Founder

Annabelle Renee McKenzie is one of the leading voices on Africa’s diaspora engagement with the world.

With more than 20 years of experience across technology, marketing, and international relations, she has dedicated her career to connecting Africa with global partners through strategy, investment, and purpose-driven collaboration.

Annabelle directed two of Ghana’s most impactful national initiatives, Year of Return and Beyond the Return, which redefined the global conversation about the African diaspora and positioned Ghana as a cultural and tourism leader on the continent.

She currently serves as the Director of International Affairs at the Ghana Tourism Authority, where she leads strategic partnerships, tourism investment, and cross-border relations.

Her career has spanned continents and industries, from technology and consulting to marketing and tourism. She began her professional journey with Chevron, one of the world’s top oil and gas companies, where she worked across Angola, Nigeria, and the United States. She later joined Deloitte, contributing to technology and systems integration projects for both federal and commercial clients, including the IRS, Bank of America, and Citibank.

Annabelle also served as Vice President of Digital Marketing for a media firm in New York and worked in the U.S. federal government, bringing her a unique cross-sector perspective that blends public service with private sector strategy.

Her experience across the United States, Australia, Africa, and the Caribbean gives her a global lens and an understanding of cultural and business dynamics across continents.

Annabelle is a sought-after speaker whose voice has been heard at major international platforms such as the Essence Festival, the Essence Global Black Economic Forum, AfroTech, Africa Soft Power, and the HBCU Africa Conference.

She is a proud graduate of Grambling State University, where she earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Information Systems and Marketing, and holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing from New York University.

Beyond her professional work, Annabelle has traveled to over 30 countries and believes that exposure to diverse cultures is the foundation of understanding and unity. She often says that her worldview and compassion have shaped her ability to connect people and ideas across borders.

Annabelle is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a charter member of the West Africa Alumnae Chapter, which serves ECOWAS countries through programs focused on sisterhood, scholarship, and service.