in the financial services industry, Douglas has continually studied and trained to stay current on the principles and trends of personal finance and wealth accumulation. His ability to explain concepts to clients in a manner that they can understand is what Douglas is most known for. His “common sense”, pragmatic approach when considering financial alternatives stands out among others. His passion for this industry is what is behind his belief that Largo Financial is “where financial dreams come true.” LEARN MORE
